Paris is a city known for its beauty, art, and culture. It is the capital of France and one of the most iconic cities in the world.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its unique charm and character. The neighborhoods in Paris are called arrondissements, which are arranged in a spiral shape starting from the center of the city.
The Arrondissements of Paris
There are 20 arrondissements in Paris, each with its distinct personality and history. The arrondissements are numbered from 1 to 20, starting from the center of the city and spiraling outward in a clockwise direction.
The First Arrondissement – Louvre
The first arrondissement is located in the heart of Paris and is home to some of the most famous landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Palais Royal. The area also has high-end shopping stores, luxury hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
The Second Arrondissement – Bourse
The second arrondissement is located just east of the first arrondissement and is home to many financial institutions such as stock exchange offices. It also has several shopping arcades like Galerie Vivienne and Palais des Victoires that offer an eclectic mix of shops ranging from trendy boutiques to traditional French stores.
The Third Arrondissement – Temple
The third arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River. It is home to several museums like Musée Picasso and Musée des Arts et Métiers. Le Marais neighborhood located within this arrondissement has a rich Jewish heritage that can still be seen today through its vibrant street art scene.
The Fourth Arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville
The fourth arrondissement is also known as the Hôtel-de-Ville and is located on the right bank of Seine River. This area is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. The area also has several trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs that attract a young crowd.
The Fifth Arrondissement – Panthéon
The fifth arrondissement is located on the left bank of Seine River and is home to Sorbonne University, one of the oldest universities in Europe. The area’s most famous landmark is the Panthéon, which houses the tombs of many famous French figures like Voltaire and Victor Hugo.
The Sixth Arrondissement – Luxembourg
The sixth arrondissement is located on the left bank of Seine River and is home to Jardin du Luxembourg, a popular park that attracts tourists and locals alike. The area also has several high-end fashion stores like Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton.
The Seventh Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
The seventh arrondissement is located on the left bank of Seine River and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris such as Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Les Invalides. The area also has several embassies and government buildings.
The Eighth Arrondissement – Élysée
The eighth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is considered one of the most prestigious areas in Paris. It has several luxury hotels like Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. The area also has high-end boutiques like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci.
The Ninth Arrondissement – Opéra
The ninth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is home to Opéra Garnier, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The area also has several theaters, cabarets, and concert halls that offer an eclectic mix of performances.
The Tenth Arrondissement – Entrepôt
The tenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is home to Canal Saint-Martin, a popular spot for picnics and boat rides. The area also has several trendy bars and restaurants like Chez Prune that attract a young and hip crowd.
The Eleventh Arrondissement – Popincourt
The eleventh arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The area has several bars, clubs, and live music venues like Café Charbon and La Bellevilloise.
The Twelfth Arrondissement – Reuilly
The twelfth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and has several green spaces like Bois de Vincennes, one of the largest parks in Paris. The area also has several cultural attractions such as Cinémathèque Française that showcases classic French films.
The Thirteenth Arrondissement – Gobelins
The thirteenth arrondissement is located on the left bank of Seine River and is known for its vibrant Asian community. The area has several Asian markets, shops, and restaurants like Tang Frères that offer an authentic experience.
The Fourteenth Arrondissement – Observatoire
The fourteenth arrondissement is located on the left bank of Seine River and has several cultural attractions such as Catacombs of Paris that showcase ancient burial sites. The area also has several parks like Parc Montsouris that offer a peaceful escape from the city.
The Fifteenth Arrondissement – Vaugirard
The fifteenth arrondissement is located on the left bank of Seine River and is considered one of the most residential areas in Paris. The area has several green spaces like Parc André Citroën and several museums like Musée Pasteur that showcase French history.
The Sixteenth Arrondissement – Passy
The sixteenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is known for its high-end residential properties. The area has several museums like Palais de Tokyo that showcase contemporary art.
The Seventeenth Arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau
The seventeenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The area has several green spaces like Parc Monceau that offer a peaceful escape from the city.
The Eighteenth Arrondissement – Butte-Montmartre
The eighteenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is known for its iconic landmark, Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The area also has several theaters, cabarets, and live music venues like Moulin Rouge that attract tourists from all over the world.
The Nineteenth Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
The nineteenth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is home to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a landscaped park with waterfalls, bridges, and caves. The area also has several cultural attractions such as La Géode that showcases 360-degree movies.
The Twentieth Arrondissement – Ménilmontant
The twentieth arrondissement is located on the right bank of Seine River and is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The area also has several parks like Parc de Belleville that offer scenic views of the city.
Conclusion
Paris is a city with a rich history and culture, and each arrondissement has its charm and character. From high-end fashion stores to vibrant nightlife scenes, Paris offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, exploring the arrondissements is a great way to experience Paris’s beauty and diversity.