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A Local’s Guide to the Paris Arrondissements (Paris Districts) [2023 Update]


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03/19/23

The Arrondissements of Paris

This quick guide to the Paris Arrondissements covers all that you need to know about the Arrondissements of Paris (Paris Districts).

Planning your first trip to Paris can be challenging: whether you’re wondering about the best Arrondissement 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, sleep, drink and go out in the 20 Arrondissements of Paris.

The exploration of the districts of Paris is an important part of our Paris Travel Guide, that’s why in addition to this guide you will find more detailed articles for each Paris Arrondissement. Without further delay, here’s your go-to Paris Arrondissement Guide, complete with a Paris Arrondissement Map and our best tips.

Guide to Paris by Arrondissement

Here’s an overview of the 20 Arrondissements 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
Arrondissements of Paris Map
Arrondissements of Paris

Paris Arrondissements vs. Paris Districts vs. Paris Neighborhoods

What does “Paris Arrondissement” mean?

Paris Arrondissements, what are they? The Arrondissements of Paris are pure administrative divisions. Paris is divided into 20 Paris Arrondissements (or Paris districts). In each District 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 Arrondissements are the same things, they are synonyms in Paris.

The Arrondissements of Paris are not to be confused with the Neighborhoods of Paris (Quartiers). Paris Neighborhoods like Belleville, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and many more, are historic divisions while the Arrondissements of Paris exist only since the 18th century. One Arrondissement usually includes many Paris Neighborhoods within its boundaries.

To find your bearings in Paris there is a little trick: if you look at the Arrondissements of Paris Map here below, the 1st Arrondissement of Paris is in the center of the city, then the other Paris Arrondissements are located forming a spiral turning clockwise, to finish in the 20th Arrondissement in the east.

Paris Arrondissement Map
Paris Arrondissement Map

If you don’t have a map of Paris Districts on hand, another way to easily figure out what city 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 Arrondissement.

Street Sign Paris

Our Favorite Walking Tours by Paris Arrondissement

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 Unite Under New Name: Paris Centre

In 2020 the central four Arrondissements of Paris became only one. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plan is motivated by her desire to make the arrondissements more equal in terms of the size of the population they serve. For example, while the 1st Arrondissement is home to just 17,000 residents, Paris 15 can count 240,000.

Since Monday 13 July 2020, the new name of the four arrondissements which make up the center of the city is Paris Centre. This name was voted by the residents of these four Arrondissements. Residents also voted on which town hall should represent the newly united district, and the selected town hall was the 3rd arrondissement’s town hall.

Even if the first four arrondissements are grouped together for administrative reasons, the city’s postcodes will not change. In other words, Paris and this Paris Arrondissements Guide will continue to have 20 arrondissements.

Paris Arrondissement Guide [2023 Update]

More than simple divisions, the 20 Districts of Paris have their own character and charm. They all tell locals and visitors alike different stories about Paris.

In this Paris Arrondissement Guide, we’ll try to give a good breakdown of all the Paris Arrondissements and tell about their essence. You will find the Paris districts explained, with some historical notes, and the main Paris attractions by arrondissement.

If you want to learn more about a specific arrondissement, check our Paris by Arrondissement posts. This guide does not cover the Neighborhoods in Paris, so if you want to know about them, check out our Paris Neighborhoods guide.

NOTE: the Arrondissements 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 Arrondissements, sometimes we give names to the arrondissements 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 7th Arrondissement 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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Paris 1 - Tuileries Gardens

The 1st Arrondissement of Paris is one of the must-see districts of 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, with the Royal Palace, the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, and the Seine River, best enjoyed from the water on a Seine River cruise. 

The First Arrondissement 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 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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Paris 2 Passage Choiseul Paris

The 2nd Arrondissement 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 famous Le Marais (which is neither an Arrondissement nor a District) is located in the 3rd Arrondissement 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 Arrondissement is also home to the first 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:

PARIS 4 (Hôtel de Ville)

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Hotel de Ville

The 4th Arrondissement of Paris is where you can find the 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 to stay in Paris for visitors.

The Fourth Arrondissement, 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 arrondissement of 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 (temporarily closed), 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:

PARIS 5 (The Latin Quarter)

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Paris 5 - Place Contrescarpe

The 5th Arrondissement of Paris is 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 towards the 13th and 14th Arrondissements. 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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Paris 6 - Saint Sulpice Church

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 Arrondissement. Indeed, the 6th Arrondissement of Paris is mainly known for its famous Quartier Saint-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 Flore or Café 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

PARIS 7 (Eiffel Tower)

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Low angle Eiffel Tower

The 7th Arrondissement 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 like the Rodin Museum, the Orsay Museum, or the Quai Branly Museum.

MAIN SIGHTS: the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the 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

PARIS 8 (Elysée)

Prices: € € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 🙂 | Paris Like a Local: 🙁
Arc de Triomphe

The 8th Arrondissement 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 of the Elysée Palace, the French President’s official residence, the Arc 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, and 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

PARIS 9 (Opéra)

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Palais Garnier - Opera Garnier

With the 9th Arrondissement, 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 is now one of the city’s coolest districts of Paris.

With the Opéra Garnier and the Grands Magasins, the 9th Arrondissement 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 Pigalle neighborhood to the Opéra 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)

WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 9

PARIS 10 (Canal Saint-Martin)

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Paris 10 - Canal Saint-Martin

Paris 10 is one of the coolest districts in Paris, eternally linked to Canal Saint-Martin waterway and its iron footbridges.

The 10th Arrondissement is also the district of two big train stations: Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, with an always busy and popular (sometimes sketchy) atmosphere around.

The 21st century has given new life to this popular Arrondissement 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

PARIS 11 (République)

Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂
Paris 11 Like Local

Located in the east of Paris, the 11th Arrondissement lies between the squares Nation, Bastille, and République and occupies part of what was once the Faubourg Saint Antoine and the Faubourg du Temple.

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 Arrondissement 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: 🙂 🙂
Paris 12 - Promenade Plantée

The 12th Arrondissement of Paris is one of the main residential areas of Paris. Also, it has the honor of being the greenest district of Paris, home of Parc Floral, Bois de Vincennes, and Parc de Bercy.

Paris 12 may not be one of the must-see districts of this Paris Arrondissements 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 are always a good excuse to visit Paris 12.

MAIN SIGHTS: Le Marché d’Aligre

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: 🙂 🙂 🙂
Paris 13 - Street Art

As you can see on the Paris Arrondissements map, the 13th Arrondissement 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 incredible Street 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, Château de la Reine Blanche, remains of Couvent des Cordelières, French National Library.

BEST MUSEUMS: Manufacture des Gobelins

WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals in Paris 13

PARIS 14 (Montparnasse)

Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂
La Rotonde Paris

Although the 14th Arrondissement isn’t on everyone’s list of best Districts 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 also 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, like the Catacombs of Paris or the Carrières des Capucins.

In Paris 14, we like the 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.

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

PARIS 15 (Vaugirard – Grenelle)

Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂
Paris 15 Arrondissement

If you are looking for a residential arrondissement, Paris 15 is the place to go. Located in the southwest of Paris, the 15th Arrondissement 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

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: 🙂 🙂
Paris without crowds

Built predominantly during the second half of the 19th century, the 16th Arrondissement is the “posh” district of this Paris Arrondissement 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 Peninsula Hotel, or Hotel Raphael, and their elaborated rooftop bars are a cool place to enjoy fantastic views of Paris with your favorite cocktail 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 beautiful Art 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.

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

WE RECOMMEND: 

  • Admire Guimard’s beautiful Art Nouveau Architecture

PARIS 17 (Batignolles-Monceau)

Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂
Parc Monceau Paris

Located in the northwest of Paris, this area was mostly occupied by royal hunting grounds until the French Revolution.

In the 19th century, the area evolved into three zones, all annexed as part of greater Paris in 1860: merchant Quartier de Ternes, 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 the exquisitely authentic Haussmannien Paris.

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
  • luthier shops (stringed instrument makers) of Rue de Rome.

PARIS 18 (Montmartre)

Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 🙂 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂
Moulin Rouge - Paris

This is the most paradoxical of the 20 arrondissements 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 infamous Goutte d’Or neighborhood.

In this Guide to Paris Arrondissements, 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 see Bohemian 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

PARIS 19 (Buttes-Chaumont)

Prices: € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂  🙂
Paris 19 - Buttes Chaumont

The 19th Arrondissement of Paris is where World in Paris has its headquarters. 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’OurcqParc 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 Radonège Church, 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:

PARIS 20 (Belleville)

Prices: € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 | Paris Like a Local: 🙂 🙂  🙂
Parc Belleville - Paris 20

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 Arrondissement 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 to Père 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, La Campagne à Paris

PARKS AND GARDENS: Parc de Belleville

WHERE TO SLEEP: Find last-minute hotel deals n Paris 20

WE RECOMMEND:

Paris Districts F.A.Q.

What is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris?

It depends on what you are looking for. Have lots of money and want to be close to everything? 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 Arrondissements: Paris 1, Paris 4, Paris 5, and Paris 6.

Are there no-go zones in Paris?

In general, there are no Arrondissements 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 arrondissement, where we tell you where to sleep, eat, and play like a local in Paris.

We hope that you enjoyed this Arrondissements Paris Guide and that it was helpful to plan your next trip to Paris

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  • Shelia Boudreaux
    11/08/2017 at 5:18 pm

    I love this post! I am always so confused by which is which and this helped so much. Thanks!!

    • WorldInParis
      11/11/2017 at 2:59 pm

      Now you know where to stay next time you are in Paris 😉

  • Punita Malhotra
    11/08/2017 at 7:00 am

    This is one city no one can ever get enough of. Just one look at this list of Arrondissements and you realise it needs several journeys to know it all. We have been just thrice and there is still tons that we haven’t explored. The scale of Paris can be overwhelming,

    • WorldInParis
      11/18/2017 at 10:15 pm

      I actually find it a very compact city. But YES, many things to do and see (and eat!)

  • Megan Jerrard
    11/08/2017 at 1:19 am

    Wasn’t actually aware that there was a distinction between arrondissements and quartiers, so thankyou for that clarification. Was very useful to have this easy to reference guide with tourist points of interest and degree of exploring like a local. It sounds like the 5th Arrondissement has a pretty good balance of tourist attractions, history and culture, while still being a hub of local life.

  • Val Wheatley
    11/07/2017 at 8:24 pm

    This is such a well written and informative post! And such great timing – I think we are going to have an extended Paris layover in a few weeks so we’ll have to bookmark this as our guide on where to spend our time. Although I don’t think we’ll be able to afford to check out Paris 8… lol. Paris 20 sounds pretty perfect for us for a few nights stay. Thanks so much for your in-depth research and detailed writing!

  • Kirstie
    11/07/2017 at 6:01 am

    I guess it’s different for everyone and Paris has something for everyone! Wonderful post. One problem when we go to a country is that we can’t see all of it for what it really is and sometimes the party we go to does not fit our personality and lifestyle. This is good.

  • Nisha
    11/06/2017 at 6:54 pm

    This is a perfect guide to Paris. WIth all the arrondisement clearly described one can make ones own plan how to explore the city . It has been ages since I have been there. It would be good to go and see what has changed in all these years.

  • Rhonda Albom
    11/06/2017 at 11:30 am

    I was wondering what an arrondissement was when I started this post. It’s interesting that there are so many districts in so small an area, and that each has a town hall. We had a rushed visit the last time we went and got to see all the main tourist attractions, but not really get a feel of the local life. The 13th district interests me for the street art.

    • WorldInParis
      11/18/2017 at 10:15 pm

      Thanks Rhonda for your comment. Yes, Paris 13 has really good street art and it is worth the detour 🙂

  • Hannah
    11/05/2017 at 3:12 pm

    I love hearing local opinions on Paris. I have been to Paris so often, I sometimes feel like a local (we live 2.5hrs by train south of Paris). I have always loved the 5th, as my father lived there when he was young. but also love further out, the 20th etc, as you can find some fab places to stay and less tourists if you go that little bit further beyond the tourists! This is a great run-down of the arrondissements – merci!

  • Paige W
    11/05/2017 at 11:24 am

    I’m glad you explained Arrondissements definition somewhat near the top. I was confused for a bit and felt a bit silly for not knowing that word. Ha I love that only three of them have Paris like a local 3/3. Haha It makes sense that they’re the ones with less to see. I’m curious, how did Amelie hurt Boboland?

    • WorldInParis
      11/18/2017 at 10:19 pm

      Because Amélie attired the crowds to that district of Paris and now there are Amélie tours, etc which spoil the atmosphere a little bit. It happened the same with Da Vinci Code and Paris Saint Sulpice /Louvre Museums. Actually the people responsible of these two places hate Dan Brown a lot, lol

  • Anu
    11/05/2017 at 4:30 am

    This is such a great information you have compiled for a first-time visitor to Paris. People normally write about tourist attractions and forget that cities are living places and organized for those who live here. I am yet to visit Paris, but I am now keen to check out Paris 20.

    • WorldInParis
      11/18/2017 at 10:20 pm

      Great choice! Lots of Local life and great views of the Eiffel Tower from Parc de Belleville 🙂

  • Siddhartha Joshi
    11/04/2017 at 1:34 pm

    This is so fascinating…I never quite saw Paris as a collection of arrondissements, but for a traveler it makes so much sense to know about it and plan. But as you said, each district has it’s own charm and it would be so tough to pick one…it does make sense to start with Paris 1 though 🙂