What Are the Districts in Paris Called?

By Robert Palmer

Paris, the capital city of France, is divided into 20 administrative districts, locally known as Arrondissements. These districts in Paris are arranged in a clockwise spiral pattern starting from the center of the city. Each district has its unique history, culture, and attractions that make it stand out from the rest.

The 20 Arrondissements of Paris

Here are the names and numbers of all 20 districts in Paris:

  • 1st Arrondissement – Louvre
  • 2nd Arrondissement – Bourse
  • 3rd Arrondissement – Temple
  • 4th Arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville
  • 5th Arrondissement – Panthéon
  • 6th Arrondissement – Luxembourg
  • 7th Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
  • 8th Arrondissement – Élysée
  • 9th Arrondissement – Opéra
  • 10th Arrondissement – Enclos-St-Laurent
  • 11th Arrondissement – Popincourt
  • 12th Arrondissement – Reuilly
  • 13th Arrondissement – Gobelins
  • 14th arrondissement – Observatoire
  • 15th arrondissement – Vaugirard
  • 16th arrondissement – Passy
  • 17th arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau
  • 18th arrondissement – Buttes-Montmartre
  • 19th arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
  • 20th arronidssement- Ménilmontant

What are the Characteristics of Each District?

Each district in Paris has its unique characteristics that make it stand out from the rest. Here are some of the notable features of each arrondissement:

1st Arrondissement – Louvre

The 1st arrondissement is located in the heart of Paris and is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions such as the Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries, and Palais Royal.

2nd Arrondissement – Bourse

The 2nd arrondissement is known for its financial district and luxury shopping arcades such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

3rd Arrondissement – Temple

The 3rd arrondissement is home to many trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. The famous Picasso Museum is also located here.

4th Arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville

The 4th arrondissement is home to many historic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).

5th Arrondissement – Panthéon

The 5th arrondissement houses some of Paris’ most prestigious universities such as Sorbonne University. It also has a vibrant nightlife scene due to its proximity to Latin Quarter.

6th Arrondissement – Luxembourg

The 6th arrondissement boasts of beautiful parks such as Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes. It’s also known for its high-end shopping streets like Rue de Rennes.

7th Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon

The 7th arrondissement is home to some of the most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Musée d’Orsay.

8th Arrondissement – Élysée

The 8th arrondissement is known for its luxurious hotels, high-end fashion boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. The famous Champs-Élysées is also located here.

9th Arrondissement – Opéra

The 9th arrondissement is known for its grand opera house, Palais Garnier, and other entertainment venues such as Moulin Rouge.

10th Arrondissement – Enclos-St-Laurent

The 10th arrondissement has a diverse population with many ethnic communities. It’s also home to the Gare du Nord train station.

11th Arrondissement – Popincourt

The 11th arrondissement is known for its unique street art scene, hip bars, and live music venues.

12th Arrondissement – Reuilly

The 12th arrondissement houses many green spaces such as Bois de Vincennes park and Parc de Bercy. It’s also home to Gare de Lyon train station.

13th Arrondissement – Gobelins

The 13th arrondissement boasts of beautiful street art murals and colorful Chinatown district. It’s also home to Bibliothèque Nationale de France (National Library of France).

14th arrondissement – Observatoire

The 14th arrondissement is a residential area with many charming cafes and local markets. The famous Catacombs of Paris are also located here.

15th arrondissement – Vaugirard

The 15th arrondissement is known for its unique architecture and local markets such as Rue du Commerce.

16th arrondissement – Passy

The 16th arrondissement is an upscale residential area with many elegant mansions, museums, and parks such as Bois de Boulogne.

17th arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau

The 17th arrondissement has a mix of residential and commercial areas. It’s home to Parc Monceau and many local markets.

18th arrondissement – Buttes-Montmartre

The 18th arrondissement is known for its artistic heritage, bohemian vibe, and iconic landmarks such as Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

19th arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont

The 19th arrondissement houses many green spaces such as Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and La Villette Park. It’s also home to the famous Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (Science Museum).

20th arronidssement- Ménilmontant

The 20th Arrondissement is known for its diverse population, multicultural neighborhoods, and trendy cafes and restaurants.

In conclusion, the districts in Paris offer a diverse range of attractions, cultural experiences, and entertainment options that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you are interested in art, history, food or nightlife, each district has something unique to offer. So the next time you plan a trip to Paris make sure that you explore all these districts to experience the true essence of this beautiful city.