Top Eight: Best Streets in Paris - Rive Gauche Edition

Paris is an endless, wonderful maze of streets to explore, from the grand boulevards and quiet hidden corners. SO many are represented on social media or overcrowded with big box stores and noisy traffic. These are specifically my favorite to wander down and experience as a pedestrian and are completely worth the strolling on the left bank. If you happen to be here during the Olympics, these are all away from the sites and will be less crowded (except the last one, it is on the border of a red/grey zone). The length and location varies but are must visits whether you are a tourist or a longtime resident!

1 - Rue du Cherche-Midi

A long, slightly winding street in the 6th starting from Place Michel Debré and ending all the way down in the 14th when it stops at Rue Vaugirard. Has amazing food spots including Crying Tiger and Café Nemrod. It is bustling but walkable and not usually slammed with tourists. Famous bakery Poilâne is here and Palais des Thés. Beautiful Parisian doors and countless small, high-quality brands line the entirety.

2 - Rue du Dragon

This shorter street is one of my favorites in the 6th and boasts my favorite boulangerie I am happy to “out” on here, Binôme. It has fairly new but highly rated restaurant Didon and not one, not two, but FOUR outposts of Cyril Lignac’s establishments in varying dark, Parisian bar forms. Parisian cult favorite Petite Mendigote and Officine Generale are here along with the Picard and several galleries. I have watched this street really change over the years and it’s such a fun little jaunt to your daily routine. It is an easy walk if you are in the area!

3 - Rue des Carmes/Rue Valette

I love this uphill climb in the 5th from Boulevard Saint-Germain up to the Pantheon. Breakfast favorite Jozi is here along with one of my favorite pubs in Paris, Saint-Hilare. Galleries and an antique shop are included as well as a great base to explore smaller side-streets Rue La Place and Rue de Lanneau. Bookstores and the Hotel Saint-Jacques are here as well.

4 - Rue du Bac

Definitely well known on the Left Bank, it is still an excellent walkable street from the river all the way up to Le Bon Marché. Famous establishments like Les Antiquaires, Chocolatier Chapon, and Café Varenne are here as well as Sèzane, a small outpost of Angelina’s and Le Bac à Glaces for days you need an ice cream. I love local favorites Oh My Cream! for skincare, Chatelles for cool shoes, and Cordelia for great coffee and florist needs.

5 - Rue de Seine/Rue Tournon

A fun walk is this winding street all the way from the quai to Luxembourg through the 6th. Galleries galore and excellent eating make this an easy choice and it is less busy than others in this area. Cult favorites Astier de Villatte and Recherche Biologique are on the park end while Cosi and Isabel Marant are across Boulevard Saint Germain toward the Seine.

6 - Rue Racine

A quiet little connector street from Saint Michel to Odéon is always fun to walk down and see the old Boullion Racine and “Midnight in Paris” famous Polidor. Quaint 4 star hotels, bookshops and other cafés make this a pleasant stroll away from bustling Boulevard Saint Michel.

7 - Rue Mouffetard

This famous foodie street in the Latin Quarter is a must-visit on any trip to Paris, in my opinion. Creperies, cafés, and coffee! Avoid the cheap, imported souvenir shops but seek out the regionally authentic ones that dot the avenue. Lebanese, Greek, Italian, and French food are all represented along with pubs, butchers, and boulangeries.

8 - Rue Jacob/Rue de l’Universite

Running parallel to the river, this left bank classic runs long through several quartiers spanning the 6th and 7th. Known for the scores of galleries and bookshops, you can not walk slowly enough down this street in my opinion. It is a daily walk for me at various segments and it never disappoints with a new window to peek in or something to notice. Ornate doors, boutiques, fabric ateliers, and coffee shops are all found down this gradually winding street. Not to miss personal favorites are Gien, Pré Aux Clercs, and Galerie Gallimard.