Renovating an apartment in the Paris 6th: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Odéon, Luxembourg
The 6th combines 17th- and 18th-century buildings around Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Odéon, artists’ studios towards Notre-Dame-des-Champs and Haussmann buildings along rue de Rennes. Each period calls for different precautions, and the many historic monuments regulate everything visible from outside.
- Fixed quote price
- No extra cost without a signed variation order
- Nothing is due before a stage is done
- Answer within 48 business hours
What you will find in the 6th
Old buildings and town houses
Thick walls, timber-joist floors, original staircases, exposed beams, sometimes panelling and old fireplaces. Walls are rarely square and networks were added over centuries: every intervention is tailor-made.
Where: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Odéon, rue de Seine, rue Jacob
Haussmann
Cut stone, high ceilings, parquet, mouldings and fireplaces. Reception rooms lend themselves to restoring the decor and reorganising the service areas.
Where: Rue de Rennes, boulevard Saint-Germain, boulevard Raspail
Artists’ studios
Glass roofs, double heights and mezzanines: sought-after volumes, hard to heat and insulate, where light makes most of the value.
Where: Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Vavin, rue d’Assas
The rules that apply here
- Many buildings are near historic monuments: anything changing the exterior (windows, shutters, railings, glass roofs) needs the opinion of the Architecte des Bâtiments de France.
- Small old buildings have few co-owners and one narrow staircase: a clear file presented to the syndic early (protection, hours, rubble) avoids blockages.
- Load-bearing wall, shared pipe, chimney flue: general meeting vote under article 25 of the 1965 law, after a structural study.
Practical points to anticipate
- Old floors: a bathroom, a cast-iron bath or a loaded bookcase is checked before installation.
- Narrow streets, scarce parking and no lifts complicate deliveries; a street occupation permit may be needed.
- Beams, terracotta tiles, fireplaces and panelling are carefully removed or protected before works: keeping them is often part of the value.
Our recent projects in Paris
BeforeA 230 m² Haussmann apartment, from medical practice back to a family home
- Size
- 230 m²
- Duration
- 4 months
- Budget
- €180,000 excl. VAT
Before100 m² of offices in Beaubourg turned into a warm Haussmann-style home
- Size
- 100 m²
- Duration
- 2 months
- Budget
- €75,000 excl. VAT
BeforeA 60 m² Haussmann apartment regains its character, with a glazed partition for light
- Size
- 60 m²
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Budget
- €50,000 excl. VAT
Your project in the 6th
An English-speaking project manager replies within 24 business hours (Paris time). The visit, measurements and comparison of three quotes are free.
Other arrondissements: Paris 3rd · Paris 4th · Paris 7th · Paris 16th · Paris 18th
Frequently asked questions
Can I insulate an artist’s studio in the 6th?
Yes, but glass roofs and high volumes drive the comfort and the budget: their insulation is priced from the start, and any exterior change needs the ABF’s opinion.
Are exposed beams worth keeping?
Usually yes: they are part of the charm and value of old Saint-Germain apartments. They are inspected, treated if needed and protected during the works.
Three quotes for your project, one contract, one contact
Tell us about your apartment. An English-speaking project manager calls or writes back within 24 business hours, wherever you are.
Fixed quote priceNo extra cost without a signed variation orderNothing is due before a stage is doneOur commitments →