Paris, the capital city of France, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, art, and culture. While it may seem like a small city to some, Paris is actually divided into several regions, each with its own unique characteristics. In this article, we’ll explore how many regions there are in Paris and what makes each one special.
Arrondissements in Paris
Paris is divided into 20 districts or arrondissements that spiral out from the center of the city in a clockwise direction. Each arrondissement has its own town hall and mayor and is further divided into four quarters or quartiers. The arrondissements are numbered from 1 to 20 and are often referred to by their number.
The First Four Arrondissements
The first four arrondissements are located in the heart of Paris and are known as the central arrondissements. They include some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and Place Vendome.
1st Arrondissement: This is the oldest part of Paris and includes famous landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Place Vendome, and Sainte-Chapelle.
2nd Arrondissement: This area includes some of Paris’ most popular shopping streets such as Rue Montorgueil and Rue Saint-Denis.
3rd Arrondissement: Also known as le Marais (the marsh), this area is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, and museums such as the Picasso Museum.
4th Arrondissement: This area includes some famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, Place des Vosges square which was once home to Victor Hugo.
The Fifth through Eighth Arrondissements
The fifth through eighth arrondissements are located on the Left Bank of the Seine and offer a mix of student life, intellectualism, and historic landmarks.
5th Arrondissement: Known as the Latin Quarter, this area is home to the Sorbonne University, Pantheon monument, and Luxembourg Gardens.
6th Arrondissement: This area includes famous cafes such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, as well as the Saint-Germain-des-Pres church.
7th Arrondissement: Home to some of Paris’ most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Invalides Museum which houses Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb and Assemblee Nationale which is French Parliament.
8th Arrondissement: This area includes some of Paris’ most luxurious shopping streets such as Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe monument and Grand Palais Museum.
The Ninth through Twentieth Arrondissements
The ninth through twentieth arrondissements are located on the Right Bank of the Seine and offer a mix of residential areas, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultures.
9th Arrondissement: This area includes famous landmarks such as Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette department store.
10th Arrondissement: Known for its vibrant nightlife scene around Canal Saint-Martin.
11th Arrondissement: This area is known for its trendy bars and restaurants along Rue Oberkampf.
12th Arrondissement:This area includes one of Paris’ largest parks – Bois de Vincennes – along with Gare de Lyon train station
13th Arrondissement:This is a multicultural neighborhood known for its street art, Chinatown and Les Olympiades.
14th Arrondissement: This area includes famous landmarks such as Montparnasse Tower and Catacombs of Paris, a series of underground tunnels lined with skulls and bones.
15th Arrondissement: The largest arrondissement in Paris is known for its residential areas and the Parc des Expositions which hosts many events throughout the year.
16th Arrondissement: One of Paris’ wealthiest neighborhoods, it includes the famous Bois de Boulogne park, Palais de Chaillot museum and Passy cemetery where many famous celebrities are buried.
17th Arrondissement: A mix of residential areas and business districts with famous landmarks such as Place de Clichy, Batignolles Cemetery.
18th Arrondissement: This area includes one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris – Sacre-Coeur basilica – along with vibrant neighborhoods like Montmartre.
19th Arrondissement:This area is home to Parc de la Villette, a large park hosting cultural events throughout the year along with the Science Museum and Philharmonie de Paris music venue
20th Arrondissement:This area is known for its diverse cultures, trendy bars and cafes along Rue de Belleville.
In Conclusion
Paris may seem small when seen on a map but it’s actually divided into 20 arrondissements each with its own unique character. From the historic landmarks in the central arrondissements to the vibrant nightlife scenes in some of the outer arrondissements, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Whether you’re interested in art, culture or just experiencing a new way of life, Paris has it all.