Paris, the capital of France, is a city that’s divided into 20 districts, known as arrondissements in French. Each district has its own unique character and charm, making Paris a city of endless exploration and discovery. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 20 districts of Paris and what makes each one special.
The Arrondissements of Paris
Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements, numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. The first district starts at the very center of Paris where the Louvre Museum is located and spirals outward towards the suburbs.
The First District: Louvre
The first district is home to some of Paris’s most famous landmarks including The Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens and Place Vendôme. This district is very popular with tourists because it contains many famous museums and art galleries such as Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie and Jeu de Paume.
The Second District: Bourse
The second district is known for its shopping centers such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. It also has many theaters such as Théâtre des Variétés and Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens.
The Third District: Temple
This district is home to many trendy boutiques, art galleries and cafes. It also contains one of the oldest markets in Paris – Le Marché des Enfants Rouges. The Picasso Museum is also located in this area.
The Fourth District: Hôtel-de-Ville
This district has some of the most famous landmarks in Paris like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, and Hôtel de Ville. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and the gay district of Le Marais.
The Fifth District: Panthéon
The fifth district is home to the famous Sorbonne University and the Panthéon mausoleum. It’s also known for its lively student atmosphere, with many bars and cafes catering to the student population.
The Sixth District: Luxembourg
This district is home to the Luxembourg Gardens, which are some of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. It’s also known for its high-end shopping and upscale restaurants.
The Seventh District: Palais-Bourbon
The seventh district is where you’ll find some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and Musée d’Orsay. This area is also known for its high-end shopping and luxury hotels.
The Eighth District: Élysée
The eighth district is home to one of Paris’s most famous streets – Champs-Élysées. It’s also known for its luxury shops, theaters like Lido de Paris and museums like Grand Palais.
The Ninth District: Opéra
This district is home to the famous Opéra Garnier, one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. It’s also known for its nightlife scene with many bars and clubs located in this area.
The Tenth District: Enclos-St-Laurent
This district has a large immigrant population which gives it a multicultural vibe with many ethnic restaurants and shops. It’s also known for Canal St Martin which runs through it.
The Eleventh District: Popincourt
This district is home to the famous Place de la Bastille. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs located in this area.
The Twelfth District: Reuilly
This district is home to many parks including Bois de Vincennes, one of the largest public parks in Paris. It also contains many residential areas which gives it a more laid-back atmosphere.
The Thirteenth District: Gobelins
This district has many cultural attractions like the National Library of France and La Butte-aux-Cailles which is known for its street art. It’s also known for its Chinatown area and Asian markets.
The Fourteenth District: Observatoire
This district is home to Montparnasse Tower, one of Paris’s tallest buildings. It also has many theaters and cinemas like Gaumont Parnasse and Bobino.
The Fifteenth District: Vaugirard
This district is home to the famous Tour Montparnasse, a skyscraper that offers panoramic views of Paris. It’s also known for its residential areas which give it a more suburban feel.
The Sixteenth District: Passy
The sixteenth district is known for its luxury shops, restaurants and hotels. It’s a chic residential area with many embassies located here like Embassy of the United States in Paris.
The Seventeenth District: Batignolles-Monceau
This district has many popular attractions such as Parc Monceau, Musée Cernuschi and Palais des Congrès de Paris. It’s also known for its trendy bars and restaurants.
The Eighteenth District: Buttes-Montmartre
This district is home to the famous Montmartre Hill, which offers stunning views of the city. It’s also known for its artistic and bohemian vibe with many street artists and musicians located in this area.
The Nineteenth District: Buttes-Chaumont
This district is home to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of Paris’s most beautiful parks. It’s also known for its multicultural vibe with many ethnic restaurants and shops located here.
The Twentieth District: Ménilmontant
This district is known for its artistic and musical scene with many artists and musicians calling this area home. It’s also home to the famous Père-Lachaise Cemetery where many famous people are buried like Jim Morrison.
Conclusion
Paris is a city full of history, culture and diversity, and each of its 20 districts has something unique to offer. Whether you’re interested in art, food, nightlife or nature, there’s something for everyone in Paris.
- Tip: If you plan on exploring multiple districts during your visit to Paris, consider getting a Passe Navigo Decouverte card. This card allows unlimited use of all public transportation within the city limits at a discounted rate.