Like seductively sweet slices of Tarte Tatin, Paris is sliced into 20 distinct districts called arrondissements, starting at the city centre in the middle and spiralling outwards in the shape of a snail. Architecturally speaking, the Paris we know today – sprawling boulevards, imposing buildings with prim ashlar facades, intricate wrought iron balconies and quaint newspaper kiosks – is all thanks to the endeavours of an incredibly ambitious, and industrious (rather controversial) urban planner by the name of Georges-Eugène Haussmann. Haussmann gave Paris its escargot-esque makeover, designing this sexy spiral as part of his massive bid to modernise Paris during the mid-19th century at the behest of Napoléon III. Today, each arrondissement is its little universe boasting a distinct character and enduring charm all its own – from the raucous nightlife of the 11th arrondissement, to the medieval architecture and narrow winding alleys of the Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. To give you a taste of the true spirit of these quaint neighbourhoods that give the City Of Light its effortlessly magnetic quality, we’ve compiled a handy guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris.
As you explore the lively neighbourhoods in the City of Love, enjoy our selection of the best free things to do in Paris.
Best arrondissements in Paris
1st & 2nd Arrondissement
The 1st and 2nd arrondissements are considered the core of Paris, the epicentre of the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Famously known as the historical heart of the city, the 1st Arrondissement is home to the Louvre, the majestic Palais Royal, and the magical Tuileries Gardens, making it a hub for tourists and sightseers. The 2nd arrondissement is home to Paris’ stock exchange and its famous passages couverts, or covered passages, a series of irresistibly charming covered arcades that date back to the 19th century. Wandering through these passages is to step back in time to Paris of the early 1800s. Take a moment to soak in the intricate ironwork, glass ceilings and stunning tiled floors before browsing through the passage’s boutiques, bookstores, antique shops and quaint cafés.
Also, find some of the best perfume stores in the arrondissements of Paris.
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3rd and 4th Arrondissement
Le Marais, which stretches through the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is my favourite part of Paris. This area somehow narrowly escaped Haussman’s massive makeover mission, retaining much of its medieval architecture, old-world charm and tiny winding streets and alleyways to this day. The area is famous for cute artsy cafés, and museums like the Centre Pompidou, the Musée Carnavale dedicated to the history of Paris, and Musée Picasso dedicated to the life and work of the legendary artist.
You can also savour Eiffel Tower views from these Paris restaurants.
5th Arrondissement
The 5th arrondissement – or the Latin Quarter – is one of the most vibrant arrondissements in Paris teeming with life, colour, history and culture with origins that date back to its days as a Roman hub. Remnants of this are visible across the neighbourhood with its blend of Roman-era architecture, medieval charm and cobblestone streets. Spend the day perusing second-hand bookstores, record shops, Art Deco cinemas and the famous Panthéon, then linger on long after the sun sets for a raucous night out at one of its many jazz clubs or late-night bars.
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8th Arrondissement
Looking for un peu de luxury? The 8th arrondissement is a mecca for all things luxe with luxury hotels, haute couture boutiques, and the iconic Champs-Élysées running through the region between Place de la Concorde and the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. Head to the Golden Triangle region of this arrondissement between the Champs-Élysées, Montaigne and George V avenues, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by designer behemoths Dior, Hermès, Chanel and Balenciaga.
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9th Arrondissement
The magnum opus of the 9th arrondissement in the heart of Paris is the Opéra Garnier – an opulent architectural masterpiece renowned for its stunning Baroque design, grandiose interiors, and rich cultural history. The Palais Garnier – as the iconic opera house is also called – is a symbol of Parisian elegance and a centrepiece of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene. You’ll also find an amazing selection of fromageries (cheese shops), boulangeries (bakeries) and pâtisseries (pastry shops) in this arrondissement all along the lively Rue des Martyrs.
Savour our selection of the best French bakeries in Paris.
11th Arrondissement
Nestled around the Canal Saint-Martin, the 11th arrondissement gives you a taste of the real Paris – literally, since the area is bursting at the seams with trendy eateries, cafés and boulangeries. It’s also home to one of my favourite bakeries in the city – Du Pain et des Idées – a historic boulangerie dating back to 1875 that serves up artisanal bread and oh-so-fabulous pastries, like pastry cream-filled sacristain, or the dangerously delish chocolate-pistachio viennoiserie. Once you’ve filled up on sweet treats, try sampling the neighbourhood’s dynamic nightlife scene with a cocktail at one of its many chic clubs or sultry speakeasies – the area is particularly bustling around Rue de la Roquette and the Bastille.
Here’s our selection of the best things to do in Paris, as suggested by locals.
13th Arrondissement
In the 13th arrondissement, you’ll find yourself smack dab in the middle of the city’s largest Chinatown, speckled with Buddhist temples and Asian markets, drenched in colour and vibrant street art. Though this arrondissement is often overlooked, it’s a vibrant nerve centre for the city’s contemporary art scene, with giant street art murals covering the entire sides of buildings, and home to the contemporary art hub Les Frigos – an artist collective and studio space located in what was originally a refrigerated warehouse built in 1921. Today, the cutting-edge arts centre houses a diverse community of visual artists, musicians, and performers, and hosts dynamic exhibitions and open studios.
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16th Arrondissement
In terms of safe neighbourhoods, the 16th arrondissement ranks high as an affluent residential area with a low crime rate and highly coveted real estate. It’s also home to the sprawling lush woodlands of the Bois de Boulogne, several Michelin-star restaurants, gourmet food markets and the stunning Musée Marmottan, which houses the largest collection of Monets in the world.
18th Arrondissement
Montmartre is a bustling, bohemian neighbourhood in Paris’ 18th arrondissement, renowned for its artistic heritage, narrow winding streets, and the iconic Basilica of Sacré-Cœur perched on the hill’s highest point, offering breathtaking views of the city. The area is buzzing with quaint cafés, lively squares, and a picturesque, village-like atmosphere. Known as the painter’s neighbourhood, Montmartre has long been a haven for artists and writers – Van Gogh, Renoir and Picasso once lived here, setting up their studios amidst the vineyards and the windmills, many of which show up often in their paintings.
One of my favourite Montmartre pilgrimages is to the Moulin de la Galette, a historic windmill first built in 1622 that is now a quaint restaurant, bar and meeting point for local artists. Sit down with a glass of Pinot Noir and try a taste of homestyle seasonal French cuisine, cosied up under the last windmill in Paris that has been immortalised in paintings by the likes of Van Gogh and Renoir. The neighbourhood is also home to the oldest cabarets, including the iconic Au Lapin Agile – a favourite haunt for the likes of Picasso and Modigliani, so much so that it inspired Picasso’s famous oil painting ‘Au Lapin Agile’.
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20th Arrondissement
The highlight of Paris’ far-flung 20th arrondissement is the Père Lachaise Cemetery, a pilgrimage site for music and art lovers thanks to its esteemed list of remains that reads more like a festival lineup than a burial site. Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, Georges Bizet – everyone who’s anyone has been laid to rest here.
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Best and worst of Paris’ arrondissement
As with many big cities, Paris has its contrasts – step away from the grand boulevards and quaint boulangeries and there are parts of the city that aren’t quite so picturesque or safe. While Paris on the whole is a safe travel destination, there are still certain areas within particular arrondissements that are a touch rough around the edges, where exercising caution is the need of the hour.
10th Arrondissement
The Gare du Nord and Gare de l’East train stations around the 10th arrondissement are a hotbed of energy and activity – which also makes them a prime location for pickpockets targeting distracted travellers. Vigilance is mandatory, and avoid travelling around these areas alone late at night, to avoid running into pickpockets or peddlers.
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18th Arrondissement
While Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement is a must-visit for its charming bohemian airs and artistic heritage, the areas around the Gare du Nord and Porte de la Chappelle are considered much less safe, with rampant drug use and petty theft/crime as a result. Avoid walking through these areas alone at night, and always be mindful of your belongings and valuables.
Here’s your handy guide to avoiding the most common tourist traps and scams in Europe.
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19th Arrondissement
Not too many tourists make the trek all the way out to the 19th arrondissement – the ones who do are most likely there to check out Europe’s largest science museum Cité des Sciences, catch a show at the Grand Philharmonie de Paris concert hall, or to take a stroll through the lush Parc de la Villette and Parc des Buttes Chaumont. While the arrondissement is a vibrant multicultural hub during the day, areas like Stalingrad and Jean-Jaurès face issues with public drug use, theft and drug trafficking by night. Err on the side of safety and stay clear of these areas if you’re alone at night.
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The arrondissements in Paris are numbered in a clockwise spiral starting from the centre of the city, with the 1st arrondissement located in the middle and all subsequent arrondissements spiralling outwards in numerical order and in the shape of a snail shell.
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
The 1st arrondissement is often considered the heart of Paris, since it contains many of the city’s iconic landmarks including the Louvre Museum, the Palais Royal, and the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as being centrally located near the Île de la Cité and the Seine River.
The 8th arrondissement is renowned as the best destination for luxury shopping in Paris. It’s home to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, known for its designer flagships and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.
Some of the best residential arrondissements in Paris often include the 6th, known for its charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood and elegant atmosphere, and the 7th, which boasts the iconic Eiffel Tower and a prestigious, affluent neighbourhood. The 4th arrondissement, with its historic Le Marais district, and the 12th, known for its green spaces and family-friendly vibe, are also highly sought after residential arrondissements.
The Right Bank (Rive Droite) of Paris is known for its commercial hubs, landmarks like the Louvre, and historical associations with aristocracy, while the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) is celebrated for its intellectual ambiance, institutions like the Sorbonne, and bohemian culture.
The 5th arrondissement - the Latin Quarter - the 11th arrondissement, and Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement are all known for their lively nightlife scenes.
You can travel between arrondissements in Paris using the Métro (subway) system, taxis, buses, or by walking, since many of the central arrondissements are pedestrian-friendly.
In Paris, the 16th arrondissement is often considered one of the safest areas to stay in since it is a residential and affluent neighbourhood with a lower crime rate compared to some other parts of the city. The 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements are also known for their safety due to their central locations and well-maintained surroundings.
Lesser-known arrondissements in Paris, such as the 19th and 20th arrondissements, play host to hidden gems like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Belleville neighbourhood with its multicultural vibe, and unique street art scenes, making them worth exploring for a more authentic Parisian experience that is off the traditional tourist trail.
Written By
Nirupama Belliappa
Nirupama Belliappa is a features journalist and a classical harpist. She has previously worked at NDTV ..Read More
