Left Bank Paris. Maps. Sights. Hotels

Paris Left Bank

As the Seine river roughtly flows westwards cutting the city in two, geographically speaking, the Left Bank is the southern bank of the river and the right bank is its northern bank. When facing downstream, the southern bank is to the left, and the northern bank is to the right.

But, for Parisians, geography is not key. When mentioning the Left Bank, Rive Gauche in French, they refer to the central and old district around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, sometimes extending it to Latin quarter around Sorbonne University and to Montparnasse around Tour Montparnasse.

The Eiffel Tower, for example, is by geography in the Left Bank, but it is not in the Left Bank ditrict.

Top Paris Left Bank hotel

Hotel d'Aubusson is a 17th-century private mansion set in the heart of the left bank, just 350 m from Odéon metro station.

The five star hotel offers a jazz bar and an interior courtyard with a fountain. Guest rooms feature original beams, antique furniture and a monumental fireplace made of Burgundy stone. Some suites feature a four-poster bed and a view of the courtyard with its marble statues. Each room at Hotel D'Aubusson has a marble bathroom, a coffee machine and high-speed WiFi. A full English breakfast is served.

Left Bank residence

There are few Left Bank hotels and service residences right on the Seine river banks. In between Notre-Dame and the Louvre Museum, right at the angle of rue des Grands Augustins and its amazing gastronomic restaurants, Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Près is one of the very few Left Bank hotels with a river view.

Saint-Germain in Paris Left Bank

It can be said that the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is the beating heart of the Left Bank and one of the most Parisian districts in town. Dominated by the tower of the very old and prestigious Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has long been famous as the intellectual district of Paris with the likes of Jean-Paul Sartre and Boris Vian being regulars in cafés and night-clubs. Many visitors have a drink at Café de Flore or Deux Magots, the two most famous literary Cafés in Paris. It is too a top shopping area. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district around rue de Sèvres, rue du Four, boulevard Saint-Germain, rue Bonaparte has many French fashion stores, including Hermès (17, rue de Sevres), one of the most spectacular fashion stores in town. Discover Musée Delacroix in Place Furstemberg, the loveliest in town.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Paris Left Bank gardens

At walking distance from Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Luxembourg Gardens are certainly the preferred gardens of Parisians. Spread with statues, fountains and flowers, they are the most romantic gardens in Paris. They are crowded on sunny days. North of Luxembourg Gardens, the area around Saint-Sulpice church is quite lovely. Since 1799, the Luxembourg Palace houses the Senate, one of the two chambers of the French Parliament with the National Assembly. Members of the two Houses are chosen by different electoral systems. The 348 senators are assisted by specialized civil servants and parliamentary aides. 2000 people work for the Senate. The Speaker of the Senate ensures the stability of France’s institutions. He is called upon to replace the President of the Republic in the event of his death or resignation. The Palace cannot be visited.

Luxembourg Gardens.

Paris Left Bank monument

Le Panthéon is certainly the most famous monument on the Left Bank. It was built in the 18th century as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of the city. It was turned into a memorial place during the French revolution. The inscription above the entrance reads “To great men, the grateful homeland”. The large crypt accommodates the vaults of great French public figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, Jean Jaures and Soufflot, its architect.

French King Louis XV vowed in 1744 that if he recovered from his illness he would replace the ruined church of the Abbey of Saint Geneviève with a monument worthy of the patron saint of Paris. The king regained his health. Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot was chosen and the construction began in 1758. Due to financial problems, work proceeded slowly. The church was finally completed in 1790, during the early stages of the French Revolution.

Le Panthéon

Gastronomic restaurant Left Bank

In between the Seine River and Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Left Bank, Relais Louis XIII is housed in a 17th century house, featuring old stones, noble wooden beams, engravings, stained glass windows and antique chairs.

Very attached to traditional French cuisine, Manuel Martinez, the cook, revisits it and brings an elegant modernity to his classical dishes. The cook is obsessed with finding the truth in flavors, through a meticulous produce selection process. Great gastronomy. 70 euro signature menu at lunch time.

One of our favorites restaurants in town. We are regulars.

Affordable restaurant Left Bank

We would like to be able to recommend many Le Petit Olivier, but there are few in central districts. In the lovely, trendy and expensive rue du Cherche-midi, this tiny and packed restaurant serves a good dish of the day and a desert for 10 euros. The chef, who also does the service, cooks traditional French disches, like baked sardines, smoked sausage and lentils or black pudding as daily specials. On the service side, no fuss. The best way to choose your dessert? “You get up, you look in the fridge. “Indeed, on the other side of a small corridor, banana chocolate fondants and speculoos mousse are waiting for gourmets. "The spoons are next," calls out the chef. For a bit, we would almost ask the neighbors if they want us to bring them something. Unbeatable. No web site. No reservation.