Are There 20 Arrondissements in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you’ve ever been to Paris or plan on visiting the city of love, you may have heard about the 20 arrondissements that make up the city. But what exactly are arrondissements and how many are there in Paris? Let’s dive into the details.

What is an Arrondissement?

An arrondissement is a term used primarily in France to refer to a district or administrative division of a city. In Paris, each arrondissement serves as an administrative unit and has its own mayor and town hall.

How Many Arrondissements are There in Paris?

There are indeed 20 arrondissements in Paris, each with its unique character, attractions, and landmarks. The numbering system for the arrondissements starts from the center of Paris and spirals outwards in a clockwise direction.

The Different Arrondissements of Paris

1st Arrondissement

The 1st Arrondissement is located at the heart of Paris and is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens, Palais Royal, and Place Vendome.

2nd Arrondissement

The 2nd Arrondissement is known for its bustling shopping streets like Rue Montorgueil and Rue Saint-Denis. It also features historical sites such as La Bourse (Paris Stock Exchange) and Opera-Comique.

3rd Arrondissement

The 3rd Arrondissement is home to some of Paris’ best museums such as The Museum of Arts and Crafts, Carnavalet Museum (dedicated to the history of Paris), and Picasso National Museum.

4th Arrondissement

The 4th Arrondissement is where you’ll find the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle (a gothic chapel), and the Jewish Quarter. It’s also a popular spot for nightlife and entertainment.

5th Arrondissement

The 5th Arrondissement is known as the Latin Quarter and is home to the Sorbonne University, Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden), and the Pantheon.

6th Arrondissement

The 6th Arrondissement is where you’ll find some of Paris’ most fashionable streets such as Rue de Rennes and Boulevard Saint-Germain. It’s also home to Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church.

7th Arrondissement

The 7th Arrondissement features some of Paris’ most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb), and Orsay Museum.

8th Arrondissement

The 8th Arrondissement is where you’ll find Champs-Elysees (one of the world’s most famous avenues), Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and Grand Palais.

9th Arrondissement

The 9th Arrondissement features Paris’ opera district with Opera Garnier being one of its highlights. It’s also home to Montmartre (a hilltop village) and Folies Bergere (iconic cabaret).

10-20th Arrondissements

These arrondissements are located on the outskirts of Paris and have their unique charms. The 10th arrondissement features Canal St-Martin, while the 11th arrondissement has a vibrant nightlife scene. The 20th arrondissement has Père Lachaise Cemetery (final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison).

  • 1st to 9th Arrondissements – Located in the city center
  • 10th to 12th Arrondissements – On the right bank of the Seine River
  • 13th to 20th Arrondissements – On the left bank of the Seine River

The Bottom Line:

So, are there really 20 arrondissements in Paris? Yes!

Each arrondissement has its unique charm and attractions that are worth exploring. With so much to see and do in Paris, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most visited cities globally.