Paris, the city of love and lights, is a beautiful and enchanting place that attracts millions of visitors every year. It’s known for its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and charming neighborhoods. In this article, we’ll explore the 20 neighborhoods in Paris called arrondissements.
An arrondissement is a French term for a district or administrative division. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own unique character and charm. The arrondissements are arranged in the form of a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city.
1st Arrondissement – Louvre
The 1st arrondissement is located in the heart of Paris and is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Palais Royal.
2nd Arrondissement – Bourse
The 2nd arrondissement is known for its shopping district around Rue Montorgueil and Rue du Nil. You can also find the historic Paris Stock Exchange building in this area.
3rd Arrondissement – Temple
The 3rd arrondissement is a trendy neighborhood with lots of art galleries, museums, and trendy cafes. The Picasso Museum is located here.
4th Arrondissement – Hôtel de Ville
The 4th arrondissement is home to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall). This neighborhood also has many small boutiques and restaurants.
5th Arrondissement – Panthéon
The 5th arrondissement is home to many prestigious universities including Sorbonne University. It’s also known as the Latin Quarter due to its historical association with academia and intellectual life.
6th Arrondissement – Luxembourg
The 6th arrondissement is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Paris. It’s home to the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a famous cafe district.
7th Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
The 7th arrondissement is home to many government buildings including the French National Assembly and UNESCO. The Eiffel Tower also dominates the skyline here.
8th Arrondissement – Élysée
The 8th arrondissement is known for its high-end luxury shopping on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe is also located here.
9th Arrondissement – Opéra
The 9th arrondissement is known for its stunning Opera Garnier and many theaters. It’s also home to some of Paris’ most famous department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
10th Arrondissement – Enclos-St-Laurent
The 10th arrondissement is a multicultural neighborhood with many ethnic restaurants and shops. It’s also home to Canal Saint-Martin, a popular spot for picnicking and strolling.
11th Arrondissement – Popincourt
The 11th arrondissement is a trendy neighborhood with lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s also home to the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery where many famous people are buried.
12th Arrondissement – Reuilly
The 12th arrondissement has a mix of residential areas, parks, and industrial zones. The Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris’ largest parks, is located here.
13th Arrondissement – Gobelins
The 13th arrondissement is known for its large Asian community, and you can find many Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants here. It’s also home to the National Library of France.
14th Arrondissement – Observatoire
The 14th arrondissement is a residential neighborhood with many small parks and squares. The Catacombs of Paris are located here.
15th Arrondissement – Vaugirard
The 15th arrondissement is the largest arrondissement in Paris and is mainly residential. It’s home to the Parc des Expositions and the Montparnasse Tower.
16th Arrondissement – Passy
The 16th arrondissement is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Paris. It has many museums, including the Musée Marmottan Monet, and is home to some of Paris’ wealthiest residents.
17th Arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau
The 17th arrondissement is a residential neighborhood with many beautiful Haussmann-style buildings. The Parc Monceau, a popular park, is located here.
18th Arrondissement – Buttes-Montmartre
The 18th arrondissement is known for its artistic history and bohemian vibe. Montmartre, with its stunning views of Paris from atop a hill, is located here.
19th Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
The 19th arrondissement has lots of green spaces including Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. It’s also home to the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a science museum.
20th Arrondissement – Ménilmontant
The 20th arrondissement is a diverse neighborhood with lots of street art and music venues. It’s also home to the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Conclusion
Paris has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its neighborhoods. Each arrondissement has its own unique character and charm, making it worth exploring all 20 of them.
From the trendy cafes in the Marais to the upscale boutiques on the Champs-Élysées, Paris has something for everyone. So why not plan your next trip to explore these beautiful neighborhoods?