October 23, 2025
Right Bank, Paris Guide
When you travel to Paris enough, you start to develop a preference for the neighborhoods in which you stay. Some prefer the Marais, some the Latin Quarter. Most generally, the left bank and right bank (rive gauche and rive droite, respectively) are the easiest to start. It’s abundantly apparent in my writing that I prefer rive droite, despite many desirable and famous things being on the other side of the Seine River, like the Eiffel Tower. Going there multiple times gives you the pleasure of seeing what your vibe is in relation to the vibe of the different parts of the city.
There are 20 arrondissements in Paris and the first starts in the very center of Paris and fans out in the shape of a snail shell, or a spiral. It takes some time to understand just how different things are just a few streets apart, and as many times as I’ve been I’m still figuring it out. You could watch countless videos or read as many blogs as you want, but the best way to know is just to go. I’m going to dive a little deeper into my preferred bank, the right bank rive droite, and tell you all the things I like to do and places I like to stay and eat.
Right Bank Paris Guide
Going to Paris your first or even second time can be overwhelming. Because of the many arrondissements and options, there are so many choices. How does one pick outside of the overly Instagrammed places that you have to wait in long lines? My goal is to give you some subjective and objective things to do on the right bank. The reality is that they are mostly subjective, and that means totally my opinion and my version of Paris. Everyone likes different things, and I’m going to share mine. The left bank has some really awesome things, but naturally because it’s “smaller,” we’ll focus on the right bank and its attractions. For this blog, we’re going to go into the right side, as there’s so much to see and do. Your itinerary will be filled with amazing things, and you’ll get the most out of your Paris visit.
Petit Palais Garden
Where is the Right Bank in Paris?
The right bank in Paris is actually the north side of the Seine River. It includes the majority of the districts: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements. If these numbers don’t mean much to you, it’s ok. Most people who visit Paris have no deep knowledge of of them. I’m not hugely familiar with all of them, but many of them I am. Particularly the ones that visitors frequent the most. Each is very distinct and different, and people who know Paris have very strong opinions of each. The more I go, the more I become this way.
How to Distinguish Left Bank vs Right Bank in Paris
As I stated, the right bank is on the north side of the Seine and the left bank is south of the Seine. That’s how we would distinguish the left and right geographically from one another. I’ve always felt like the right bank is on the more artistic and relaxed side, while the left bank is more intellectual because the Sorbonne is over there. However, some might argue that the left bank is also artsy, and I could see that. After all, Hemingway did spend much of his time over there writing. In fact, he wrote A Moveable Feast from the left bank cafes of Paris. There isn’t one easy way to describe the vibes of each of the banks of Paris because each arrondissement has its own. They’re both fantastic and they both have their own noteworthy things to do.
What is the Right Bank of Paris Known for?
Now that we know which arrondissements compile the right bank of Paris, I can tell you a little bit about them. The 1st-4th include some biggies because of the central locations of them. These include things like the Louvre museum, Palais Royal, Place des Vosges, and art galleries throughout the Marais. We also can’t forget about Notre Dame cathedral and Saint Chapelle. The 8th-12th arrondissements have the famous Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the opera house called Opéra Garnier, Gare du Nord (where I train into from London or Charles de Gaulle), and Canal Saint-Martin. The 16th-20th have a few things, but we’re getting farther away from the main events. You’ll find Montmartre, which is most adorable (that includes Moulin Rouge), the Trocadéro, and Père Lachaise Cemetery. Many good things to do, and you could spend weeks doing them all.
Balcony at Hotel Helussi
Shop
Where to Stay in the Right Bank
I’ve stayed in many areas on the right bank, but not all arrondissements. I’ve mostly focused my time in the more central locations, so I’ll focus on places I’ve actually stayed and very much enjoyed. There are so many amazing and unique places, and I continue to go back to try new ones so I can share with you the best of the best, and also at a reasonable price. That’s one of my more favorite combinations of how I travel. So, without further ado, let’s discover some great places to stay in the right bank of Paris.
Hotel Filigrane
Hotel Filigrane was an absolute gem of a find for me, and when I booked it I had a feeling I would love it to pieces. I wasn’t wrong. My room was cozy and warm, and I had a beautiful balcony to go on and people watch from above in my cozy hotel robe. I was immediately next to several passages, which I’ve become obsessed with and go through them anytime I see them. Some of the notables are Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas. This is one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in Paris, and I highly recommend it.
Hotel Adele & Jules
Hotel Adele & Jules was an absolute delight to stay in, and its popularity has only increased. It’s tucked away on a tiny street that may not even be a full street, so it feels very safe and comfortable. They offer tea in the afternoons in their back space in the hotel, and their staff is very helpful with recommendations. The location is fantastic, and I found some outstanding things to do around there. This is a winner of a hotel.
Hotel Helussi
Hotel Helussi blew me away with the balcony room I booked. I couldn’t get enough of having the top floor window wide open and sitting on the balcony with my wine or coffee or computer to do some work. The location is nice, and very close to many things like the metro station and a few cafes, one of which I enjoyed working from one day. If you’re going to book this hotel, please do yourself the favor and book the balcony room, specifically number 61. It was truly the most magical accoutrement to a hotel room in Paris.
Hotel Fior d’Aliza
Satyin in the 9th arrondissement, Hotel Fior d’Aliza was a cute and sweet boutique hotel that I very much enjoyed. I was on the first floor and would probably ask for something higher up and away from the street next time, but the windows drowned out the noise completely when closed. So many delicious things are around there, and Rue des Martyrs is an extremely notable street for all kinds of foods and drinks. I loved this location and would absolutely consider staying here again.
CasaÔ
CasaÔ was a really unique stay for me. It was a mix of an independent apartment and a hotel, The reason I liked it was because it was next to one of my favorite streets call Rue Montorgueil, and several restaurants I go to almost every time I go to Paris. There were a few downsides that regular hotels can provide, like a functioning elevator when I happen to go, but I loved the independent living there. It’s a good alternative for a traditional hotel and you cannot beat the location.
Frenchie Bar à Vins
Where to Eat in the Right Bank
How do I narrow this down? I will, though, because I do have some really special places I’ll share with you that I have come to love. And I’ll leave out ones that were not so good or even terrible. Yes, you can get a terrible meal in Paris - it does happen. I’m writing this from an American perspective and someone who likes delicious foods but not tourist traps. So, voila. Let’s see what I can deliver here.
The Frenchies
I discovered Frenchie several trips ago. It was one of the most exciting meals I had had in Paris, and each time I’ve been back to Paris I go to Frenchie. To differentiate, there is one on Rue du Nil and it’s called Frenchie Bar à Vins. There are two other restaurants with the word “Frenchie” on that street. The other one I tried on a later trip was Frenchie Pigalle. I loved it for other reasons, mainly the fact that there is a little more space to spread out, but my first love will always be Frenchie Bar à Vins.
Le Compas
Le Compas is a very traditional feeling French brasserie that has inside and outside seating, and I love both. It’s a place I go for a basic meal, many times onion soup and vin rouge, and I sit there on my own or with a friend and watch the people walking down Rue Montorgueil. It’s a most enjoyable atmosphere and the waitstaff is always very accommodating to English speakers.
Le Colimaçon
Le Colimaçon has been a favorite of mine for years and years. I love going there and perching in the window by myself or being upstairs where the kitchen is with a group. Every single meal I’ve had from there is top notch, and the neighborhood is probably in my top 3 favorites in Paris. Please do yourself and favor and make yourself a reservation and go to eat here.
Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards
Bouillon Chartier is not for the faint of heart or the “I’m afraid of French speaking people.” They are very to the point and get your meal ordered in a very efficient and quick manner, and you have to keep up. There’s always a line outside and it’s well worth it, in my opinion. A friend and I went there, I had escargots and wine and lived my very best life as an honorary Parisienne. I’m very excited to go back and eat there again, as it’s so traditionally French.
Le Willi’s Wine Bar
Willi’s is a really cool place. I went alone and bellied up to the bar and had some very delicious red wine. While they do serve full menu food, I opted for a cheese plate. Cheese is typically served as dessert, so I technically ate dessert for dinner. Totally ok with me! If you want a more robust meal with a group, definitely get a table and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Le Nemours
Le Nemours is a cozy little cafe very near Palais Royal near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden. I went here with a friend of mine after spending the evening at the Louvre, and I had delicious quiche and delicious wine. It’s a good place to go because it’s very central and the prices aren’t outrageous. And it feels very much like you’re in Paris. I recommend sitting on the terrace to people watch.
Canal Saint-Martin
What are the Best Right Bank Attractions?
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin starts pretty far up, but the part of the canal I would recommend almost runs into the Seine River. It’s a lovely stroll down it, and it’s a pleasure to look at all the boats docked there. It’s one of my favorite walks and I frequently do it on my own because it’s so peaceful.
Place des Vosges
I’ve written about Place des Vosges multiple times for multiple reasons. It’s just an enjoyable place to go in the Marais area. There are a few restaurants, some art galleries, and in the middle is a place to relax and read a book or snuggle with your partner. On a sunny day, it’s quite magical.
Louvre / Tuileries Garden
The Louvre is the Louvre, and if you do want to go to it, go for it. I’m not a massive fan of it because of the size, so booking a private tour might be efficient if you do want to go. What I do highly recommend and love is the Tuileries Garden which is adjacent to it. It’s one of my favorite places on a sunny day. I will lie back and let the sun soak into my skin among the many other Parisians there.
Museum Carnavalet
This little museum is fantastic, as it’s the history of Paris. It’s hard not to recommend it, and it’s free. There’s a lot to look at, so don’t feel like you have to stay there all day. A few hours is a good amount of time, and you can feel free that you didn’t have to pay an entry fee to get in.
Palais Royal
Palais Royal is a personal favorite and i’m not 100% sure why. I really enjoy photographing it, especially in the springtime when the trees are blooming and deliciously colorful. There are several beautiful shops that border the middle part of the garden, so pop into some of them. You might find a little treasure.
Petit Palais
I’ll be completely transparent and say that I did not do a full sweep inside of the Petit Palais. The inner garden is what drew me into it, and took my iPad, ordered a coffee and a pastry, and enjoyed a very beautiful day outside reading and writing. I’m sure the museum is wonderful, but I can only go to so many before I am mentally over it. The garden is lovely, though.
Champs-Élysées / Arc de Triomphe
There’s a lot of controversy around strolling down the Champs-Élysées because it’s so ultra touristy. However, if you have not been, I would absolutely recommend going. I’ve done it many times because if I’m with a first-timer, I want that person to see the grandiosity of it. You can also snap your photo by the Arc de Triomphe when you reach it, so voila. You can do a couple of mainstream things at once.
Walk Along the Seine
Walking along the Seine is a favorite pastime of mine. The Seine itself is so peaceful and I love walking and maybe sitting on a bench near the water now and then to look at the boats go by. You can stop at any of the bouquinistes along the way, as they have gorgeous books, very Parisian posters, and other things you can pick up as a souvenir. Walking the Seine is a must when in Paris. I often go out of my way to take that route.
Directions not needed!
Père-Lachaise Cemetery
If you're into cemeteries like I am, this is a must. The cemetery is very reminiscent of my hometown's cemeteries (New Orleans) and I loved seeing the similarities when I went. You could spend hours here strolling the pathways around gorgeous and spectacular tombs of all kinds. The whole experience is unique to Paris, and I'd highly recommend going, even if traditional cemeteries are not your thing. It's worth the trek out there.
Finding Hidden Walkways on the Right Bank
Right on for the Right Bank
This is a pretty robust list of things to do and see and discover on the right bank. In no way is it comprehensive, but you’d be reading an entire book if that were the case. This is a snippet into the world of the right bank, mainly staying in the more central areas of the city. I’ve had experience with all of these places, and I hope that you find some joy when you experience them too. This is my Paris, and I love sharing it with you.
If you like this post, you may also like the one I wrote called “Is Paris Safe for a Solo Female Traveler?” Oui oui, it sure is! Check out why.
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