Paris, the iconic French capital, is well-known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and romantic ambiance. The city is divided into 20 administrative districts called arrondissements.
Each of these arrondissements has its own charm and character, making Paris a city of many facets. In this article, we will delve deeper into the areas of Paris called arrondissements.
The Arrondissements
The arrondissements are numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral pattern starting from the center of the city. The first four arrondissements are located in the heart of Paris and are known for their historic landmarks and tourist attractions.
1st Arrondissement – Louvre
The 1st arrondissement is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Paris, including the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens, Place Vendôme, and Palais Royal. This area is ideal for those looking to experience Paris’ history and culture.
2nd Arrondissement – Bourse
The 2nd arrondissement is known for its covered passageways that date back to the 19th century. It’s also home to the Paris Stock Exchange (La Bourse) and many shops and boutiques.
3rd Arrondissement – Temple
The 3rd arrondissement features many museums such as Musée Picasso and Musée Carnavalet. Trendy bars and restaurants also line the streets here.
4th Arrondissement – Hôtel de Ville
The 4th arrondissement is known for its beautiful architecture such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). This area also has a lively gay scene around Rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie.
5th Arrondissement – Panthéon
The 5th arrondissement is home to the Latin Quarter, which is known for its vibrant student life and intellectual atmosphere. The Panthéon, a famous mausoleum dedicated to great French figures like Voltaire and Rousseau, is also located here.
6th Arrondissement – Luxembourg
The 6th arrondissement is home to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. This area offers plenty of shopping, cafes, and restaurants.
7th Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
The 7th arrondissement has several famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Musée d’Orsay. This area is known for being upscale and residential.
8th Arrondissement – Élysée
The 8th arrondissement features many luxury shops on Champs-Élysées and is home to the Arc de Triomphe. This area is also where you can find some of Paris’ most upscale hotels.
9th Arrondissement – Opéra
The 9th arrondissement features many theaters, including the famous Opéra Garnier. This area also has a lively nightlife scene around Rue des Martyrs.
10th Arrondissement – Entrepôt
The 10th arrondissement has a diverse community with many ethnic restaurants and shops. It’s also home to Canal Saint-Martin, a popular spot for picnics and boat rides.
11th Arrondissement – Popincourt
The 11th arrondissement has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs along Rue Oberkampf. This area also has many trendy cafes and restaurants.
12th Arrondissement – Reuilly
The 12th arrondissement features the beautiful Bois de Vincennes park and the Gare de Lyon train station. It’s a more residential area with plenty of local markets and shops.
13th Arrondissement – Gobelins
The 13th arrondissement is known for its Asian Quarter around Place d’Italie. This area also has some interesting street art, including several murals by internationally famous artists.
14th Arrondissement – Observatoire
The 14th arrondissement is a residential area with some beautiful parks such as Parc Montsouris and Parc de la Cité Internationale. It’s also home to the famous Catacombs of Paris.
15th Arrondissement – Vaugirard
The 15th arrondissement is Paris’ largest district and is mostly residential with many parks and gardens, including the beautiful André Citroën Park. It’s also home to the Porte de Versailles exhibition center.
16th Arrondissement – Passy
The 16th arrondissement is one of Paris’ wealthiest neighborhoods and features many upscale shops, restaurants, and museums such as Musée Marmottan Monet. This area also has a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro Gardens.
17th Arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau
The 17th arrondissement features many elegant Haussmannian buildings such as Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes. This area also has several local markets selling fresh produce and goods.
18th Arrondissement – Butte-Montmartre
The 18th arrondissement is known for its bohemian vibe and is home to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre neighborhood. This area also has a lively nightlife scene around Pigalle.
19th Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
The 19th arrondissement features Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of Paris’ most beautiful parks. This area also has many trendy bars and restaurants along Canal de l’Ourcq.
20th Arrondissement – Ménilmontant
The 20th arrondissement is a diverse neighborhood with many ethnic restaurants and shops. It’s also home to the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, where many famous people are buried.
Conclusion
Paris’ arrondissements each have their own unique character, making it a city of endless possibilities. From historic landmarks to trendy bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this amazing city. Whether you’re a tourist or resident, exploring Paris’ arrondissements is the perfect way to truly experience all that the City of Light has to offer.