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04/05/20
Districts of Paris Guides: 4th Arrondissement of Paris

Paris Arrondissement Map
The 4th Arrondissement of Paris is perhaps our favorite district of Paris. This Paris Arrondissement is full of history, nice cafes, and shops, the kind of place where you can never get bored!
Definitely one of the liveliest districts of the city, the fourth arrondissement comprises Hôtel de Ville (Paris’ town hall), Ile de Saint Louis, the Eastern part of Ile de la Cité and the southern part of Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements in Paris).
A walk around Paris Ile de la Cité & Ile Saint Louis

Paris Ile de la Cité, with Notre Dame
In the 4th Arrondissement of Paris, we find the Eastern part of Ile de la Cité (the Western part is in Paris 1), one of the oldest areas of the city. On Ile de la Cité you cannot miss Notre Dame Cathedral*. Built during the Middle Ages, Notre Dame is a masterpiece of Gothic art and one of the most visited monuments in Paris.
If you want to know more about the history of Paris, take the steps down to the Archaeological Crypt*, one of the most fascinating sites of Underground Paris. Despite its central location, just in front of Notre Dame, the Archaeological Crypt gets few visitors which is a pity! After reading some information panels about Parisii and its first inhabitants, visitors can walk through Lutetia’s Roman remains and get a glimpse of Paris during Roman times.
Pont de Saint Louis, behind Notre Dame, will lead you to Ile Saint Louis. This is a lovely place for a stroll, with a particular atmosphere and nice views of the Seine and the city. On Ile de Saint Louis you will find the best ice cream in Paris at Berthillon. There are many “Berthillons” in Ile Saint Louis but the original one is on 31 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile (you will recognize it by the long lines!).
*NOTRE DAME UPDATE: Following Notre-Dame Fire, Notre Dame and the Crypt are temporarily unable to welcome visitors
Le Marais: much more than Hôtels Particuliers
Enjoy the liveliest part of Le Marais, in Paris 4. This old marsh area became in the 14th century the aristocratic neighborhood of Paris when King Charles V decided to move to Le Marais. The most important people in the court followed the king and built around the new Royal Palace some of the city’s most grand houses (hôtels particuliers).
The best way to explore le Marais is to get lost and walk, walk and walk. However don’t forget to check Le Marais’s most beautiful sights: Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Sully (and it’s garden) and Hôtel de Beauvais, home of a young Mozart during his first trip to Paris.
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Le Marais is far from being a homogeneous area. On the streets around Rue de la Verrerie, there is the gay district of Paris with rainbow flags everywhere while the little courtyards, quiet cafes and vintage shops of Village Saint Paul have a small-town vibe.
Finally, le Marais in Paris 4 is also the heart of the main Jewish community in the city. Cross Rue Rivoli and you will find yourself in a small Pletzl (=little square in Yiddish) in the heart of Paris. The first Jewish community settled in this area during the 18th century. From 1881 Ashkenazi Jews began to flock to France fleeing the persecutions and they found shelter with their coreligionists established in le Marais. More than half of the people living in the Pletzl died in the Nazi concentration camps whilst the survivors managed to keep the Pletzl’s spirit until our days: street merchants, orthodox Jews with their recognizable hats, boulangeries proposing the Hallot and other Jewish delicacies and even a Schnorrer (rue des Rosiers).
Famous Places in Paris, Ile de la Cité & Le Marais
These are the top tourist attractions in Paris 4 and no article talking about Paris 4th arrondissement would be complete without these famous places in Paris. If this is your first trip to Paris you will like to visit some of them, they are very touristy but beautiful!
» Notre-Dame de Paris – temporarily closed
» Place des Vosges – a Royal Square, the oldest square in Paris
» Marché aux fleurs at l’Île de la Cité – for a colorful and scented stroll
» Hôtel de Ville – the heart of many city events
» Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg) – for contemporary art lovers
» Tour Saint Jacques – a break for pilgrims on the way to Saint Jacques
Unique Things to See in the Fourth Arrondissement
Some of them are part of famous places in Paris. Some of them are Paris best-kept secrets. This is our personal list of unusual things to see in Paris 4th Arrondissement to enjoy Paris Like a Local.
» Paris from Notre-Dame’s towers with its gargoyles – temporarily closed
» Cloître des Billettes – the only cloister from Middle Ages (14th century) that we can still see in Paris
» Village Saint Paul – a quiet and stuck in time labyrinth of cobblestone streets, cafes and vintage shops
» The Half-timbered houses of Rue Francois Miron – just like in Medieval times!
» Censored stalls at Saint Gervais et Saint Protais Church – unexpected profane scenes on the priests’ seats
» Guimard’s beautiful Synagogue at rue Pavée – religious architecture built in Art Nouveau style
» Hidden Jardin des Francs Rosiers – a quiet and unique atmosphere in the heart of Le Marais
» Brancusi’s Workshop – Get a glimpse of how artists worked during the ’20s
Unusual Things to Do in Paris 4th Arrondissement
On our Paris Arrondissement Guides, we like to encourage people to beat the crowds and explore Paris beyond its main sights. Despite being one of the most touristy Paris arrondissements, we like to walk around Ile de la Cité or le Marais, there are always so many things to do! This is our personal list of unique things to do in Paris 4.
» Step on France’s kilometer zero – temporarily closed
» Wander around Rue des Rosiers – get a taste of its many street food options in the heart of the Jewish Quarter
» Travel back in time inside the Crypte Archéologique*– temporarily closed
» Coffee break at Rue de Barres or Rue du Trésor– a small-town feeling in the heart of Paris
»A picnic on the banks of the Seine – a locals’ must. Baguette & Fromage, the rooftops of Paris and the Seine Riverboats
» Enjoy the best ice cream of Paris at Berthillon – on Ile de Saint Louis, probably also the most expensive ice cream in Paris
» Check the latest photo exhibition at Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) – Always top-quality exhibitions
» Follow the traces of King Philippe Augustus’ Walls – these 14th-century walls (many locations) once separated Paris from the marshland
Best Local Restaurants in Paris 4
Foodies in Paris will love colorful Rue des Rosiers, with great cheap eats (and the best falafels of the city!) and Rue Rambuteau, with its delicacies shops. Le Marais is an area with some good Parisian bistros.
Don’t you know where to eat in Paris 4? Our list of best local restaurants in Paris 4, proposing good French cuisine, includes:
» L’Ange 20 – 44 Rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris. Typical Parisian bistro, not far from Place des Vosges, with good food and a relaxed atmosphere.
» Le Chanard – 8 Rue Saint-Paul 75004 Paris. This is a small Parisian bistro, with a warm and friendly setting, with a countryside touch. The cuisine is both authentic and modern, with a menu that changes every day.
» Le Caveau de l’Isle – 36 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile 75004 Paris. Located in the heart of Ile Saint Louis, enjoy traditional but very refined cuisine in a very charming place from another era.
Where to Stay in Paris 4
On “Where to Stay in Paris” section we like to help you plan your trip to Paris by proposing some great options in each price bracket (budget hotels in Paris, mid-range hotels in Paris and luxury hotels in Paris) for a specific district of Paris.
Staying in Paris the Latin Quarter is not that expensive compared to other districts around. These are our best hotels in Latin Quarter Paris, hope you will like them!
Click here to see the most charming hotels in Paris 4
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HOTEL JOSEPHINE BONAPARTE – LUXURY HOTEL PARIS
Located in Le Marais, in a former convent, Hotel de Josephine is inspired by Napoleon’s wife, Josephine de Bonaparte. Its unique decorated rooms are elegant and romantic and its cozy saloons are the perfect place for a last glass of champagne.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL BASTILLE HESPERIA – MID RANGE HOTEL IN PARIS
Located between Place des Vosges and Bastille, this is a good and comfortable hotel with contemporary rooms – fairly spacious for the Parisian standards – and a breakfast buffet which is really good.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL FRANCE LOUVRE – MID RANGE HOTEL IN PARIS
Hotel France Louvre is a typical Haussmaniann-style hotel located in Le Marais. The rooms are small but cozy, all elegantly furnished in Louis XIV style. Some of them have lovely views over Hôtel de Ville and Tour Saint Jacques.
Click here for the Latest Prices
SHORT TERM RENTAL PARIS
Hotels are still the most popular option to rest your head at the end of the day but if you dream of living the Paris lifestyle, then an apartment is the best way to get a feel for the local atmosphere. We are talking about enjoying your Parisian holiday in the comfort of your own Paris furnished apartment, regardless of the length of your stay.
Read our full review or click here to find your Home Away from Home in Paris 4
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Paris Forth Arrondissement Directory
Paris from Notre-Dame’s towers with its gargoyles: 6 parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Cloître des Billettes: 24 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris
Village Saint Paul: Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris
The Half-timbered houses of Rue Francois Miron: 11-13 Rue François Miron, 75004 Paris
Censored stalls at Saint Gervais et Saint Protais Church: 13 Rue des Barres, 75004 Paris
Guimard’s beautiful Synagogue at rue Pavée: 10 Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris
Hidden Jardin des Francs Rosiers: 10 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
Brancusi’s Workshop: Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris
France’s kilometer zero: 6 parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Crypte Archéologique: 7 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Berthillon:31 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004 Paris
Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP): 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
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Want to Explore Beyond Paris 4?
READ MORE:
- Paris 3 Like a Local: where to eat, play & stay in le Marais and Temple
- Paris 5 Like a Local: Where To Eat, Play & Stay In Paris The Latin Quarter
Click here to read other Paris Arrondissement Guides
Some interesting articles in the blog
- Pan your trip to Paris here
- Check why Paris is Always a Good Idea
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Juliette @ Snorkels to Snow
06/23/2017 at 7:49 amI love this part of Paris too! I haven’t stayed but I have visited (bien sur – Notre Dame!) Next time I will definitely be going to Miss Manon – those pastries have already sold me! I wish I’d known about Hotel de Neuve on my last trip, looks like a great but affordable place to stay in an excellent location.
WorldInParis
08/03/2017 at 1:02 pmIt seems like you enjoyed reading the post. Thanks for stopping by Juliette 🙂
Carmen Edelson
06/22/2017 at 10:54 pmYou are my go to blog for Paris tips! I always love your foodie suggestions so I’m looking forward to checking out your hotel recommendations. Thanks for sharing!
WorldInParis
06/25/2017 at 3:48 pmCool to know that you think about us when thinking about Paris! 🙂
Nina | Nina Near and Far
06/22/2017 at 4:45 pmThis is such a great guide, I love the list of quirky things to see! Makes for the best photos 😉
WorldInParis
06/22/2017 at 6:12 pmIndeed! 🙂
Miranda
06/21/2017 at 3:50 pmThis is a fantastic list! looks like you could spend a few weeks just in this city and still have lots of stuff to do. It’s great to get a local’s perspective on the great spots to visit and eat.
WorldInParis
06/22/2017 at 9:46 amThanks for your kind comment Miranda! Actually you could spend years and still have lots of stuff to do!
Charli
06/21/2017 at 1:07 pmI’ve seen so much of the world but I’ve never been to Pairs, despite living in London! This is such a comprehensive guide, I much prefer to travel like a local so I’ll definitely use your suggestions if I make it over the pond! And I’ll check out Yummy Pairs too!
WorldInParis
06/22/2017 at 9:54 amSame here with London! Last time I was there I was 18, we are talking about last century, lol
Clare
06/21/2017 at 10:40 amI have been to Paris a few times and not sure what districts I have visited but I did go to Notre Dame and explore around there too. It’s a beautiful city and I also loved doing a river cruise too. I mainly walked around, which is a great way to explore and see the city.
WorldInParis
06/22/2017 at 9:55 amYeah, walking is the best way to explore Paris 🙂
Nic
06/21/2017 at 6:14 amWow with all of those amazing sights and landmarks, Paris 4 really does sound like the best to explore! Thanks for sharing this amazing guide!
Megan Jerrard
06/21/2017 at 12:05 amThanks for this list! I didn’t realize just how far back the history of Paris 4 was! Notre Dame Cathedral was my favorite from Paris 4, and some of my favorite views over the city once you’re at the top of the towers. I have the obligatory cheesy tourist photos with the Gargoyles lol
WorldInParis
06/22/2017 at 9:57 amCool that you made it to the top of the towers, when the weather is nice there are super long queues to climb!
Carol Colborn
06/20/2017 at 8:15 pmI love how you dissect Paris! Didn’t know Victor Hugo’s house was in this part!
WorldInParis
06/22/2017 at 9:56 amVictor Hugo’s house has nice views over Place des Vosges 🙂
Edith & Juan
06/20/2017 at 7:52 pmThese are great tips! All your posts make me really want to visit Paris sooner than later. Will definitely visit this district when I’m there.
WorldInParis
06/20/2017 at 8:03 pmParis 4 is the heart of Paris so if you come to the city you cannot miss it! 😉
Jade Mortimer
06/20/2017 at 4:51 amsounds amazing! i haven’t yet been to Paris so it’s great to keep track of all these tips! might just have to move there one day – i didn’t know there was so much to do in just one city!
WorldInParis
06/20/2017 at 9:01 amLiving in a big city like Paris has also its downs and sometimes life is stressful here. But it is such a beautiful city with lots of things to do that it compensates 🙂
Gidokblog
06/19/2017 at 10:41 pmHave heard a lot of good things about Paris maybe someday I will pay a visit.
WorldInParis
06/20/2017 at 9:01 amHope you will make it! 🙂
Veronika Tomanova
06/19/2017 at 1:31 pmThanks for practical tips how to survive and enjoy this elegant but touristy destination. It is already some years since I have visited Paris. I loved Notre-Dame, Montmartre and other places. I would like to come back though – so thanks for recommending!
WorldInParis
06/20/2017 at 9:02 amYou are welcome, Veronika! Hope you will make it to Paris again soon 🙂
Mike Cotton
06/19/2017 at 12:43 pmIt’s been years since I set foot in Paris but this article certainly makes me want to return. I wasn’t aware that Paris had district numbered like this, it makes it easier to navigate.
WorldInParis
06/20/2017 at 9:04 amGlad to have “teased” you with Paris. Hope you will return soon, for sure you will find lots of new tings to see & do 🙂
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
06/19/2017 at 12:50 amThe 4th is also one of my favorite arrondissements in Paris! Village St. Paul and Place de Vosges are such great spots to wander. On all of my Paris trips, I still haven’t seen the cloisters or the hidden garden, to name a few. Ile Saint-Louis is so charming and I have a favorite scarf shop I always return to for a splurge. My goodness, I just love Paris! 🙂
WorldInParis
06/19/2017 at 9:38 amOh, I love scarfs! I usually buy a scarf when I travel to exotic destinations. Do you remember the shop’s name or the address? I would like to have a look 😉
Carol Perehudoff
06/18/2017 at 6:27 pmI had no idea the Ile de la Cité used to be called Lutèce, Ile de la Cité – so that’s why there is a Lutèce hotel. That arondissiment has so much to offer and every time I go I learn a little more. Next up, I’ll explore the crypt of Notre Dame. Why have I never thought of doing that before?
WorldInParis
06/18/2017 at 7:48 pmLike I said, despite being very close to one of the most visited sights in Paris the crypt has few visitors. And it is a very cool place to discover, especially in hot days like today 😉
Gokul Raj
06/18/2017 at 12:24 pmLove this website dedicated for Paris. Very informative post. I would also like to know about the best youth hostels in Paris.
WorldInParis
08/10/2017 at 9:17 amHappy to know that you enjoy this blog, Gokul! 🙂
Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ)
06/18/2017 at 10:42 amI so love your personal favourites guide – while I would want to see the tourist places like Notre Dame, your great suggestions are the things I would want to discover for myself to make my Paris experience a lot more personal and memorable. Of course anything with food (especially ice cream!) gets my vote, but exploring the historic cloister, half-timbered house and admiring the sunset with a drink are also very appealing!
WorldInParis
06/18/2017 at 7:50 pmGlad that you loved this post! As we said, this is a personal list of favorite things we like to do but by doing this you are sure to experience Paris in a more local way 🙂
Punita Malhotra
06/18/2017 at 6:25 amThe more posts I read on your website, the more it reinforces my belief that no one can ever get enough of Paris. The more you explore, the more you feel remains unseen.
WorldInParis
06/18/2017 at 9:46 amThanks for your beautiful comment Punita! I cannot get enough of paris, there is always sth new to explore! 🙂
Rosi C.
06/18/2017 at 3:59 amReally love Paris. Been 19 years and hope to visit next year. Cool itinerary
WorldInParis
06/18/2017 at 9:46 amYou will find lots of new things to explore 😉
Rhonda Albom
06/17/2017 at 11:19 pmI didn’t even realise there were different districts in Paris. We went several years back but only for a couple days because we had a flight to Morocco. I’ve heard quite a lot about the Notre Dame Cathedral and I would love to revisit Paris so I could see it one day.
WorldInParis
06/18/2017 at 9:47 amOh, yes, it would be a pity to miss Notre Dame. Hope you will make it next time 🙂
Fiona Maclean
06/17/2017 at 1:36 pmI love Paris’s boutique hotels, though I generally stay in the 6ieme or 7ieme. Next time I’ll venture in the the 4ieme – you have some fab looking places to see!
WorldInParis
06/18/2017 at 9:48 amThere are different districts for different tastes. Maybe you will get surprised if you try other districts than 6th or 7th 😉