Paris Arrondissem*nts Guide
This quick guide to Paris Arrondissem*nts covers all that you need to know about the Arrondissem*nts of Paris (Paris Districts).
Planning your first trip to Paris can be challenging: whether you’re wondering about the best Arrondissem*nt to stay in Paris or the best things to do in specific districts in Paris, we will guide you through what to do and where to eat and sleep in the 20 Arrondissem*nts of Paris.
The exploration of the different areas of Paris is an important part of our Paris blog, that’s why in addition to this guide, you will find more detailed articles for each Paris Arrondissem*nt. Without further delay, here’s your go-to Paris Arrondissem*nts Guide, complete with a Paris Arrondissem*nt Map and our best tips.
Here’s an overview of the 20 Arrondissem*nts of Paris:
- Paris 1 – Louvre
- Paris 2 – Bourse
- Paris 3 – Temple
- Paris 4 – Hôtel de Ville
- Paris 5 – The Latin Quarter
- Paris 6 – Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Paris 7 – The Eiffel Tower District
- Paris 8 – Elysée
- Paris 9 – Opéra
- Paris 10 – Canal Saint-Martin
- Paris 11 – République
- Paris 12 – Reuilly
- Paris 13 – Butte-aux-Cailles
- Paris 14 – Montparnasse
- Paris 15 – Vaugirard – Grenelle
- Paris 16 – Chaillot -Auteuil – Passy
- Paris 17 – Batignoles – Monceau
- Paris 18 – Montmartre
- Paris 19 – Buttes-Chaumont
- Paris 20 – Belleville
Paris Arrondissem*nts vs. Paris Districts vs. Paris Neighborhoods
Paris Arrondissem*nts Explained
What is an Arrondissem*nt? The Arrondissem*nts of Paris are pure administrative divisions. Paris is divided into 20 Arrondissem*nts (or Paris districts). In each Arrondissem*nt of Paris, there is a town hall (Mairie) and a mayor (Maire), as well as elected officials, a council, a politician, and so on.
Of course, the 20 Districts of Paris are still subject to the overall policy of the City and the Mayor of Paris, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.
So Paris Districts and Paris Arrondissem*nts are the same things; they are synonyms in Paris. Other synonyms of Paris Arrondissem*nts could be “sections of Paris” or “areas in Paris,” but they are not used by locals.
The Arrondissem*nts in Paris are not to be confused with the Neighborhoods in Paris (Quartiers). Paris Neighborhoods like Belleville, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and many more, are historic divisions, while the Arrondissem*nts of Paris exist only since the 18th century. One Paris Arrondissem*nt usually includes many Paris Neighborhoods within its boundaries, with 80 Neighborhoods in Paris in total. If you are looking for a Paris Neighborhoods guide, then head to this post about the Neighborhoods of Paris.
To find your bearings in Paris, there is a little trick: if you look at the Arrondissem*nts of Paris Map here below, the 1st Arrondissem*nt of Paris is in the center of the city, then the other Paris Arrondissem*nts are located forming a spiral, turning clockwise, to finish in the 20th Arrondissem*nt in the east.
If you don’t have a Paris Arrondissem*nts map on hand, another way to easily figure out what district you’re in is to look for the street signs that are affixed to the sides of buildings on pretty much every corner of the city. In addition to telling you what street you’re on, the plaques also show the Arrondissem*nt.
Our Favorite Walking Tours by Paris Arrondissem*nt
TOUR NAME | LOCATION | DURATION | TOPIC | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Paris 1 and 4 | 4 hrs | History, Sightseeing | ||
Paris 3 and 4 | 2.5 hrs | History, Sightseeing | ||
Paris 5 | 2.5 hrs | History, Sightseeing | ||
Paris 6 | 2.5 hrs | History, Sightseeing | ||
Paris 7 | 2.5 hrs | History, Food | ||
Paris 13 | 1.5 hrs | Street Art | ||
Paris 18 | 2 hrs | Sightseeing |
In 2020, Four Districts of Paris United Under a New Name: Paris Centre
In 2020 the central four Arrondissem*nts of Paris became only one. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plan is motivated by her desire to make the Arrondissem*nts more equal in terms of the size of the population they serve. For example, while the 1st Arrondissem*nt is home to just 17,000 residents, Paris 15 can count 240,000.
Since 13 July 2020, the new name of the four arrondissem*nts which make up the center of the city is Paris Centre. This name was voted by the residents of these four Arrondissem*nts. Residents also voted on which town hall should represent the newly united Paris Arrondissem*nt, and the selected town hall was the 3rd Arrondissem*nt’s town hall.
Even if the first four Arrondissem*nts are grouped together for administrative reasons, the city’s postcodes will not change. In other words, Paris and this Paris Arrondissem*nt Guide will continue to have 20 Arrondissem*nts.
Paris Arrondissem*nt Guide 2023
More than simple divisions, the 20 Districts in Paris have their own character and charm. They all tell locals and visitors different stories about Paris.
In this Paris Arrondissem*nts Guide, we’ll try to give a good breakdown of all the Paris Districts and tell about their essence. You will find the Paris Arrondissem*nts explained, with some historical notes, and the main Paris attractions by arrondissem*nt.
If you want to learn more about a specific Arrondissem*nt, check our Paris by Arrondissem*nt posts.
NOTE: the Arrondissem*nts of Paris (or Districts of Paris) do not have names. Only the Neighborhoods of Paris have names. For example, Paris 18 consists of four neighborhoods named Quartier des Carrières, Quartier de Clignancourt, Quartier de la Goutte d’Or, and Quartier de la Chapelle.
In this guide to Paris Arrondissem*nts, sometimes we give names to the arrondissem*nts mostly as “hints” so you can easily find your bearings in the city. The name of Paris 7, for example, is not Eiffel Tower District. It’s just Paris 7 or the 7th Arrondissem*nt of Paris, but we named it the “Eiffel Tower District” so you can know that this is the district where the Eiffel Tower is located. Sounds complicated? ; -)
PARIS 1 (Louvre)
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The 1st Arrondissem*nt of Paris is one of the must-see areas in Paris, home to some of the most famous buildings and landmarks in the French capital. This is the district of (half) Ile de la Cité and the Kings of France, withthe Royal Palace, theTuileries Gardens,the Louvre, and the Seine River, best enjoyed from the water on a Seine River cruise.
The First Arrondissem*nt is also the district of Les Halles. This Paris Neighborhood, historically known as “the belly of Paris,” is less upmarket than the areas around the Louvre, but it has a good choice of accommodations and restaurants for all kinds of travelers.
Come to Paris 1 for its monuments and elegant squares and to enjoy the banks of the Seine River.
MAIN SIGHTS: Louvre Palace, Place Vendôme, Pont Neuf, Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church, Sainte Chapelle, Royal Palace, and the Conciergerie.
BEST MUSEUMS: Louvre Museum, Orangerie Museum, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Jeu de Paume.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Tuileries Gardens, Royal Palace Gardens, Square du Vert Galant (on Ile de la Cité).
WHERE TO SLEEP: Best hotels near the Louvre Museum
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 2 (Bourse)
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The 2nd Arrondissem*nt of Paris is the smallest district of Paris, a quiet and largely overlooked business district organized around the Old Stock Market. It also houses many textile businesses, so it’s the perfect district for those who want to shop for fabrics.
There are not many tourist sites in Paris 2, but it has beautiful architecture and elegant covered passages, and it is home to several hidden gems ready to reward the determined traveler. Foodies in Paris will be very happy to walk along Rue Montorgueil, one of the best food streets in Paris.
Come to Paris 2 for its shopping, restaurants, bars, and cinemas.
MAIN SIGHTS: Tour Jean-Sans-Peur, Place des Victoires, Covered Passages of Paris, Reaumur Street, Rue Montorgueil.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 2
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 3 (Temple)
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Half of the famousLe Marais(which is neither an Arrondissem*nt nor a District) is located in the3rd Arrondissem*nt of Paris.
Paris 3 is both a historical and trendy district, a maze of narrow streets where historic private mansions rub shoulders with hipster coffee shops. Visitors will find lots of high-end art galleries close to Beaubourg (which is in Paris 4), while some of the most beautiful private mansions host interesting museums today.
The third Arrondissem*nt is also home to thefirst Chinese community in the city,so it is a good opportunity to find cheap and authentic (Asian) food on their streets.
Come to Paris 3 for its beautiful cafés and wine bars, vintage shops, private mansions, and art galleries.
BEST MUSEUMS: Picasso Museum, Carnavalet Museum, Musée des Arts et Métiers, Musée des Archives Nationales.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Anne Frank Garden, Square Georges Caïn, Archives Nationales Gardens.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Best hotels in Le Marais
WE RECOMMEND:
- The Marais District Walking Tour
- Visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest market in Paris!
PARIS 4 (Hôtel de Ville)
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The 4th Arrondissem*nt of Parisis where you can findthe other half of Le Marais, covering the territory south of rue Francs-Bourgeois and rue Rambuteau. It is also the district of Ile Saint Louis and the other half of Ile de la Cité.
Paris 4 is an ensemble of narrow streets lined with historic private mansions and pretty gardens. It is also home to some of the city’s top sites, like the Centre Pompidou, Hôtel de Ville, and Notre Dame. For this reason and because of its central location, Paris 4 is often considered one of the best Districts in Paris to stay for visitors.
The Fourth Arrondissem*nt, and more precisely the streets around Hôtel de Ville, is also the gay District of Paris, and you will see many rainbow flags in this area. If you are looking for gay bars and events in Paris, the 4th Arrondissem*nt Paris is the place to go.
Come to Paris 4 for its history, shopping, pleasant walks, and to enjoy the Seine’s Right Bank.
MAIN SIGHTS: Place des Vosges, Notre Dame de Paris (from outside), Hôtel de Ville.
BEST MUSEUMS: Centre Georges Pompidou (Beaubourg), Victor Hugo’s house.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 4
WE RECOMMEND:
- A picnic in Place des Vosges
- Ile de la Cité Walking Tour
- Explore the Pletzl, the Jewish quarter in Paris
PARIS 5 (The Latin Quarter)
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The 5th Arrondissem*nt of Parisis where the Romans settled for the first time, founding the Roman city of Lutetia.
Much more than the touristy streets of the Latin Quarter, Paris 5 spreads south from Notre Dame, up past the Panthéon, and down the Jardin des Plantes towards the 13th and 14th Arrondissem*nts. Its ancient streets contain a few remnants of the Roman Lutetia, medieval religious buildings, the historic core of the Sorbonne University, charming squares, and an array of living culture in the form of art house cinemas and curious bookstores.
Come to Paris 5 for its historical monuments and lively student atmosphere.
MAIN SIGHTS: the Panthéon, Arènes de Lutèce, Collège des Bernardins, the Sorbonne, Grande Mosquée de Paris.
BEST MUSEUMS: Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, Musée du Moyen Age (Cluny Museum), Musée Marie Curie.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Jardin des Plantes, Cluny Museum’s Medieval Garden.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Best hotels in the Latin Quarter
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 6 (Saint -Germain-des-Prés)
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When most people think of Paris, visions of the narrow streets and cafés of the Left Bank come to mind, and more precisely, those of the 6th Arrondissem*nt. Indeed, the 6th Arrondissem*nt of Paris is mainly known for its famous QuartierSaint-Germain-des-Prés, a meeting place for students, artists, and intellectuals at various times.
Still, visitors come to Paris 6 looking for this long-since-disappeared cool atmosphere, and they are ready to pay ridiculous prices in places like Café de FloreorCafé Les Deux Magots.
Paris 6 is also home to Luxembourg Gardens, Saint Sulpice Church, beautiful architecture, and expensive art galleries, which, unfortunately, replaced all those little bookshops and printers that once populated the quartier to provide the universities nearby.
The 6th District of Paris is also a great place for foodies in Paris, with beautiful gourmet shops and chocolate & pastry shops. Some of the most popular food tours in Paris explore and taste the latest trends in sweets in the pastry shops of Saint-Germain-des-Près.
Come to Paris 6 for luxury boutiques and art galleries and to follow Ernest Hemingway’s steps.
MAIN SIGHTS: Saint-Germain-des-Près Church, Saint Sulpice Church, Médicis Fountain.
BEST MUSEUMS: Eugène Delacroix Museum, Zadkine Museum.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Luxembourg Gardens
WHERE TO SLEEP: Best hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 7 (Eiffel Tower)
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The7th Arrondissem*nt of Paris is the bourgeois district of the Eiffel Tower, and the Invalides, as well as big avenues and beautiful private mansions, transformed today into embassies and government buildings.
We must admit that we are not fans of Paris 7, but we like Rue Cler – one of the most famous market streets in Paris –, and the streets around Rue de Bac (Quartier Sèvres-Babylone), full of fashion shops and other beautiful stores.
Come to Paris 7 to see the Eiffel Tower, and other interesting museums likethe Rodin Museum, the Orsay Museum, or the Quai Branly Museum.
MAIN SIGHTS: the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, andthe tomb of Napoleon I.
BEST MUSEUMS: Musée de l’Armée, Rodin Museum, Orsay Museum, Quai Branly Museum, the Paris Sewer Museum.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Champ de Mars, Rodin Museum Gardens
WHERE TO SLEEP: Best Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
WE RECOMMEND
PARIS 8 (Elysée)
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The 8th Arrondissem*nt of Paris is the district of fashion and luxury symbolized by the famous “Golden Triangle” formed by Rue Montaigne – Rue George V –Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
This is also the district ofthe Elysée Palace,the French President’s official residence,theArc de Triomphe, beautiful 5-star historic hotels, and two of the best Cabarets in Paris. For all these reasons and more, Paris 8 is expensive, very expensive!
That said, Paris 8 has some of the best romantic places in all of Paris, from gorgeous museums to intriguing historic sites, from jaw-dropping viewpoints to enchanting secret spots; you just need to know where to look.
Come to Paris 8 for luxury shopping and for beautiful views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
MAIN SIGHTS: Arc de Triomphe, Madeleine Church, the Chapelle Expiatoire, Champs Elysées, Pont Alexandre III, the Luxor Obelisk (the oldest monument in Paris).
BEST MUSEUMS: Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Jacquemart-André Museum, Cernuschi Museum.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Parc Monceau, Gardens of the Champs Elysées.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 8
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 9 (Opéra)
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With the 9th Arrondissem*nt, Paris wanted to build a “New Athens” in the early 19th-century Romantic era. At that time, Paris 9 was the heart of intellectual life in the capital, hosting the likes of Georges Sand and Chopin.
Over the 20th century, parts of Paris 9 fell into seedy decline with the proliferation of brothels and then escort girl bars. The 21st century, however, is giving the area a hip makeover over and it is now one of the city’s coolest districts of Paris.
With the Opéra Garnier and the Grands Magasins, the 9th Arrondissem*nt has long been a classic destination for visitors, but there are plenty of hidden gems nestled amongst the well-known monuments and imposing Haussmannian architecture that we invite you to discover.
From the Pigalleneighborhood to theOpéra Garnier, explore a lively district with its old cafés, offices, and Grands Magasins, where you can still find true neighborhood life. Paris 9’s position, close to the Grands Boulevards and Montmartre, could be your best location to stay in the city to visit Paris’ main sights and to enjoy a little bit of nightlife.
Come to Paris 9 for its local life and some great historical and contemporary sites.
MAIN SIGHTS: Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, Haussmannian Architecture, Follies Bergère.
BEST MUSEUMS: Fragonard Perfume Museum, Musée Grévin (wax museum), Musée de la Vie Romantique.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 9
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 10 (Canal Saint-Martin)
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Paris 10 is one of the coolest Arrondissem*nts Paris has to offer in the north, eternally linked to Canal Saint-Martin waterway and its iron footbridges.
The 10th Arrondissem*nt is also the district of two big train stations: Gare du NordandGare de l’Est, with an always busy and popular (sometimes sketchy) atmosphere around.
The 21st century has given new life to this popular Arrondissem*nt of Paris, and today Paris 10 is a district of bobos (bohemian-bourgeois Parisians), with agreeable cafés, vintage shops, cool bars, and excellent restaurants.
Come to Paris 10 for a stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, vintage shopping, and evening aperós (or picnics) along the Canal’s banks. Some bars at Rue de Faubourg Saint-Denis are also worth a detour.
MAIN SIGHTS: Canal Saint-Martin
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 10
WE RECOMMEND:
- Walk along the banks of Canal Saint-Martin
- Canal Saint-Martin boat tour
PARIS 11 (République)
Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂
Located in the east of Paris, the 11th Arrondissem*nt lies between the squares Nation, Bastille, and République and occupies part of what was once the Faubourg Saint Antoine and the Faubourg du Temple. This is one of the Paris areas without tourist sites, but it has kept its local charm.
Under the shadow of the formidable Bastille Prison, the district flourished during the reign of King Louis XIV. Feeding Versailles’ hunger for refined furnishings, the Sun King made it a tax-free zone for furniture-makers and other craftsmen.
This working-class district later became a revolutionary hotbed, especially during the June 1832 Rebellion (also known as the Paris Uprising of 1832), which was Victor Hugo’s inspiration for his legendary book Les Misérables.
During the 19th century, with industrialization, the 11th Arrondissem*nt saw the construction of many factories, especially in the fields of textiles, metals, glass, and ceramics. Some of these factories still exist, converted into trendy hotels, shops, or 21st-century museums like the Atelier des Lumières.
Today, Paris 11 retains its working-class roots, and its revolutionary spirit is now manifested in the form of inventive restaurants, hip cafés, and creative shops. It is also known for its night activity and festive character, with very cool places to party for people under 25:Lautrec, Mansart, Sans Souci, Chez Moune, and le Carmen for those looking for the long run …
BEST MUSEUMS: Atelier des Lumières, Edith Piaf Museum.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 11
PARIS 12 (Reuilly)
Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂
The 12th Arrondissem*nt Paris is one of the main residential areas of Paris. Also, it has the honor of being the greenest district of Paris, home to the Parc Floral,Bois de Vincennes, andParc de Bercy.
Paris 12 may not be one of the must-see districts of this Districts of Paris guide, but it is home to one of Paris’ best markets, the city’s best promenade, quirky historic sites, and other lovely delights. A stroll along La Coulée Verte or a glass of wine at Bercy Village is always a good excuse to visit Paris 12.
MAIN SIGHTS: Le Marché d’Aligre, Bercy Village.
BEST MUSEUMS: Cinémathèque Française, Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’immigration, Musée des Arts Forains.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Parc Floral, the Coulée Verte, Parc de Bercy, Bois de Vincennes, Picpus Cemetery.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 12
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 13 (Butte-aux-Cailles)
Prices: € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂🙂
As you can see on the Paris Arrondissem*nts map, the 13th Arrondissem*nt of Paris occupies the far southeast of Paris, on the Seine Left Bank.
A kind of no man’s land with a very popular character and a strong Chinese population, this district of Paris has some cool things to see and do, like the arty Butte-Aux-Cailles neighborhood,some quintessential Paris bistros, or its incredibleStreet Art.
Formerly dotted with little villages and convents, Paris 13 was bisected by the Bièvre River, Paris’ second river. Due to pollution from the tanneries and factories that bordered its banks, the Bièvre River was gradually filled over during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The construction of the French National Library in the 1980s helped put the district back on the map, and the area around the building was revamped with avant-garde architecture, trendy bars along the Seine’s bank, and incredible street art.
The Mural Program in Paris 13 invited the world’s most renowned street artists to give some color to this district of Paris. If you are a curious visitor, we urge you to give it a chance!
MAIN SIGHTS: The Mural Program, La Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood, French National Library, bank of the Seine River (and its bars).
BEST MUSEUMS: Manufacture des Gobelins.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 13
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 14 (Montparnasse)
Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂
Although the 14th Arrondissem*nt isn’t on everyone’s list of best Arrondissem*nts in Paris, this mostly residential area in the south of the city has some lovely attributes, especially for locals or frequent travelers.
Paris 14 is the district of Parc Montsouris, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, and some of the most interesting sights in our Paris Underground Guide, likethe Catacombs of Paris or the Carrières des Capucins.
In Paris 14, we likethe Cité Universitaire de Paris, with its architecture from the four corners of the world and its student atmosphere, but there are also legendary cafés, quirky theaters, hidden gardens, and some gorgeous cobbled streets. Finally, don’t miss the Cimitière de Montparnasse, a more local alternative to the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
MAIN SIGHTS: Cimitière du Montparnasse, Catacombs of Paris, Cité Universitaire, Carrières des Capucins, Musée de la Libération de Paris, Montparnasse neighborhood, Giacometti Museum.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Parc Montsouris.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 14
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 15 (Vaugirard – Grenelle)
Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂
If you are looking for a residential arrondissem*nt, Paris 15 is the place to go. Located in the southwest of Paris, the 15th Arrondissem*nt is the largest in the city and also the most populated.
Definitely a family district, very quiet, and with no big-name sites or a special charm, Paris 15 is for us too far from everything.
MAIN SIGHTS: Musée Bourdelle, Tour Montparnasse.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Parc André Citroën, Square Georges Brassens, Ile aux Cygnes.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 15
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 16 (Chaillot – Auteuil – Passy)
Prices: € € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂
Built predominantly during the second half of the 19th century, the 16th Arrondissem*nt is the “posh” district of this Paris Arrondissem*nt Guide, with beautiful Art Nouveau Architecture and a few interesting, lesser-known museums.
In Paris 16, you are never far from the Bois de Boulogne, perfect for running, a picnic, or just a lazy day on the grass. Le Chalet des Iles is a magical place for a romantic soirée.
This upscale residential district is also home to some of the palace hotels and 5-star hotels in Paris, like the PeninsulaHotel orHotel Raphael,and their elaboratedrooftop bars are a cool place to enjoy fantastic views of Paris with your favorite co*cktail in hand.
No matter which street you wander down, you’ll inevitably discover beautiful buildings, squares, and gardens. Come to Paris 16 to see the beautifulArt Nouveau Architecture and its interesting museums.
MAIN SIGHTS: Palais de Tokyo, Palais Galliera (Musée de la Mode), Musée de l’Homme, Musée Guimet, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Musée Marmottan-Monet, Musée du Vin, Stade Roland Garros.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Bois de Boulogne, Park Jardin de Ranelagh, Serres d’Auteil, Parc de Bagatelle.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 16
PARIS 17 (Batignolles-Monceau)
Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂
Paris 17 is one of the Paris areas mostly residential. Located in the northwest of the city, this area was mostly occupied by royal hunting grounds until the French Revolution.
In the 19th century, the area evolved into three new neighborhoods of Paris: the merchant Quartier de Ternes, the bourgeois Quartier Monceau, and the arty Quartier de Batignolles. The latest, Batignolles, still retains its charming village atmosphere.
Come to Paris 17 if you’re looking for exquisitelyauthentic HaussmannianParis.
MAIN SIGHTS: the (lost in time) Cité des Fleurs.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Jardin de Batignolles, Promenade Pereire.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 17
WE RECOMMEND:
- a stroll around Batignolles neighborhood
- luthiers of Rue de Rome
PARIS 18 (Montmartre)
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This is the most paradoxical of the 20 arrondissem*nts of Paris. It is home to the old village of Montmartre, one of the quintessential (and most visited) areas in Paris, but there are also popular zones long forgotten by everybody.
Yes, Montmartre, with its winding cobbled streets, is here, but there’s also Little India,Africa, and the infamousGoutte d’Or neighborhood.
In this Guide to Paris Arrondissem*nts, we consider that there are no Paris Districts to avoid, but we prefer not to recommend neighborhoods like La Chapelle or La Goutte d’Or, both located in Paris 18. If you want to stay in the 18th District of Paris for its bohemian, oh-so-Parisian atmosphere, be sure your hotel or apartment is located north of Blanche, Pigalle, or Anvers metro stations, and you won’t be wrong.
Come to Paris 18 to seeBohemian Montmartre,the Sacré Coeur, the Paris of Movies (Amélie, Midnight in Paris), and the Moulin Rouge.
MAIN SIGHTS: Montmartre, Sacré Coeur, Montmartre Cemetery, Moulin Rouge, Saint Jean-de-Montmartre Church.
BEST MUSEUMS: Montmartre Museum, Dali Museum.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Best boutique hotels in Montmartre.
WE RECOMMEND:
PARIS 19 (Buttes-Chaumont)
Prices: € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 |Paris Like a Local:🙂 🙂 🙂
The 19th Arrondissem*nt of Paris is where World in Paris has its headquarters, so we can only tell good things about this Paris Arrondissem*nt! The 19th District of Paris is a popular district perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience unique, offbeat Paris.
Paris 19, a former industrial area developed along Canal de l’Ourcq, is today home to the trendy area of Canal de l’Ourcq – Parc de la Villette, the lovely Parc Buttes-Chaumont, as well as a number of other secret charms.
MAIN SIGHTS: La Villette, Canal de l’Ourcq, Mouzaïa neighborhood, Saint-Serge de RadonègeChurch, the headquarters of the Communist Party.
BEST MUSEUMS: Cité de la Science et l’Industrie, Cité de la Musique, Le Centquatre.
PARCS AND GARDENS: Parc Buttes-Chaumont, Parc de la Villette,Parc de la Butte du Chapeau-Rouge.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 19
WE RECOMMEND:
- Explore ‘the countryside in Paris’ around Rue Mouzaïa and Butte Bergeyre
- Sail Canal de l’Ourcq on an electric self-drive boat
- Paris Plages at the Bassin de la Villette (summer activity)
PARIS 20 (Belleville)
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Located in the northeast corner of the city, Paris 20 was a few years ago the cheapest district in Paris to live in; that’s why so many young Parisian couples moved to the 20th Arrondissem*nt of Paris. Today, Paris 20 is one of the trendiest and most authentic districts of Paris, and all this without tourists!
Best known for being home toPère Lachaise Cemetery, there is no shortage of things to do in Paris 20, with Asian markets, art-filled streets, trendy low-key bars, and the most charming village-like pockets, harking back to when it was outside the limits of Paris. Last but not least, the Parc de Belleville offers some of the best views of Paris.
Come to Paris 20 if you want to enjoy Paris like a local.
MAIN SIGHTS: Père Lachaise Cemetery, local life in the neighborhoods of Belleville and Charonne, La Campagne à Paris.
PARKS AND GARDENS: Parc de Belleville.
WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals n Paris 20
WE RECOMMEND:
- Père Lachaise Cemetery Walking Tour
- A soirée at La Bellevilloise (hosts concerts, exhibits, club nights and has a bar-restaurant).
Arrondissem*nts of Paris F.A.Q.
Now that you know how Paris is divided and you got all the Paris Districts explained, have a look at the most asked questions by our readers planning a trip to Paris:
What is the best arrondissem*nt to stay in Paris?
It depends on what you are looking for. Do you want to be close to everything and have a high budget? Then choose Paris 1 or Paris 2. Looking for some cool local life, far from the crowds? Paris 20 might suit you very well. Looking for a party? Stay in Paris 11 . . .
What is the best area to stay in Paris for sightseeing?
The best area to stay in Paris for sightseeing, in our opinion, is Paris 1 and Paris 4.
What is the best place to stay in Paris close to everything?
The best place to stay in Paris close to everything is, without any doubt, the central Paris Arrondissem*nts: Paris 1, Paris 4, Paris 5, and Paris 6.
Are there no-go zones in Paris?
In general, there are no Arrondissem*nts in Paris to avoid, but we have our little list of places that might be best avoided, like the Eiffel Tower on a Saturday afternoon in summer, Chatelet Metro Station (we always get lost there!), or the Parisian metro at rush hour 😉
What if we are looking for non-touristy things to do in Paris?
You are in the right place! Check our posts by arrondissem*nt, where we tell you where to sleep, eat, and play like a local in Paris.
We hope that you enjoyed this Paris Arrondissem*nts Guide and that it will be helpful to plan your next trip to Paris.
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