A Brief Description of Each Paris Neighborhood
If you’d like to get to know each of the 20 Paris neighborhoods a little, read on and see what makes them unique. Remember, where you stay makes a difference in what you’ll be able to see and do during your time in the City of Light. Choose wisely!
1st Arrondissement – Louvre
The first arrondissement, or Louvre, is located on the Right Bank of the Seine. It’s known for being home to some of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions, including the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens, Place Vendôme, and Palais Royal. You can also access the Île de la Cité from there.
2nd Arrondissement – Bourse
The second arrondissement, or Bourse, is one of the busiest areas in Paris. Located in the center of the city, it’s known for its financial institutions and high-end boutiques. Some places of interest are the Opéra-Comique and Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France).
3rd Arrondissement – Temple
The third arrondissement, or Temple, is a historic Paris neighborhood with plenty of character. From the medieval Jewish Quarter to the trendy Chinatown, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant area.
4th Arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville
The fourth arrondissement, or Hôtel-de-Ville, is home to iconic landmarks, like the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the beautiful art galleries of the Centre Pompidou. If you’re looking for a taste of history, this Paris neighborhood is the place to be. In Le Marais, you’ll also find great shopping opportunities, Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum.
5th Arrondissement – Panthéon
The fifth arrondissement, or Panthéon, is a historic neighborhood with plenty of charm. From the Latin Quarter to the Jardin des Plantes, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
6th Arrondissement – Luxembourg
The sixth arrondissement, or Luxembourg, is a chic Parisian neighborhood with plenty of personality. It’s home to the fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Jardin du Luxembourg, and part of the Latin Quarter among other interesting spots.
7th Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
The seventh arrondissement, or Palais-Bourbon, is one of the most prestigious Paris neighborhoods. Home to the Eiffel Tower, it’s no wonder this arrondissement is so popular. If you’re looking for a taste of the high life, this is the place to be.
8th Arrondissement – Élysée
The eighth arrondissement, or Élysée, is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Paris. Here, you can explore the Champs-Élysées and the Place de la Concorde – two of the most famous tourist attractions in the city.
9th Arrondissement – Opéra
The ninth arrondissement, or Opéra, is a vibrant Parisian neighborhood with the famous Palais Garnier and the trendy Boulevard Haussmann. If you’re looking for a taste of Parisian culture, this is the arrondissement for you.
10th Arrondissement – Entrepôt
The tenth arrondissement, or Entrepôt, is a historic neighborhood with a thriving immigrant community. It contains two of Paris’ main railway stations – the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l’Est – as well as the Canal Saint-Martin.
11th Arrondissement – Popincourt
The eleventh arrondissement, or Popincourt, is a trendy Parisian neighborhood with a lively nightlife. It’s home to the famous Bastille district and the fashionable Oberkampf district.
12th Arrondissement – Reuilly
The twelfth arrondissement, or Reuilly, is home to some the huge park Bois de Vincennes and the Vincennes Zoo. It also shares the Place de la Bastille with the 11th and 4th arrondissement.
13th Arrondissement – Gobelins
The thirteenth arrondissement, or Gobelins, is a historic Paris neighborhood with a strong Asian influence. It’s home to the famous Gobelins manufactory, where tapestries were produced for the royal palace, and the lively Quartier Asiatique.
14th Arrondissement – Observatoire
The fourteenth arrondissement, or Observatoire, is a chic neighborhood with plenty of things to see and do. From the high-end shopping on the Rue de Rennes to the charming Montparnasse district, there’s no shortage of attractions.
15th Arrondissement – Vaugirard
The fifteenth arrondissement, or Vaugirard, is the most populous neighborhood in Paris. It’s situated on the left bank of the River Seine, and is home to the Paris expo Porte de Versailles, one of the largest exhibition centers in Europe.
16th Arrondissement – Passy
The sixteenth arrondissement, or Passy, is a wealthy Parisian neighborhood with plenty of green space. It’s known for the world-famous Bois de Boulogne – one of the largest parks in the city – as well as a concentration of museums.
17th Arrondissement – Batignolles-Monceau
The seventeenth arrondissement, or Batignolles-Monceau, is a lively Parisian neighborhood with a strong community feel. From the charming Square des Batignolles to the beautiful Monceau district, there’s plenty to see in there.
18th Arrondissement – Butte-Montmartre
The eighteenth arrondissement, or Butte-Montmartre, is a historic neighborhood with a unique character. It’s home to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Montmartre district, as well as a number of other attractions for art lovers.
19th Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
The nineteenth arrondissement, or Buttes-Chaumont, is an eclectic Paris neighborhood with a diverse population. It includes the Parc des Buttes Chaumont – one of the most beautiful parks in Paris – as well as the Canal Saint-Denis.
20th Arrondissement – Ménilmontant
Last but not least, the twentieth arrondissement (Ménilmontant) is a charming neighborhood with a village-like feel. It’s home to the Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the most visited cemeteries in the world.
Which Paris Neighborhood Should You Stay In?
Now that you know a little bit about each of the Paris arrondissements, which one is the best place to stay on your trip?
- If you’re looking for a truly authentic Parisian experience, we recommend staying in the ninth arrondissement (Opéra). This vibrant neighborhood is full of culture and history, and it’s just a short walk from some of the city’s most iconic attractions, like the Louvre Museum.
- If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, we recommend staying in the seventeenth arrondissement (Batignolles-Monceau). This pretty neighborhood is perfect for strolling and exploring, and it has a number of great restaurants and cafés.
- For nightlife and entertainment, we recommend staying in the eleventh arrondissement (Popincourt). This trendy neighborhood is full of bars and clubs, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a night out on the town.
No matter which part of Paris you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful time! All Paris neighborhoods have luxurious hotels, cozy cafés, beautiful parks, and plenty of things to see and do for tourists and Parisians alike.
Do you have any favorite Paris neighborhoods? Let us know in the comments below!
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