Paris Arrondissements Guide – Paris’ Districts Explained

A Local’s Guide to 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 travel through the city.

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

• Paris Arrondissements vs. Paris Districts vs. Paris Neighborhoods
• Favorite Walking Tours by Paris Arrondissement
• Paris Centre – The “New” Arrondissement
• Paris by Arrondissement – Things to Do

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

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 districts). 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 in Paris are still subject to the overall policy of the City and its Mayor, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.

So Paris Districts and Paris Arrondissements are the same thing; they are synonyms in Paris. Other synonyms of Paris Arrondissements could be “sections of Paris” or “areas in Paris,” but locals do not use these two words.

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 which exist only since the 18th century. One Paris Arrondissement usually includes many Paris Neighborhoods within its boundaries, with 80 Neighborhoods in Paris in total.

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.

1st Arrondissement of Paris (Louvre)

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The 1st Arrondissement of Paris is the most central District of Paris, home to some of the most famous buildings and landmarks in the city. This is the district of (half) Ile de la Cité and the royal power in Medieval times, with the Royal Palace, the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, and the Seine River.

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.

Come to Paris 1 for its monuments and elegant squares, to enjoy the banks of the Seine River, or to take a Seine River cruise. 

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.

There are not many tourist sites in Paris 2, but it has beautiful architecture and elegant covered passages. It is also 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.

3rd Arrondissement of Paris (Temple)

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Half of Le Marais (one of the most famous areas in Paris, which is neither an arrondissement nor a neighborhood) 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.

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 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, the Hôtel de Ville, and Notre Dame Cathedral. 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 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 Paris is the place to go.

Come to Paris 4 for its history, shopping, pleasant walks, and to enjoy the Seine’s Right Bank.

5th Arrondissement of Paris (The Latin Quarter)

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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 the Jardin des Plantes 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.

6th Arrondissement of Paris (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 Arrondissement. Indeed, 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.

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 provided 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.

7th Arrondissement of Paris (Eiffel Tower)

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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.

I must admit that I am not a fan of Paris 7, but I love 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, such as the Rodin Museum, the Orsay Museum, and the Quai Branly Museum.

8th Arrondissement of Paris (Elysée)

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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, and 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 one 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 beautiful views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

9th Arrondissement of Paris (Opéra)

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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 it is now one of the city’s coolest districts of Paris.

From Pigalle to the streets around 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 location, close to the Grands Boulevards and Montmartre, could be your best location to visit Paris’ main sights and enjoy a little bit of nightlife.

Come to Paris 9 for its local life and some great historical and contemporary sites.

10th Arrondissement of Paris (Canal Saint-Martin)

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Paris 10 is one of the coolest Arrondissements in the north, eternally linked to Canal Saint-Martin waterway and its iron footbridges. It is also the district of two big train stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, with an always busy atmosphere.

The 21st century has given new life to this former working-class district. Today, Paris 10 is populated with lovely 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.

11th Arrondissement of Paris (République)

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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. 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 King Louis XIV’s reign. 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 inspired Victor Hugo’s legendary book Les Misérables.

With industrialization in the 19th century, 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, perhaps 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 …

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 of Paris, 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 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 is always a good excuse to visit Paris 12!

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

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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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Although the 14th Arrondissement isn’t on everyone’s list of best Arrondissements 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 the Paris Underground Guide, like the Catacombs of Paris and the Carrières des Capucins.

In Paris 14, I like the Cité Universitaire de Paris, with its architecture from the four corners of the world and its student atmosphere. 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.

15th Arrondissement of Paris (Vaugirard – Grenelle)

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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.

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 for me.

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

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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.

17th Arrondissement of Paris (Batignolles-Monceau)

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

The 17th Arrondissement 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 exquisitely authentic Haussmannian Paris.

18th Arrondissement of Paris (Montmartre)

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Paris 18 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 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 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.

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! The 19th District of Paris 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, Paris 19 is today home to the trendy area of Canal de l’Ourcq – Parc de la Villette, the lovely Parc Buttes-Chaumont, and a number of other secret charms.

20th Arrondissement of Paris (Belleville)

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

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. 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, 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.

Come to Paris 20 if you want to enjoy Paris like a local.

I hope that you enjoyed this Paris Arrondissements Guide and it will help you plan your next trip to Paris!

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