Join Alix, a Paris-based content creator known as @HiFromAlix, as she takes us on a tour of her favorite spots in Rive Gauche. This area is packed with rich history and is a hot spot for its vibrant cafe culture and charming architecture.
Less“Behind the stunning 1950s facade, this listed historical monument has kept all its old charm, with a delicious twist. On the decor side: old tiles, vintage furnitures, and a Parisian fireplace will instantly make you feel at home. On the menu: healthy and seasonal dishes with homemade pastries and vegan options to delight all. It’s the best stop of the day to grab a coffee and a gluten-free cookie to go (my favorite) before having a walk around the Luxembourg Gardens nearby.”
“Delicious food meets coffee shop meets a cutting-edge library? Yes, please. On the homemade menu, this past starred chef is revisiting classical bistro cuisine with a truffle croque monsieur and a chestnut fondant to die for. In the library, a cutting-edge selection of nonfiction, comics, and even stationary—there is a pick for everyone! At TRAM, the coffee is not to go, so have a seat, enjoy your delicious food, and grab a good book for the best break at the heart of the Latin Quarter.”
“Beautiful and delicious, this bakery truly is a snack, in and out. Since 2013, the team at Liberté has been using the best raw products from France to create their French classics as well as their own pastry creations. On the boutique side, they always partner with upcoming architects, mixing raw and noble materials to create elegant yet oh-so-cozy spaces. You could blindly pick any of their creations for a delicious treat, but my heart will always go to their crunchy chocolate babka.”
“This rooftop, opened in 2022, will show you a never-seen-before side of the city. Nestled at the top of a stunning, arty hotel, there is an incredible 360-degree view over Parisian roofs for your very own tête-à-tête with Notre Dame, the Panthéon, Saint-Sulpice, or the Eiffel Tower. The rooftop opens at 5 p.m. and is a great spot for a drink and a light snack at sunset, with a unique view over Paris’ most famous landmarks.”
“Welcome to the colorful and quirky cabinet of curiosity of French artist Marin Montagut, opened in 2020 in a former tapestry workshop. Through his drawings, Marin celebrates the art of French living with a witty and vintage touch, with his collection of mugs, scarves, and other decor pieces made and painted by hand in workshops across Paris and France. It’s a real Ali Baba’s cave full of charming pieces, but the croissant ceramic box will always be a personal favorite.”
“Saving an ancient art, one piece of glassware at a time… If you’re looking for that unique piece that will bring charm to any room, you’re at the right spot. At La Soufflerie, every piece is made in France, with all the profit directly going back to the glassblowers to keep the art alive. My all time favorite will always be their ‘head vase,’ but you will always find that piece to impress in their collection of colored glass vases and dishes, freshly poured candles, or plaster decors.”
“Paris is quite the spot for vintage shopping, but never will you ever find a selection like this one. Yves Saint Laurent, Delacroix, Dior, or Isabel Marant—their vintage selection is so good, you could pick any piece off the rack and wear it straightaway. With prices ranking in the few hundred euros on dresses, jackets, coats, and accessories, it’s the best spot to find the piece that will make that impression on your wardrobe.”
“You would never know what’s waiting behind closed doors in a city like Paris, and this stunning library isn’t an exception to the rule. Climb up the circling stairs to discover this stunning 17th-century gem of a place that could very well come straight out of a book. The oldest public library in France is free to visit, but you can also take a subscription of €15 per year to work from there whenever. On your way out, make sure to visit the French Academy amphitheater just across the square!”
“Nestled within one of the oldest engineering school in Paris, this museum is a true hidden gem. Roam the beautiful 19th-century apartments to discover one of the 10 largest gem collections in the world, including the cut stones from the crown jewels of France, amongst meteorites and other unique precious stones. Bonus points to the interior with its original cabinets and its unique view over the Luxembourg Gardens.”
“The church and its whereabouts are always a big yes, but it only gets better during summer and fall. Twice a year for a month, book, ceramic, or furniture flea markets are organized in the church’s square, and it’s just the best time to discover the impressive 19th-century fountain with a bright new eye. Make sure to check out the next Foire Saint-Sulpice event and stroll around its stands for a unique Parisian thrifting experience, where old stones meet vintage finds.”