Visiting Paris' Left Bank/Rive Gauche

What to See on Paris' Left Bank

6/25/2019

Overflowing with enticing options at every turn, La Rive Gauche, including the historic students' stomping grounds, is now a salubrious mix of great tourist attractions, lovely shopping, and nice restaurants. Wondering how to spend your time and where to eat when you're visiting the Eiffel Tower, Place des Invalides, and the Musee Rodin? Check out my suggestions!

Paris' Left Bank is home to some of its most stunning sites - the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon's Tomb, and the famous Rodin Museum, housed in the sculptor's former home. Depending on how much time you have, you could make a day of it or, like us, do the agenda below, and then come back for more (this is certainly not everything - just one day, which could easily be split into several!)

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will made a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*Post updated, June, 2019

Visiting The Eiffel Tower

If you aren't staying in the Left Bank, start your day with a metro ride or a nice walk across the Seine. Arriving by metro, be sure to exit at the Trocadero stop, not the Eiffel Tower stop - it's slightly less crowded, and you'll start at an elevated point that's great for pictures (see us, below!).

Continue down the steps and into the Champs de Mars Parc (a great French Revolution name, eh?)

Starting our visit to the Eiffel Tower!

GORGEOUS houses lining the parc

Avoiding scams at the Eiffel Tower

BEWARE OF SCAMS. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is an incredible and unforgettable experience. However, as with all major tourist attractions through the world, it is a hotspot for low-level crime. This should not in any way deter you from visiting. I never felt even remotely unsafe. The French Police are EVERYWHERE. But, just be smart.

They are always changing, but while we were there, these were the scams that we saw:

person starts making a bracelet on your arm and then insists that you buy it (remain calm, repeatedly say no, and just pull the string - it comes off). This can be avoided by not allowing them to make the bracelet in the first place. Just. Keep. Walking.
pickpocketing you while you attempt to make a purchase from a street vendor (this is not the place to make a purchase - there are Eiffel Tower Christmas ornaments galore throughout the city from reputable stores and online when you get home).
asking you to sign a petition (conveniently written in English) and pickpocketing you while you do so. Just keep walking - these aren't real petitions and no one asks tourists to sign real petitions anyway.
asking for directions and, you guessed it, pickpocketing you.
Take away: be a bit rude. Just keep walking and see what you're here to see. Don't talk to strangers unless it is 100% clear to you that they are a fellow tourist and you're willing to take a slight bit of a risk. You can always just vaguely shake your head and pretend not to speak whatever language they're speaking, even if you do. Remember - it is far less common for people to talk to strangers in Europe than in the U.S. - just leave.

The Eiffel Tower

Lunch on the Left Bank

After you've wrapped up at the Eiffel Tour, Cafe le Bosquet is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. The waitstaff are friendly and it's packed with locals on their (lengthy and relaxing) lunch breaks! Try the caesar salad and don't forget the vin! Next stop: Les Invalides.

Visiting the Imperial War Museum and Napoleon's Tomb

Never doing anything halfway, Napoleon's final resting place does not disappoint. Originally a home and hospital for the veterans of France's many 17th-century wars, it's now home to Napoleon's tomb and a massive imperial war museum. Begun in 1671, its transformation into almost a shrine to the Emperor was complete when he was interred here in 1840. His tomb lies behind a stunning 17th-century church and under an incredibly ornate dome.

Napoleon's Tomb

Dome of allegories above the tomb

Statute of Napoleon across from his tomb

The Imperial War Museum

When you've finished viewing Napoleon's Tomb, continue into the impressive Imperial War Museum. Stay until your Husband has gotten his fill (even this history buff couldn't make it through the whole place). There is a lovely gift shop full of Napoleon-themed merchandise. Imperial tea towels, galore (I am the proud owner of two).

The Imperial War Museum, Paris

Visiting the Rodin Museum

A very easy walk from Les Invalides, the Rodin Museum is an absolute treasure. It houses not only the sculptor's work, but also his personally art collection, acquired during his lifetime while he lived in the stunning mansion.

The first stop - Le Penseur (with the dome above Napoleon's Tomb in the background)

Me in action at the Rodin Museum's lovely cafe

After finishing the interior, take a turn around the grounds - more beautiful sculpture await! And the building itself is stunningly situated in perfectly manicured grounds.

Rodin museum, Paris

Shopping on Paris's Left Bank

No day in Paris would be complete without some luxury shopping. Depending on your shopping stamina, you'll want to plot your course accordingly. One can't miss stop is the Hermes on Rue de Sevres - opened in 2010 in a former hotel swimming pool, the store itself is worth a visit, even if you don't spring for any merchandise. And, if are looking to buy, the sales people do a wonderful job making the shopping experience feel personalized and comfortable. I taught a lovely young Frenchman the word for "stirrup" as we looked at scares (amazing hand gestures had been involved up 'til that point!). A bit closer toward the River are a number of other nice boutiques, including a COS branch (one of my personal favorites).

Hermes, Paris

Where to eat dinner on Paris's Left Bank

One of my personal favorites in France is my recommendation for a casual dinner - Au Vieux Colombier (65 Rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris) sits at a busy intersection with stunning views. Make sure to get a window seat and try the escargot.

Aux Vieux Colombier

Views from Aux Vieux Colombier

Take a stroll in the Jardin du Luxembourg

Finally, stop by the Jardins de Luxembourg for an after dinner stroll. It's just as gorgeous as you're expecting, and so much better. Begun in 1612, with the construction fo the Luxembourg Palace by Marie de Medici (wife of King Henry IV of France), the garden has continued to grow with the palace, which is now the meeting place of the French Senate. Home to many statues, the garden is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing walk, or grab a coffee. If you're a Les Miserables fan, this is where Cosette and Marius had their first (super romantic) meeting.

The Medici Fountain, Jardin du Luxembourg

Have a wonderful visit!! Thanks so much for stopping by! xx