Travel Insights

Summary

  • There are twenty arrondissements in Paris
  • Eiffel Tower is in the 7th Arrondissement
  • Louvre is in the 1st Arrondissement which is also known as the Heart of Paris

Arrondissements in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own unique charm and character. These administrative districts spiral out in a clockwise pattern from the city center, offering a diverse array of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Parisian traveler, exploring the arrondissements is the key to understanding the soul of Paris. Here’s a complete guide to what you can find in each district.

1st Arrondissement: The Historic Heart

  • Highlights: Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Tuileries Gardens.

  • Vibe: Elegant and cultural, this area is steeped in history and is home to iconic landmarks.

  • Don’t Miss: Pont Neuf and Place Vendôme.

2nd Arrondissement: Hidden Gems

  • Highlights: Galerie Vivienne, Paris Stock Exchange (Bourse).

  • Vibe: Small yet bustling, this financial hub is also home to quaint shopping arcades.

  • Don’t Miss: Trendy eateries and boutique stores.

3rd Arrondissement: Artistic and Trendy

  • Highlights: Marais district (northern part), Musée Picasso, Musée Carnavalet.

  • Vibe: A blend of historic charm and contemporary flair.

  • Don’t Miss: Exploring cobblestone streets filled with galleries and cafes.

4th Arrondissement: Vibrant and Historic

  • Highlights: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, Place des Vosges.

  • Vibe: Lively and culturally rich, merging history with modern vibrancy.

  • Don’t Miss: The picturesque Île Saint-Louis.

5th Arrondissement: The Latin Quarter

  • Highlights: Panthéon, Sorbonne University, Jardin des Plantes.

  • Vibe: Academic and lively, filled with students and historic landmarks.

  • Don’t Miss: A stroll down Rue Mouffetard for its markets and cafes.

6th Arrondissement: Saint-Germain Sophistication

  • Highlights: Luxembourg Gardens, Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots.

  • Vibe: Chic and intellectual, perfect for art lovers and book enthusiasts.

  • Don’t Miss: Visiting the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey.

7th Arrondissement: Iconic Paris

  • Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides.

  • Vibe: Elegant and tourist-friendly with a mix of open spaces and classic architecture.

  • Don’t Miss: A sunset view from the Champ de Mars.

8th Arrondissement: Glamour and Grandeur

  • Highlights: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde.

  • Vibe: Luxurious and bustling, ideal for shopping and sightseeing.

  • Don’t Miss: High-end boutiques and Michelin-starred dining.

9th Arrondissement: Theatrical and Artistic

  • Highlights: Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps.

  • Vibe: Vibrant and creative, known for its theaters and department stores.

  • Don’t Miss: A rooftop view from Galeries Lafayette.

10th Arrondissement: Bohemian and Diverse

  • Highlights: Canal Saint-Martin, Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est.

  • Vibe: Eclectic and youthful, with a bohemian edge.

  • Don’t Miss: Canal-side picnics and indie boutiques.

11th Arrondissement: Nightlife Central

  • Highlights: Place de la Bastille, Oberkampf district.

  • Vibe: Lively and energetic, perfect for nightlife and dining.

  • Don’t Miss: Exploring trendy bars and live music venues.

12th Arrondissement: Green and Modern

  • Highlights: Parc de Bercy, Bois de Vincennes, Coulée Verte René-Dumont.

  • Vibe: Relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of green spaces.

  • Don’t Miss: Visiting the historic Viaduc des Arts.

13th Arrondissement: Contemporary and Multicultural

  • Highlights: Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Chinatown.

  • Vibe: A mix of modern architecture and cultural diversity.

  • Don’t Miss: Exploring the Asian markets and street art.

14th Arrondissement: Artsy and Quiet

  • Highlights: Catacombs of Paris, Montparnasse Tower.

  • Vibe: Peaceful and residential with an artistic flair.

  • Don’t Miss: Sunset views from Montparnasse Tower.

15th Arrondissement: Residential Charm

  • Highlights: Parc André Citroën, Beaugrenelle Shopping Center.

  • Vibe: Quiet and family-oriented, with modern amenities.

  • Don’t Miss: Seine river walks.

16th Arrondissement: Upscale and Traditional

  • Highlights: Bois de Boulogne, Palais de Tokyo.

  • Vibe: Wealthy and classic, with elegant architecture and spacious parks.

  • Don’t Miss: A visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

17th Arrondissement: Bourgeois Meets Bohemian

  • Highlights: Parc Monceau, Batignolles district.

  • Vibe: Varied, offering both upscale and trendy areas.

  • Don’t Miss: Strolling through the charming Batignolles neighborhood.

18th Arrondissement: Artistic Montmartre

  • Highlights: Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge, Montmartre.

  • Vibe: Bohemian and touristy, brimming with artistic history.

  • Don’t Miss: Wandering the hilly streets of Montmartre.

19th Arrondissement: Family-Friendly and Relaxed

  • Highlights: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie.

  • Vibe: Diverse and laid-back, great for families and outdoor activities.

  • Don’t Miss: A picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

20th Arrondissement: Creative and Gritty

  • Highlights: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville district.

  • Vibe: Multicultural and artistic, with an edgy charm.

  • Don’t Miss: Visiting the graves of famous artists at Père Lachaise.

Conclusion Each arrondissement in Paris offers a unique slice of the city’s identity, from historic landmarks and artistic enclaves to bustling nightlife and tranquil parks. Whether you’re seeking culture, cuisine, or a quiet escape, Paris’s arrondissements have something to offer everyone. Explore them all to truly uncover the magic of Paris!