The Right Bank Less Traveled

Paris’ Right Bank is known for its touristy landmarks, but outside of the bustle this area north of the Seine is brimming with charm and authenticity.

✎ written by Holly Bieler

With its cramped streets and bohemian bona fides, Paris’ left bank, the area of the city located to the south of the Seine river, is often touted as the city’s artsier, more authentic side. The right bank, located on the other side of the Seine to the north, is known for being a little more hoity toity and generally more touristy, the location of some of Paris’ most famous landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre.

On a trip to Paris, it’s easy to abandon the Right Bank for the Left once you’ve hit all the big monuments. But that would be a mistake. Indeed if you further a little past the Right Banks’ sneaker-worn attractions, you’ll discover some of the most charming and little-known neighborhoods in the city. If you know where to go, the city’s Right Bank embraces foreigners like no other area, presenting exquisite little opportunities to observe and participate in life as the locals know it. Next time you’re in Paris, here’s where we recommend checking out.

What to Do

For the purposes of this article, we’re assuming you’ve hit all the major tourist spots on the right bank: the Champs-Elysée, the Louvre, etc. If you haven’t, check them out. Paris is one of the rare places where the touristy stuff is actually worth seeing. Once you’re done with all that, you’ll probably need a little quiet. As it so happens, this is something the Right Bank has a lot of. The area is home to some of the best and largest parks in the city, and none is better than the Parc Monceau. Designed in the 1780s by a wonky cousin of King Louis XVI, the Park Monceau combines strikingly lush open spaces with weird statues of things like Egyptian pyramids and Dutch wind mills. It’s perfectly bizarre, and equally gorgeous. Its location, a residential neighborhood in the ritzy 8th arrondissement, is a fabulous place to perch up and people watch for a few minutes, an hour or the whole day.

Some of our other favorite right bank parks include Coulée Verte René-Dumont, Parc floral de Paris, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

The Right Bank happens to be the location of one of the world’s most famous museums, the Louvre. But it’s also home to some of the city’s best small museums and galleries.

One of our favorites is the Musée de Montmartre. Located in a 17th century chateau at the edge of neighborhood, the museum provides a fascinating look into Montmartre’s formative influence on so many artists and movements. It also features a stunning collection of works by some of the area’s most well-known past residents, including Renoir and Modigliani.

No trip to Paris would be complete

FOOD & CLOTHES Centre Commercial without some shopping, and especially no trip to the Right Bank, the birth place of Haute Couture and home of one of the world’s most famous shopping streets.

(bottom left), located in the Canal Saint Martin area, is a great place for contemporary mens and womenswear. La Poule Au Pot (bottom right), located in Les Halles, is one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

We’re going to skip all those though, and head to Canal Saint-Martin instead, a trendy up-and-coming area situated along one of the city’s prettiest canals. The area is filled with independent shops selling a range of interesting wares.

Start at Centre Commercial, a spacious and airy store from the couple behind popular sneaker brand Veja. The store offers a fantastic collection contemporary mens and womenswear, and only carries brands that have committed to sustainable and transparent practices. Next head to Dante & Maria, an endlessly charming little gift boutique featuring lovely jewelry made in-house and antiques.

If it’s Saturday, jump on the metro and take a ride to Montreuil. This small neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement is a bit out of the way, but it’s home to our current favorite flea market; the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil. This is one of the last flea markets in Paris where the locals shop, and there are some amazing deals.

Where to Eat

The Marais is another of Paris’ more relentlessly charming neighborhoods, with winding carless streets and secret gardens. It’s also the location of Miznon, an Israeli/French fusion to-go counter that’s developed a cult following for inventive dishes like a beef bourguignon pita, as well as a fantastic classic falafel.

One of the city’s best food areas has long been Les Halles, located in the 1st arrondissement in the heart of the city. It’s an elegant and central spot that’s home to a number of the city’s most charming classic restaurants. La Poule Au Pot, a longtime bistro serving perfect French dishes in a gorgeous historic setting, is one of our favorites.

If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, we’ve been hearing wonderful things about Champeaux, the newest eatery from Alain Ducasse, one of France’s most decorated chefs. Housed in a chic, industrial dining room, the menu features traditional brasserie fare reimagined with modern techniques.