Last Updated on 16th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Located to the North West of the city, in an area seldom frequented by tourists but a section of Paris that remains charming nonetheless, the 17th arrondissement is best-known for its trendy bars, beautiful parks, and lively Batignolles district. Here’s your insider’s guide to the best things to do in the 17th arrondissement, as well as what to know before visiting.
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Where is the 17th arrondissement?
The 17th arrondissement is one of the 20 arrondissements of Paris. It can be found inside Paris proper (known in French as the périphérique) and is in the North West corner of the city. The district is bordered by the 18th, 16th, and 8th arrondissements.
By and large, the 17th arrondissement is a residential district, and so there are no great Parisian landmarks or monuments there. Instead, visitors to the district will soon find plenty of local markets, adorable cafés, and parks and gardens to stroll and relax in. The 17th arrondissement is one of the larger districts of the city and is three times larger than the 1st arrondissement.
Best things to do in the 17th arrondissement
Due to its lack of major tourist attractions, the 17th arrondissement does not have many must-see places to visit, nor is it very popular among tourists. Luckily, much like the 20th arrondissement, what the 17th lacks in things to do, it makes up for in a wide array of delicious venues where you can eat, drink, and caffeinate.
My personal favourite area of this Parisian district is Les Batignolles. This area is concentrated around the square des Batignolles, which in turn is home to English architecture, café terraces spilling out into the streets, and a myriad of independent boutiques and shops. The main streets which make up the Batignolles area include rue des Dames, Rue Legendre and Boulevard des Batignolles.
Arc de Triomphe
Though the Arc de Triomphe is technically located in the 8th district of the city, the Northwest corner of it tips very so slightly into the 17th arrondissement. Of all the places to view Paris from above, the Arc de Triomphe most certainly tops the list! If you’re planning to visit the great monument for yourself, then be sure to purchase your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance.
Martin Luther King Park
One of the biggest and most serene parks in the 17th arrondissement is that of the Martin Luther King Park, which also happens to be one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Paris during the spring.
Known in French as Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin-Luther-King, this is an urban development project that was started in the early 200s. Today, the park is one of the most tranquil spots in the city to hang out with friends or simply sit in nature and watch the world go by.
Rue Poncelet Market
One of the greatest aspects of the 17th is that there are plenty of local markets and brocantes held throughout the year. The rue Poncelet market is open almost every day of the week (closed on Mondays) and once there visitors can discover a mouthwatering array of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and local French cheeses.
Cité des Fleur
Throughout Paris, there is a myriad of smaller micro-arrondissements which are like little villages of Paris in their own right. One of these little pockets of Paris which boasts a village vibe is Cité des Fleur. The pedestrian street houses a number of adorable foliage adorned villa-like houses and is a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
Enjoy the architecture
One of the loveliest aspects of Paris is that wandering through any area of the city is sure to present the opportunity to enjoy some unique or interesting architecture, and the 17th is no exception. Particular highlights include Art Nouveau architecture, as well as plenty of Haussmannian buildings.
Where to eat, drink & caffeinate in the 17th arrondissement
Pistache
One of my absolute favourite places to grab a drink and a quick bite to eat with friends is Pistache. The quaint wine bar has terrace space in the summer and a cozy ambiance indoors in the winter. I particularly like the small pizzas, which go perfectly with a glass of crisp wine.
Dose
When it comes to getting coffee in Paris, there is no café that can rival Dose, which also has a location in the Latin Quarter. There are plenty of speciality coffees on offer (including oat milk drinks), as well as delicious snacks, and a wide array of teas and cold beverages.
Regular visitors will be happy to note that there is a loyalty programme whereby you can get a free beverage after purchasing a certain number of drinks.
As well as indoor seating, there is outdoor terrace space available. In warmer times, visitors might want to take their drinks and foodstuffs to go and head to the nearby Square des Batignolles, which is a delightful green space housed atop of a former freight yard.
Lovebird
One particular venue that you should be sure to book if you want to guarantee a spot in Lovebird, which is located close to Place de Clichy and so is an easy meeting spot for friends who live on different metro lines.
The quaint bar and eatery serves up tapas style dishes to be shared, as well as delicious cocktails. Please note that, due to licensing laws, it’s mandatory to order some kind of food to accompany your beverage.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.