Paris Arrondissements Guide (Parisian Districts) As Told by a Local

Last Updated on 25th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Paris is a beautiful capital city worthy of a visit on any venture through Europe. Full of life, culture, and plenty of historical things to do, the city is divided into twenty districts known locally as ‘arrondissements‘. Here’s your complete guide to the Paris Arrondissements; where to stay, what to do in each Parisian district, and the vibe of each French area (as told by a local!).

Map of Paris

How are the arrondissements of Paris arranged?

First things first, the easiest way to think about how the arrondissements are mapped out in Paris is like a snail, unfurling clockwise. The term snail is ‘escargot’ in French.

The first arrondissement leads into the second, the third, the fourth, before dropping to the other side of the river into the fifth, across to the sixth, etc.

The Paris arrondissements were first created in 1795. At this time, the city was much smaller (for example, Montmartre wasn’t even considered to be part of Paris!) and so there were only 12 original districts of the French capital.

All of this changed in 1860 (following the overhaul of the city by Haussmann). It was also at this point that towns which had previously been autonomous were absorbed into the fabric of Paris itself.

New arrondissements were created and so thus the 20 arrondissements of Paris were born. Today, some towns and cities are nicknamed the ’21st arrondissements of Paris’ on account of their large Parisian populations. These include the town of Deauville in Normandy and Aix-en-Provence in the South of France.

What are Paris Arrondissements? And what does the word ‘arrondissement‘ mean?’

Parisian Arrondissements are basically the administrative districts into which the city is divided. In total, there are twenty and each has their own unique style, architecture, and ambiance.

Due to the unique nature of the administrative and layouts of the arrondissements, the term is often not even translated into English and locals still prefer the use of ‘arrondissement’ rather than ‘area’ or ‘district’.

Each arrondissement has its own elected mayor. Ask any local and they’ll surely tell you that, for them, the Parisian arrondissements are not purely administrative or geographic.

Due to the unique nature of each numbered arrondissement, there are certain clichés that any Parisian will tell you about should you ask them. For example, it’s widely considered that the ‘wealthy’ Parisians live in the West of the city (particularly the 16th arrondissement of the city).

A guide to the arrondissements of Paris

Paris 1 – Louvre/ Premier

The premier arrondissement of the city encompasses many of the main tourist hotspots and those ‘must-see’ Parisian attractions you wouldn’t want to miss on any trip to the city. After all, the city’s most famous natural island, Île de la Cité is included within the 1er.

On this small isle it’s possible to find gems such as the gravestone courtyard, one of the narrowest streets in Paris, and some of the best-preserved stained glass windows in the world (Sainte Chapelle).

Ile de la Cité is also the historic heart of Paris and it’s here where the centre of the Roman city of Lutetia was based some 2000 years ago. 

Other highlights of Paris 1 outside of Ile de la Cite include the Louvre Museum (the largest museum in the world) and the Tuileries Gardens. The park is so-called because the site was once home to a series of tiles factories and where a Medici established palace once stood.

The 1er arrondissement is one of the smaller and least populated of all Paris arrondissements. However, what the area lacks in full-time population it certainly makes up for in sheer tourist numbers! Head here earlier in the day if you want to make the most of the 1er without the crowds!

Where to Stay | Le Meurice

Read Next | A quick guide to Île de la Cité

Paris 2 – Bourse

The French word ‘Bourse’ (and the name of the 2nd arrondissement) can quite literally be translated as ‘stock exchange,’ ‘trading,’ or ‘grant’. As this would suggest, the second arrondissement of the city is the financial one and as such, is home to the Parisian stock exchange as well as a myriad of banks and financial institutions.

Bourse is also the smallest of all twenty Parisian arrondissements. As well as money-related places (seriously, even the metro station is financially themed!), Bourse is also home to one of the highest concentration of covered passages that the city has to offer.

These 19th-century built commercial lanes are often covered in beautiful Art Nouveau façades which are well worth a wander along, particularly on a rainy day. Some of the best passages are Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage du Grand Cerf.

Where to Stay | Hotel Le 123 Sébastopol – Astotel

Read Next | The art of the covered Parisian passage, Passage du Grand Cerf

Paris 3 – Temple

Much of Le Marais, which in its entirety is located on the Right Bank of the Seine, is also part of the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. This is the second smallest arrondissement in Paris and if you’re a history buff and you’re looking to discover a little medieval France then you’ve most definitely come to the right place!

It’s here where you’ll find real gems of museums such as the Carnavalet Museum (a cultural space dedicated to all things related to the history of Paris), as well as the Musée des Arts et Mètiers. Using the metro, you can also expect to find a Jules Verne inspired steampunk metro station on line 11 of Arts et Mètiers.

Where to Stay | Le Pavillon de la Reine – Place des Vosges

Read Next | A Guide to Le Marais, everything you need to know!

Paris 4 – Hôtel-de-Ville

The rest of Le Marais can be found in the 4th arrondissement of the city, a district which also encompasses Paris’ other natural island, Île Saint-Louis. The 4th arrondissement is the lively part of Le Marais; an area filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants which remain open into the early hours of the morning.

Elsewhere in the 4th arrondissement (and I highly recommend staying in this part of the city if you love history, culture, and want a typically French experience), there’s the oldest public planned square in Paris (Place des Vosges) as well as a former medieval mansion turned library (Hôtel de Sens).

Within the Hotel de Sens, a former Archbishropic’s Palace, the Bibliotheque Forney specialises in the decorative arts and is free to visit by any member of the public. If you want to get a Paris library card for yourself, then all you’ll need is some ID and a passport style photo.

Where to Stay | Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc le Marais

Read Next | A free & self-guided walking tour of Le Marais

Paris 5 – Panthéon

Also known as the Latin Quarter of the city (so-called because during the Middle Ages students of the Sorbonne university would converse with one another solely in Latin), the 5e arrondissement of Paris is well-known for its vintage cinema screenings and as a hub of student nightlife.

Highlights of the 5th arrondissement of Paris include seeing the grand architecture of the Sorbonne University and perusing many of the independent and offbeat bookstores on offer.

Some personal favourites include Shakespeare and Co (so-called for a bookshop of the same name where the great writers would hang out in the 1920s) and the Abbey Bookshop.

The Latin Quarter of the city is also home to the Paris Pantheon, a former church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve, turned mausoleum. One of the highest honours a French citizen can receive post-mortem is to be interred here. Other ecclesiastical buildings of note in the 5th arrondissement include College des Bernardins and Eglise Saint Syriaque.

Where to Stay | Hotel Monge

Read Next | Feminism, Voltaire, His Remains & the Paris Pantheon

Paris 6 – Luxembourg & Saint-Germain-des-Prés

If you’re looking for a little luxury during your time in Paris, then you’ll definitely need to visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the chicest area the city has to offer. While in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, you’ll also want to check out Café de Flore (one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris), as well as Saint Sulpice, a crumbling church made famous by the Dan Brown book, the Da Vinci Code.

Elsewhere in the 6e Parisian district, the Luxembourg Gardens were first commissioned by Catherine de Medici to resemble the Boboli Gardens of Florence.

Today, this public green space is where all the locals hang out in the summertime playing Petanque (a French game similar to Boules) and rent small wooden toy boats to float across the sparkling fountains.

Where to Stay | Hôtel Esprit Saint Germain

Read Next | Seeking history at the Medici Fountain, Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris 7 – Eiffel Tower

One mistake many first time visitors to Paris make is that they assume that the Eiffel Tower is in the very heart of the city. However, this is simply not the case! Instead, the famous Parisian monument is actually located to the West of the city where touristic attractions are few and far between.

Some of the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement of Paris include a visit to the final resting place of Napoleon (Les Invalides), a visit to the army museum, a dip into Paris’ underground in the form of the Musée des Égouts and strolls along the Seine.

Where to Stay | Hotel Pont Royal

Read Next | Tips and tricks for ascending the Eiffel Tower

Paris 8 – Élysée

Following the Eiffel Tower, the most recognisable monument in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe, a triumphal arch first commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. For the best view in all of Paris (even better than the panorama from the top of the Eiffel Tower), you can ascend the arch for a fee.

But what you may not know is that there are actually two Arc de Triomphes in Paris, as well as a further two other historic archways. The large one in the Élysée district is known as the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile whereas the smaller triumphal arch located by the Louvre is called the ‘Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel’.

Other highlights of the 8e arrondissement in Paris include strolling down the world-famous shopping street that is the Champs Élysées and seeing the exterior of the Élysée Paris (the official residence of the President of France).

Where to Stay | Le Pavillon des Lettres Paris 8

Read Next | Iconic photo locations in Paris, Frace

9 – Opera & Pigalle

While there are actually two opera buildings in Paris (the other main Parisian opera being located in Bastille), the Opera made famous by Victor Hugo’s The Phantom of the Opera can be found in the form of the beautiful Opera Garnier building in a Parisian arrondissement of the same name.

The inside of this sumptuous building can be visited for a fee, though you’re not likely to catch a glimpse of the phantom any time soon!

Elsewhere in Opera and Pigalle, which is collectively known as the 9th arrondissement of Paris, there are some of the Grand Department stores of Paris to visit and explore.

The Galeries Lafayette and Printemps flagship stores sit side by side to the back of Opera Garnier and both are well worth a visit around Christmas time when they are all decked out for the holiday season.

Throughout the year, it’s also possible to access these department stores’ rooftop terraces for free. These open air terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views onto the city, including free views of the Eiffel Tower! It’s also in Pigalle, of course, where you’ll find the iconic Moulin Rouge.

Where to Stay | France Albion

Read Next | Villa des Platanes, Quirky Architecture in Pigalle

Paris 10 – Canal Saint Martin

Forget the Seine because this is where the locals hang out. Chic and trendy, if you’re looking for a non-touristic place in Paris then you should visit Canal Saint Martin. This waterway was first installed in the 19th-century and since then various pop-up shops, bars, and cafés have opened along its two banks.

Some of the very best places to visit in the 10th arrondissement of Paris include searching for filming locations (Hotel du Nord and Amelie were both filmed around here), boarding a barge to see a different perspective of the city, and hanging out with friends in quirky bars until the early hours of the morning.

Where to Stay | L’Imprimerie hôtel

Read Next | Forget the Seine, Canal Saint Martin is where the locals hang out!

Paris 11 – Oberkampf/ Popincourt

Of all the Paris arrondissements included within this article, the 11e is easily one of my favourites. And while I may be biased because I quite literally used to live there, the district is fun to visit if you love some nightlife, street art, and plenty of quirky hotels.

Over the past few decades, the area has become particularly known for its many organic shops, bike repair stores, and affinity with artists. There are lots of galleries and independent bookstores in the 11th arrondissement of Paris.

Otherwise, for one of the very best brunches in the city, head to Café Mericourt. Elsewhere in the arrondissement, some of the very best things to do include visiting the Musée Edith Piaf (the iconic singer actually grew up in the 11th) and enjoying happy hour drinks along Rue Oberkampf.

Where to Stay | Hotel Fabric

Read Next | In search of the best brunch in Paris: Café Oberkampf

Paris 12 – Bastille/ Reuilly

So-called because prior to the French Revolution, this large arrondissement of Paris was home to a fortified prison of the same name, today Bastille is a hub of industry and is one of the largest arrondissements in Paris.

Here, you’ll also find the second largest opera house in Paris, Opéra de la Bastille, which was inaugurated on the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. Nearby the Coulée Verte is delightful to wander along on a sunny afternoon.

Elsewhere in Reuilly, the ‘Instagram-famous’ street, Rue Cremieux can be found. However, if you want to take photos of this colourful street for yourself, then make sure to head there earlier in the day, mid-week to get some snaps sans people!

Where to Stay | Hotel Motel One Porte Dorée

Read Next | Rue Cremieux: Is this the prettiest pastel street in Paris?

Paris 13 – Gobelins

Ask any Parisian what the 13th arrondissement is best-known for and they’ll likely respond with Quartier Asiatique. Indeed, the 13eme is home to the oldest and largest China Towns in Europe (this is a misnomer though as there are large populations of Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian people in the arrondissement).

Formerly the site of many textile manufacturing factories, the 13th arrondissement is also where the Gobelins factory once produced many of its most famous tapestries. For the uninitiated, Gobelins was (and still is!) a tapestry manufacturer which once supplied royalty with all their furnishing needs.

The Château de la Reine Blanche is a former Gobelins family mansion and can now be visited via guided tour on a near-daily basis. Elsewhere in the arrondissement, Cité Florale is well and truly an escape from it all.

After all, once upon a time, the area surrounding Paris proper was populated by small villages which were settlements in their own right. Although these pockets of peace have since been incorporated into the fabric of Paris, they still retain their own village vibe.

Just as you’ll find out should you opt to visit the Cité Florale or nearby Butte-aux-Cailles! Butte-aux-Cailles is particularly worth a visit if you love speciality shops- they even have a store dedicated to beekeeping in the area!

Where to Stay | Hotel Verlaine

Read Next | Château de la Reine Blanche, visiting a former Gobelins factory in Paris

Paris 14 – Montparnasse

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path, then you simply must head to the 14e arrondissement. Home to hidden gems such as the Square de Montsouris (a confusingly named pretty residential road) and parts of the Petite Ceinture (Napoleon’s secret railway), you can’t go wrong by dedicating a couple of hours to exploring this underrated Parisian arrondissement.

If you have a little extra time to spare and want a drone-like view of the city (the use of drones in Paris is strictly prohibited), then take the time to ascend the huge tower that is Montparnasse.

Once at the top, there’s a massive panoramic viewing platform, as well as a bar where you can enjoy a bite to eat with beautiful views of Paris stretching out below. All in all, if you want to experience Paris like a local, the 14th arrondissement is the place to visit.

Where to Stay | HOTEL MAX

Read Next | Lost & secret villages in Paris that even the locals don’t know about!

Paris 15 – Vaugirard

The 15th arrondissement of Paris is mostly residential which means that unless you’re headed here for something specific, you’ll likely skip it if you’re headed to the city for a more touristic visit. With this being said, one of the best viewpoints in Paris (the viewing deck of Tour Montparnasse) can be found in this area.

Located on the left bank of the Seine, this arrondissement is home to the likes of the Pont Bir-Hakeim (a beautiful bridge which is perfect for sunrise photos), as well as several parks, notably that of André-Citroën (so-called because it used to be the site of a citroën manufacturing plant) and that of Parc Georges Brassens.

Where to Stay | Hotel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Read Next | How to legally visit the Petite Ceinture

Paris 16 – Trocadéro

For the best view of the Eiffel Tower, then you simply must head to Trocadero at sunrise. Set your alarm early and head to the Iron Lady early. This way, you’ll surely be rewarded with some of the best skies and candy hues without the crowds that Paris has to offer.

It’s also here where you’ll find true 19th-century Haussmannian architecture at its finest; ornate façades, wide boulevards, cafés spilling out onto the streets and all. One of the more popular areas is Passy, a micro-district where you can enjoy a taste of local Parisian life in a residential area.

Other than strolling around with your camera in hand, one of the best things to do in the 16e arrondissement is to visit some of the museums on offer; Fondation Louis Vuitton, Musée Baccarat, and Musée Galliera can all be found in this district.

Where to Stay | Shangri-La Hotel

Read Next | If there’s only one thing you do in Paris, make it this!

Paris 17 – Batignolles-Monceau

Hip, trendy, and cool, this arrondissement is located in the very North Western corner of the city on the Right Bank of the River Seine. Much like the 15th arrondissement, this area is slightly less touristic than many of the others and so you likely won’t find yourself in this residential district unless you have a specific place you want to see.

With this being said, due to its residential nature, the 17th arrondissement boasts a fairly substantial number of good cafés, restaurants, and bars that lie a little off the beaten path.

Where to Stay | B Montmartre Hôtel

Read Next | How to spend three days in Paris

Paris 18 – Montmartre

In order to experience the Paris of yesteryear (and all the vintage vibes that go along with it), I highly recommend a visit to Montmartre. Of all the Paris arrondissements, Montmartre is easily my favourite and I could literally talk about this area all day!

Some of the very best things to do in Montmartre include visiting the teeny tiny house museum of Musée de Montmartre, seeing La Maison Rose (a café which Picasso used to frequent), and soaking up the ambiance of one of the last remaining vineyards in Paris, Le Clos Montmartre.

And if that’s not enough, simply wandering around this quirky area and allowing the 18e to reveal itself to you is a rather enjoyable way to spend away an afternoon- particularly on a Sunday…

Where to Stay | Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

Read Next | A quick guide to the best of Montmartre

Paris 19 – Parc de la Villette/ Butte-Chaumont

Come summertime, the glittering waters of La Villette are the perfect escape from the crowds of tourists which inevitably flock to more popular Parisian arrondissements. Instead, here in the Butte-Chaumont district, you’ll find plenty of places to hang out with your friends.

Places of interest in Paris’ 19th arrondissement include visiting one of the last vineyards in the city (Butte Bergeyre) and exploring an obscure manmade grotto complete with waterfall (Parc des Buttes Chaumont).

Where to Stay |

Read Next | Butte Bergeyre: Visiting one of the last vineyards in Paris

Paris 20 – Belleville & Père Lachaise

Leafy and green, while Paris is often accused of being limited in green spaces in comparison to other major European capitals such as London or Amsterdam, this is simply not the case!

If you’re looking for a less touristic area of Paris and where the locals actually hang out, then you should totally head to the 20th arrondissement. After all, it’s here where you’ll find the most famous of all Parisian Cemeteries, that of Père Lachaise.

Iconic people such as Edith Piaf, Jim Morrisson, and Oscar Wilde all find their final resting place in this French graveyard. And with its own labelled alleyways and leafy enclaves, this necropolis is also home to many a legend, including that of fated lovers, Heloise and Abelard.

Where to Stay | Hôtel Comète Paris

Read Next | Heloise and Abelard: Fated love in Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Enjoyed reading this local’s guide to the best of Paris Arrondissements? Pin it now, read it again later:

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.

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