Paris Arrondissements Guide – Paris’ Districts Explained

A Local’s Guide to the Paris Arrondissements

This Paris Arrondissements guide covers all that you need to know about the Arrondissements of Paris (or Paris Districts). Paris has 20 Arrondissements, and knowing what each one provides is great for planning your days and traveling through the city.

Planning your first trip to Paris can be challenging. Whether you’re wondering about the best Arrondissement to stay in or the best things to do in specific areas of Paris, I will guide you through what to do and where to stay and play in each of the 20 Arrondissements of Paris.

Without further delay, here’s your go-to guide to Paris’ Arrondissements, complete with a map and my best tips.

Table of Contents:

• Favorite Walking Tours by Paris Arrondissement
• Paris Arrondissements vs. Paris Districts vs. Paris Neighborhoods
• Paris by Arrondissement – Things to Do

Below is the list of the 20 Arrondissements of Paris. Click on the links to navigate through the Paris areas that interest you most:

• 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 Arrondissements vs. Paris Districts vs. Paris Neighborhoods

Paris Arrondissements Explained

What is an Arrondissement? The Arrondissements of Paris are pure administrative divisions. Paris is divided into 20 Arrondissements (or 20 Districts, it’s the same thing). In each Arrondissement, 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 its Mayor, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.

Arrondissements are not to be confused with Neighborhoods (Quartiers). Paris Neighborhoods like Belleville, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and many more are historical divisions, while the Arrondissements of Paris are administrative divisions that have existed only since the 18th century. One Paris Arrondissement usually includes many Paris Neighborhoods within its boundaries, with 80 Neighborhoods in Paris in total. Here’s my Paris neighborhood guide.

Paris Arrondissement Map

To find your bearings in Paris, there is a little trick: if you look at the Paris Arrondissement 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.

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 Arrondissement on top.

Guide to Paris Arrondissements – Things to Do in the Different Areas of Paris

This chapter gives a good breakdown of all the areas in Paris. You will find the Paris Arrondissements explained, with some historical notes, and the main Paris attractions by Arrondissement.

If you want to learn more about a specific Arrondissement, check out my Paris by Arrondissement posts.

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1st Arrondissement of Paris (Louvre)

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The 1st Arrondissement of Paris is the most central district. This is the district of (half) Ile de la Cité and the royal and religious power in Medieval times, with the Louvre, the Palais Royal, the Conciergerie, the Sainte Chapelle, and the entire Place Vendôme within easy reach.

The First Arrondissement is also the district of Les Halles. Historically known as “the belly of Paris,” this Paris neighborhood is less upmarket than the areas around the Louvre, but it has a good choice of accommodations and restaurants for all kinds of travelers.

But visiting Paris 1 also means enjoying numerous green spaces right in the city center. The First Arrondissement boasts the largest area of ​​green space within the city walls (excluding the woods), thanks to the 25 hectares of the Tuileries Gardens. In addition, there are more secluded spots, such as the Square du Vert-Galant, at the western end of the Ile de la Cité – a haven of peace for Parisians seeking tranquility.

This unique district appeals to lovers of the authentic Parisian experience, where history, architecture, and culture meet.

2nd Arrondissement of Paris (Bourse)

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The 2nd Arrondissement is Paris’ smallest district. It is 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.

The 2nd Arrondissement is characterized by beautiful architecture in the Haussmann style. In addition to the more classical buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, there are fine examples of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco architecture. The galleries are also ideal places for bargain hunting or a coffee. Finally, the neighborhood is also characterized by its covered passages.

In the evening, the district empties of its financial professionals and becomes a popular spot for night owls, who find numerous theaters and performance halls there. Evening entertainment can continue in one of the many bars and cafés along the boulevards or around Rue des Petits-Champs and the Montorgueil neighborhood.

The aesthetically pleasing and elegant 2nd Arrondissement welcomes visitors seeking a very urban, typically Parisian lifestyle.

3rd Arrondissement of Paris (Temple)

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Half of Le Marais is located in the 3rd Arrondissement of Paris. At the end of the Middle Ages, the 3rd Arrondissement was chosen by the Parisian nobility to build their residences. These private mansions, as well as the maze of narrow streets of the district, were spared during the major 19th-century works undertaken by Baron Haussmann. This is why the 3rd Arrondissement retains this architecture and atmosphere, so specific and different from those of the western Arrondissements.

Paris 3 is both a historical and trendy district, 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.

The Third Arrondissement is also home to the city’s first Chinese community (Temple and Arts-et-Métiers neighborhoods), so it is a good place to find cheap and authentic Asian food on the streets.

Come to Paris 3 for its beautiful cafés and wine bars, vintage shops, private mansions with secluded gardens, and art galleries.

4th Arrondissement of Paris (Hôtel de Ville)

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The 4th Arrondissement of Paris extends over a large part of the Ile de la Cité, the Ile Saint-Louis, and the southern part of Le Marais.

Deeply marked by history, it has nevertheless been redesigned over the centuries. The most recent of these changes concerned the Place Georges Pompidou with the construction of the Centre of the same name, with its bold architecture. It contrasts sharply with the classical architecture of the Place des Vosges or the private mansions of Le Marais, such as the Hôtel de Sully, or the Gothic-style Hôtel des Archevêques de Sens.

This Arrondissement has neighborhoods that loudly proclaim their belonging to a community, like the Jewish quarter around Rue des Rosiers and Rue Pavée or the so-called “gay district” around Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie.

A bourgeois and trendy neighborhood, the 4th Arrondissement never leaves anyone indifferent. Far from becoming a “museum district” despite its countless monuments, it remains a true living space, appreciated by locals and visitors.

5th Arrondissement of Paris (The Latin Quarter)

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Also known as the Latin Quarter, the 5th Arrondissement dates back to Roman times. Boasting numerous vestiges of the past, Paris 5 is home to prestigious universities that have contributed to its reputation, as well as its liveliness and atmosphere.

Many related activities have consequently developed in the district: beautiful libraries, university publishing houses, and specialty bookstores. However, residents of the 5th Arrondissement like to point out that their district is not limited to this. They will tell you about the promenade along the Seine River, the Great Mosque of Paris and its tea room with a thousand wonders, and the Jardin des Plantes with its magnificent greenhouses and the Galerie de l’Évolution.

A student and historic district, Paris 5 is also a charming Arrondissement with its winding streets and passageways, as well as its wide avenues. A neighborhood that always has surprises in store, even for its oldest residents.

6th Arrondissement of Paris (Saint -Germain-des-Prés)

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With its cinemas, theaters, and bookstores, this chic and elegant district of Paris is dedicated to culture. It is also one of the most expensive in the capital.

The 6th Arrondissement of Paris is mainly known for its famous Quartier of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a meeting place for students, artists, and intellectuals at various times. It is also home to the Luxembourg Gardens, Saint Sulpice Church, beautiful architecture, and expensive art galleries, which, unfortunately, replaced the little bookshops and printers that once provided the universities nearby.

Popular with tourists, the 6th Arrondissement symbolizes the Parisian art of living, a mixture of cultural life and lightness and an aesthetic aged by the years.

7th Arrondissement of Paris (Eiffel Tower)

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Around the Eiffel Tower, on the Left Bank, the elegant 7th Arrondissement is known for the beauty of its monuments, bourgeois buildings, and its wide-open spaces.

Paris 7 is a spacious Arrondissement with two major grassy axes, Champs de Mars and Avenue de Breteuil. This peaceful and elegant atmosphere has attracted numerous institutions and official bodies, like many foreign embassies and the UNESCO headquarters.

Despite the hordes of tourists who invade the Champs de Mars every day to admire the Eiffel Tower and the people who work in the various ministries, institutions, and embassies, the 7th Arrondissement retains a very peaceful atmosphere. Shops are few but of high quality, especially around Rue de Babylone, Boulevard Raspail, and Rue du Bac. Plus, there’s the famous Le Bon Marché department store, dating back to the Second Empire.

There are also many museums such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, Les Invalides, and the Musée du Quai Branly with its bold architecture.

The extensive cultural offer, the understated beauty of its avenues, the beautiful perspectives of its streets, and its green spaces make Paris 7 a particularly renowned district.

8th Arrondissement of Paris (Elysée)

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The vast majority of the 8th Arrondissement of Paris was built during the 19th century and features typical Haussmannian architecture, including beautiful bourgeois stone buildings and magnificent private mansions. Full of prestigious addresses that are the dream destination of tourists from all over the world, here you’ll find the unmissable Champs-Élysées, the Élysée Palace, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Parc Monceau, Boulevard de Courcelles, and renowned streets such as Avenue Georges V and Avenue Montaigne.

Haute couture and luxury brands, as well as 5-star historic hotels, have set up shop here, contributing to the Arrondissement’s prestige. At the foot of the Champs-Élysées, the Grand and Petit Palais and the Hôtel de la Marine also contribute to its beauty and renown.

Paris 8 is also a great place to go out in the evening. After the theaters (Rond-Point, Marigny, the famous Olympia concert hall), locals gather in the lively bars and cafés on the Champs-Elysées or on Avenue Georges V.

A symbol and embodiment of the City of Lights, the 8th Arrondissement is truly enchanting, especially during the holiday season with its illuminations and decorated window displays.

9th Arrondissement of Paris (Opéra)

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The 9th Arrondissement of Paris offers a rare diversity: quiet residential areas, lively streets around the Grands Boulevards, iconic cultural hubs, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.

The Opera neighborhood around the Palais Garnier is the cultural and emblematic heart of the 9th Arrondissement, and attracts lovers of art, heritage, and classical architecture.

Paris 9 is also the Grands Boulevards and its department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Printemps), and museums and cultural venues such as the Musée Grévin and the Musée de la Vie Romantique.

In the evening, the Arrondissement lights up thanks to its numerous performance halls and theaters: the Folies Bergère, the Casino de Paris, the Théâtre de la Bruyère, and more intimate venues like the Théâtre de Trévise. These venues attract a loyal clientele and contribute to the 9th Arrondissement’s strong cultural identity.

10th Arrondissement of Paris (Canal Saint-Martin)

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Less touristy and more working-class than other areas of Paris, the 10th Arrondissement is a district with many faces.

Its many covered and uncovered passageways contrast sharply with the heavy traffic and noise of the main roads. The Afro hairdressers and exotic grocery stores on Rue du Château d’Eau create a surprising African bubble in the heart of Paris, while the Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord train stations attract thousands of travelers every day.

Finally, along the Canal Saint-Martin, visitors discover a more bourgeois, friendly atmosphere, with strolls along the canal, vintage shopping, and the terraces of the many bars and cafés, which become very festive in the evening.

11th Arrondissement of Paris (République)

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The 11th Arrondissement is deeply marked by its historical significance. The Bastille prison, whose storming in 1789 marked the beginning of the French Revolution, remains a powerful symbol for Parisians. Social and political demonstrations are still held on the streets of this Arrondissement —from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation— a testament to this committed collective memory.

This activist culture is also rooted in a craftsmanship past, particularly active in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, where cabinetmaking workshops were numerous. Despite the pressure of real estate speculation, some organizations continue to keep the spirit of manual labor alive in the heart of the capital.

Even though it is far from the heart of Paris, the 11th Arrondissement is a central area for nightlife, culture, and dining. The area around Place de la Bastille is among the liveliest in the capital, boasting a diverse selection of cafés, restaurants, bars, and theaters. The young, cosmopolitan population actively contributes to this relaxed, urban atmosphere.

12th Arrondissement of Paris (Reuilly)

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

Paris 12 may not be one of the must-see districts of this Paris Arrondissement guide, but it is home to one of Paris’ best markets, great promenades, and quirky historic sites. A stroll along La Coulée Verte or a glass of wine at Bercy Village is always a good excuse to visit Paris 12!

13th Arrondissement of Paris (Butte-aux-Cailles)

Prices: €  | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 | Local Feel: 🙂 🙂 🙂

The 13th Arrondissement is located in the far southeast of Paris, on the Seine’s Left Bank. A kind of no man’s land with a strong Chinese population, this working-class district has some cool things to see and do, like the arty Butte-Aux-Cailles neighborhood, the Gobelins Manufactory, and the Cité de la Mode et du Design.

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, I urge you to give it a chance!

14th Arrondissement of Paris (Montparnasse)

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The 14th Arrondissement is mainly known for its bustling streets overlooking the Montparnasse Tower and train station, which preserve the memory of the wild nights of the 1920s and 1930s. Performance venues, brasseries, crêperies, and a cinema create a joyful atmosphere that locals cherish.

However, a few streets further on, the atmosphere is much more peaceful, with bourgeois buildings with their elegant facades, the Cimitière de Montparnasse, and the Parc Montsouris.

The Cité Universitaire, with its exotic buildings, is a hub of life and cultural activities where students from all over the world gather.

A very diverse Arrondissement, Paris 14 is above all a lively, vibrant, and pleasant place to explore.

15th Arrondissement of Paris (Vaugirard – Grenelle)

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The 15th Arrondissement is mostly residential. Located in the southwest of Paris, the 15th Arrondissement is the largest in the city and also the most populated.

Paris 15 is definitely a family district. It is very quiet, with no big-name sites or a special charm, and too far from everything.

16th Arrondissement of Paris (Chaillot – Auteuil – Passy)

Prices: € € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 | Local Feel: 🙂 🙂

Located on the Right Bank, the 16th Arrondissement is bourgeois, residential, and discreet.

Paris 16 is home to beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and renowned museums such as the Marmottan-Monet Museum, the Musée de l’Homme, and the Maison de Balzac. There are also numerous cinemas, art galleries, theaters, chic rooftop bars, and foreign cultural institutes.

In Paris 16, you are never far from the Bois de Boulogne, perfect for running, a picnic, or a romantic soirée in the Chalet des Iles. Sporting activities are also plentiful, including the Parc des Princes (PSG), Roland-Garros Stadium, Jean-Bouin Stadium, and private tennis clubs.

17th Arrondissement of Paris (Batignolles-Monceau)

Prices: € € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙁 | Local Feel: 🙂 🙂

The 17th Arrondissement is one of the Paris areas that is 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 still retains its charming village atmosphere.

Markets, boutiques, green spaces, and elegant Haussmannian architecture are well worth the detour.

18th Arrondissement of Paris (Montmartre)

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Paris 18 is perhaps the most paradoxical of the 20 Arrondissements of Paris. It is home to the old village of Montmartre and three of the best cabarets in Paris, but there are also working-class zones long forgotten by everybody.

There are no Paris districts to avoid, but I 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 accommodation is located north of Blanche, Pigalle, or Anvers metro stations, and you won’t be wrong.

Between these two clichés, locals and visitors enjoy a dynamic and lively district, which is cosmopolitan and welcoming.

19th Arrondissement of Paris (Buttes-Chaumont)

Prices: € | Paris Points of Interest: 🙂 | Local Feel: 🙂 🙂  🙂

The 19th Arrondissement of Paris is where World in Paris has its headquarters, so I can only say good things about this Paris Arrondissement! Paris 19 is a non-touristy district perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience unique, offbeat Paris.

A former industrial area developed along Canal de l’Ourcq, the 19th Arrondissement is today home to numerous green spaces, the trendy area of Canal de l’Ourcq – Parc de la Villette, and a number of other secret charms.

20th Arrondissement of Paris (Belleville)

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Located in the northeast corner of the city, the 20th Arrondissement of Paris was, a few years ago, the cheapest district to live in; that’s why so many young Parisian couples moved to the 20th Arrondissement. Today, Paris 20 is one of the trendiest and most authentic districts in Paris, and all this without tourists!

Best known for being home to Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris 20 offers no shortage of things to do. It has Asian markets, art-filled streets, trendy low-key bars, and charming village-like pockets that hark 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.

And there you have it, the Paris Arrondissements Guide, with all the Paris districts explained, so you know what to expect of the different areas of Paris.

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