Paris, the capital city of France, is known for its rich history, art, fashion, and culture. It is divided into 20 neighborhoods, also known as arrondissements.
Each neighborhood has its own unique character and charm. In this article, we will explore the names of Paris neighborhoods and what makes each one special.
The Arrondissements of Paris
Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods that spiral out from the center of the city in a clockwise direction. The first arrondissement is located in the center of Paris and the twentieth arrondissement is situated on the outskirts of the city.
The First Arrondissement – Louvre
The first arrondissement is home to some of Paris’ most famous landmarks including the Louvre Museum and Jardin des Tuileries. This neighborhood is known for its elegant architecture, high-end shopping malls, and luxury hotels.
The Second Arrondissement – Bourse
The second arrondissement is located just north of the first arrondissement. It is home to some of Paris’ busiest shopping streets including Rue Montorgueil and Rue Saint-Denis. This neighborhood is also famous for its historic covered passages like Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas.
The Third Arrondissement – Temple
The third arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to several museums including Musée Picasso and Musée Carnavalet. This neighborhood has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The Fourth Arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville
The fourth arrondissement encompasses some of Paris’ most popular attractions including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle Church, and Place des Vosges. This neighborhood has a medieval feel with narrow streets and historic buildings.
The Fifth Arrondissement – Panthéon
The fifth arrondissement is home to the famous Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. This neighborhood has a vibrant student population and is known for its lively cafes, bars, and restaurants.
The Sixth Arrondissement – Luxembourg
The sixth arrondissement is home to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. This neighborhood is known for its artistic history with many famous writers, artists, and intellectuals having lived here throughout history.
The Seventh Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
The seventh arrondissement encompasses several famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Les Invalides. This neighborhood has a luxurious feel with high-end hotels, shops, and restaurants.
The Eighth Arrondissement – Élysée
The eighth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in Paris with luxury shops and cafes. This neighborhood also has several museums including Petit Palais and Grand Palais.
The Ninth Arrondissement – Opéra
The ninth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette department store, and many theaters. This neighborhood is known for its bustling atmosphere and lively nightlife scene.
The Tenth Arrondissement – Entrepôt
The tenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to Canal Saint-Martin, a picturesque waterway lined with trendy cafes and boutiques. This neighborhood also has several theaters and concert halls.
The Eleventh Arrondissement – Popincourt
The eleventh arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. This neighborhood has a lively nightlife scene and is popular among young Parisians.
The Twelfth Arrondissement – Reuilly
The twelfth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to Bois de Vincennes, one of the largest public parks in Paris. This neighborhood also has several museums including Musée des Arts Forains.
The Thirteenth Arrondissement – Gobelins
The thirteenth arrondissement is located on the left bank of River Seine. It is known for its Asian district with many Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants. This neighborhood also has several universities including Paris Diderot University.
The Fourteenth Arrondissement – Observatoire
The fourteenth arrondissement is located on the left bank of River Seine. It is home to Parc Montsouris and Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, a complex of residences for international students studying in Paris.
The Fifteenth Arrondissement – Vaugirard
The fifteenth arrondissement is located on the left bank of River Seine. It is known for its residential character with many families living here. This neighborhood also has several parks including Parc André Citroën.
The Sixteenth Arrondissement – Passy
The sixteenth arrondissement encompasses some of Paris’ most exclusive neighborhoods including Passy and Trocadéro. This neighborhood has a luxurious feel with high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants.
The Seventeenth Arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau
The seventeenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is known for its charming streets and historic buildings. This neighborhood also has several parks including Parc Monceau.
The Eighteenth Arrondissement – Buttes-Montmartre
The eighteenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to Montmartre, a historic neighborhood famous for its artistic history and stunning views of the city.
The Nineteenth Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
The nineteenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is known for its charming streets and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a beautiful park with lakes and waterfalls.
The Twentieth Arrondissement – Ménilmontant
The twentieth arrondissement is located on the right bank of River Seine. It is home to several theaters including La Flèche d’Or and Bellevilloise. This neighborhood also has a thriving music scene with many bars and clubs.
- Conclusion: Paris neighborhoods are called arrondissements, each with its own unique character, charm, landmarks, museums, parks, shops, hotels, restaurants, theaters, and nightlife scenes.
With this guide in hand, you can now explore Paris’ many neighborhoods and discover all the city has to offer.