Less numerous than on the Right Bank, the private mansions of Paris’s Left Bank embody a more discreet elegance. Behind their understated facades lie architectural treasures steeped in literary, political, and artistic history.

1. Hôtel de Lauzun

17 quai d’Anjou, 75004 Paris (technically on the Île Saint-Louis, between both banks)
Built in the 17th century, this mansion blends Baroque opulence with lavish gilding. Charles Baudelaire once lived here, as did Théophile Gautier. It is one of the few Parisian hôtels to have preserved its original interiors.

2. Hôtel de Brienne

14 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
Now home to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, this hôtel was built in 1724 and once belonged to Madame de Staël. Its classical architecture and elegant salons reflect the spirit of the Enlightenment.

3. Hôtel Biron (Rodin Museum)

77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
This Rococo gem from the 18th century, surrounded by lush gardens, was converted into a museum at the request of sculptor Auguste Rodin, who lived there. It remains one of the most poetic spots on the Left Bank.

4. Hôtel de Salm (Légion of Honour Palace)

64 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris
Monumental and solemn, this neoclassical mansion has housed the prestigious Légion of Honour institution since 1804. Its symmetrical façade faces the Seine in elegant dialogue with the Musée d’Orsay.

5. Hôtel de Galliffet

73 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Formerly the Italian Embassy, this magnificent 18th-century mansion is now home to the Italian Cultural Institute. It combines classical architecture, a formal French garden, and contemporary artistic programming.