Beyond the Eiffel Tower: Exploring the Real Paris
Paris isn’t just about landmarks; it’s a collection of unique neighborhoods, each with its own distinct vibe. To really experience Paris, you need to understand its layout, especially the arrondissements.
Think of the arrondissements as Paris’s official neighborhoods. The city is divided into 20 of them, numbered 1 through 20. They’re arranged in a spiral pattern, starting in the very center of the city and winding outwards. Each arrondissement has its own personality, history, and attractions.
Understanding the arrondissements is key to planning your perfect Parisian adventure. This guide will give you an overview of each one, highlighting the must-see spots, the hidden gems, and practical tips for getting around. With this map of neighborhoods in Paris, you’ll be navigating like a local in no time.
Paris Arrondissement Map: Understanding the City’s Layout
To really get a feel for Paris, it helps to understand how the city is laid out. Here’s a quick guide to the city’s geography.
Right Bank, Left Bank, and the Seine River Islands
The Seine River divides Paris into two halves: the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche).
Generally, the Right Bank is north of the Seine. It’s known for its grand buildings, businesses, and shopping. The Left Bank is south of the Seine and has traditionally been associated with intellectuals, students, and the city’s bohemian culture.
Two islands sit in the middle of the Seine: Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. The Île de la Cité is the historical heart of Paris and the home of Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. The Île Saint-Louis is connected to Île de la Cité, but it has a more tranquil atmosphere with charming streets and the famous Berthillon ice cream shop.
The Périphérique: Paris’s Circle Road
The Périphérique is a major highway that loops around the outer arrondissements of Paris. It marks the boundary between the city and its suburbs.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, understanding the Périphérique can help you figure out where you are and how to get around. If an attraction is located outside the Périphérique, it’s generally considered to be in the suburbs, so you’ll need to factor in extra travel time and transportation.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Exploring Districts 1-4
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or administrative districts, each with its own distinct character. The first four arrondissements are located in the heart of the city and offer a mix of history, culture, and charm. Here’s a peek at what you’ll find in each of these central districts.
1st Arrondissement: Louvre Museum, Sainte-Chapelle, Les Halles, Tuileries Garden
The 1st is home to some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks:
- Louvre Museum: See masterpieces like the Mona Lisa in person.
- Sainte-Chapelle: Marvel at the breathtaking stained glass in this Gothic chapel.
- Les Halles: This modern shopping center and transportation hub sits on the site of Paris’s former central market.
- Tuileries Garden: Stroll through this formal garden that connects the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde.
While you’re in the 1st, be sure to check out the designer boutiques, and maybe consider a cruise on the Seine for unique views of the city’s top attractions.
2nd Arrondissement: Covered Arcades, Sentier, Bourse
The 2nd offers a glimpse into Paris’s past and present:
- Covered Passages: Step back in time as you explore historic shopping arcades like Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas.
- Sentier: This district is known for its textile industry and trendy shops.
- Bourse: Visit the Paris stock exchange.
Be sure to discover the hidden gems tucked away within the covered passages.
3rd Arrondissement (Temple): Picasso Museum, Upper Marais, Musée Carnavalet
The 3rd is a hub for art and culture:
- Picasso Museum: Discover the works of Pablo Picasso.
- Upper Marais (Haut Marais): Explore this trendy area filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
- Musée Carnavalet: Learn about the history of Paris at this fascinating museum.
Spend some time browsing the trendy boutiques and art galleries of the Upper Marais.
4th Arrondissement: Notre Dame, Pompidou Center, Île Saint-Louis, Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Ville
The 4th is home to a mix of historic and modern landmarks:
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Witness the ongoing restoration of this historic cathedral.
- Pompidou Center: Admire the modern art and unique architecture of this museum.
- Île Saint-Louis: Escape the hustle and bustle on this peaceful island with charming streets and delicious Berthillon ice cream.
- Place des Vosges: Relax in one of the oldest planned squares in Paris.
- Hôtel de Ville: See Paris City Hall.
Wander through the historic Marais district and soak up the atmosphere of Île Saint-Louis.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Exploring Districts 5-8
Let’s take a virtual stroll through four more of Paris’s unique arrondissements.
5th Arrondissement: Latin Quarter
Home to the Sorbonne University, the Panthéon, and the Jardin des Plantes, the 5th Arrondissement is best known as the Latin Quarter, a historic student district.
Key Attractions
- Latin Quarter: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this lively student district, anchored by the Sorbonne University.
- Panthéon: Visit the neoclassical monument that houses the tombs of some of France’s most famous figures.
- Jardin des Plantes: Explore the botanical garden and natural history museum.
6th Arrondissement: Luxembourg Garden
The 6th Arrondissement is home to the Luxembourg Garden, Saint Germain des Prés, and the Saint-Sulpice Church.
Key Attractions
- Luxembourg Garden: Relax in this beautiful park with its fountains, sculptures, and wide array of activities.
- Saint Germain des Prés: Visit the historic neighborhood known for its literary cafes and boutiques.
- Saint-Sulpice Church: Marvel at the impressive church and its famous Delacroix murals.
7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower
The 7th Arrondissement is where you’ll find the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Bon Marché, and the Champ de Mars.
Key Attractions
- Eiffel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the iconic symbol of the city.
- Orsay Museum: Explore the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art housed in a former train station.
- Bon Marché: Treat yourself to a shopping spree at this luxury department store.
- Champ de Mars: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this large park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
8th Arrondissement: Arc de Triomphe
The 8th Arrondissement is home to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, the Golden Triangle, and the Parc Monceau.
Key Attractions
- Arc de Triomphe: Stand in awe of this monument at the end of the Champs-Élysées.
- Champs-Élysées: Stroll along this world-famous avenue lined with shops and restaurants.
- Golden Triangle: Indulge in some luxury shopping in this upscale district.
- Parc Monceau: Relax in this elegant park filled with sculptures and a colonnade.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Exploring Districts 9-12
Let’s continue our tour of Paris, this time focusing on the 9th through 12th arrondissements, each offering a unique flavor and set of attractions.
9th Arrondissement: Opulence and Entertainment
The 9th is home to iconic landmarks and vibrant entertainment. You’ll find:
- Palais Garnier: This stunning opera house is a must-see, whether you catch a performance or take a tour.
- Pigalle: Known for the Moulin Rouge, this district pulses with nightlife.
- Galeries Lafayette and Printemps: Indulge in some retail therapy at these grand department stores.
- Musée Grévin: Get up close and personal with wax figures of celebrities and historical figures.
Don’t miss the chance to wander through the covered passages for a glimpse of old-world charm.
10th Arrondissement: Canal-Side Charm
The 10th offers a more relaxed atmosphere, centered around its waterways and transport hubs:
- Canal Saint-Martin: This trendy canal area is lined with bars and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Place de la République: A large public square, often hosting events and gatherings.
- Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est: Major train stations connecting Paris to destinations throughout Europe.
Grab a coffee and watch the boats go by on the Canal Saint-Martin for a truly Parisian experience.
11th Arrondissement: Lively and Eclectic
The 11th is a vibrant district known for its nightlife and artistic scene:
- Place de la Bastille: A historic square, marking the site of the former Bastille prison.
- Oberkampf: A lively neighborhood brimming with bars and restaurants.
- Atelier des Lumières: Immerse yourself in digital art at this unique center.
Experience the electric atmosphere of Oberkampf after dark.
12th Arrondissement: Green Spaces and Local Markets
The 12th offers a mix of green spaces and local flavor:
- Promenade Plantée: An elevated park built on a former railway line, offering stunning city views.
- Marché d’Aligre Market: A bustling market with fresh produce and local products.
- Bercy Village: A shopping and dining area housed in former wine warehouses.
- Bois de Vincennes: A large park on the eastern edge of Paris, perfect for a nature escape.
Take a stroll along the Promenade Plantée or explore the Marché d’Aligre for a taste of local life.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Exploring Districts 13-16
Let’s take a look at what you can expect to find in arrondissements 13 through 16.
13th Arrondissement: Gobelins Tapestry, Place d’Italie, Street Art, Butte aux Cailles
In the 13th, you’ll find:
- Gobelins Tapestry Manufactory. A historic tapestry workshop.
- Place d’Italie. A sprawling public square.
- Street art. An explosion of vibrant street art.
- Butte aux Cailles. A charming, village-like neighborhood.
Be sure to take some time to discover the street art scene.
14th Arrondissement: The Catacombs, Montparnasse Cemetery, Fondation Cartier
The 14th offers:
- The Catacombs. An underground ossuary that contains the remains of millions of Parisians.
- Montparnasse Cemetery. A cemetery that’s the final resting place of many famous people.
- Fondation Cartier. A contemporary art museum.
If you have the nerve, take the unique opportunity to visit the Catacombs.
15th Arrondissement: Parc André Citroën, Montparnasse Tower, Beaugrenelle Mall
Don’t miss these attractions in the 15th:
- Parc André Citroën. A modern park with unique features.
- Montparnasse Tower. A skyscraper that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Beaugrenelle Mall. A modern shopping mall.
Be sure to take in the views from Montparnasse Tower.
16th Arrondissement: Trocadéro, Palais de Tokyo, Musée Marmottan Monet, Bois de Boulogne, Paris Aquarium
The 16th features:
- Trocadéro. An area that offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
- Palais de Tokyo. Another contemporary art museum.
- Musée Marmottan Monet. A museum dedicated to the works of Claude Monet.
- Bois de Boulogne. A sprawling park on the western edge of Paris.
- Paris Aquarium. An aquarium with a variety of marine life.
Take in the iconic views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Exploring Districts 17-20
Let’s head to the outer arrondissements and see what they have to offer.
17th Arrondissement: Batignolles Square, Martin Luther King Park
The 17th, on the northwestern edge of Paris, offers a mix of quiet residential areas and lively commercial streets. Key attractions include:
- Batignolles Square: A charming, classic Parisian square in the heart of the Batignolles neighborhood.
- Martin Luther King Park: A large park with lots of green space and playgrounds.
To really experience the 17th, take your time wandering the Batignolles neighborhood.
18th Arrondissement: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge, Les Puces Flea Market
The 18th, located in the northern part of the city, is famous for Montmartre and its artistic history. Don’t miss:
- Montmartre: The historic hilltop neighborhood known for its artistic vibe.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: The iconic white-domed basilica at the top of Montmartre.
- Moulin Rouge: The world-famous cabaret.
- Les Puces de Saint-Ouen: The biggest flea market in Paris (just outside the city limits).
Soak up the artsy atmosphere of Montmartre for a true taste of the 18th.
19th Arrondissement: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Parc de la Villette
The 19th, in the northeastern part of Paris, offers lots of green space and cultural attractions, including:
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A gorgeous park with a temple, waterfalls, and caves.
- Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: A fascinating science museum.
- Parc de la Villette: A huge park with museums, concert venues, and plenty of green space.
A visit to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a must when you’re exploring the 19th.
20th Arrondissement: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville
The 20th, in the eastern part of Paris, is known for its multicultural vibe and historic cemetery:
- Père Lachaise Cemetery: The final resting place of many famous people, like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.
- Belleville: A multicultural neighborhood with vibrant street art.
Pay your respects at Père Lachaise Cemetery and then wander the streets of Belleville for a unique Parisian experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coolest neighborhood in Paris?
Ah, the age-old question! “Cool” is subjective, n’est-ce pas? But if you’re after trendy vibes and a bit of edge, many would point you towards Le Marais (3rd & 4th arrondissements) with its vintage shops and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, or maybe Canal Saint-Martin (10th arrondissement) for its hipster cafes and canal-side picnics. Belleville (10th, 11th, 19th, 20th arrondissements) also holds a certain rough-around-the-edges charm.
What is the name for the 20 different neighborhoods in Paris?
Paris isn’t exactly divided into neighborhoods per se, but rather into 20 administrative districts called arrondissements. They’re numbered 1 through 20 in a clockwise spiral, starting in the center of the city. Each arrondissement has its own distinct character and is further divided into four quartiers (neighborhoods), but the arrondissement is the primary designation.
Which is the best arrondissement to walk around in Paris?
That depends on what you’re looking for! For iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, the 7th arrondissement is a must. For history and charm, try the Marais. For a bohemian vibe, Montmartre (18th arrondissement) is hard to beat. Honestly, Paris is a walker’s paradise, and each arrondissement offers its own unique delights. The best thing to do is pick a starting point and just wander!
In Conclusion
To really get the most out of your time in Paris, it helps to understand the city’s arrangement into 20 arrondissements. Each district has its own distinct flavor and neighborhoods within it.
Use this guide to plan your trip to Paris. Choose where you’ll stay and what you’ll do based on the unique character of each arrondissement.
And don’t feel like you need to stick to the main tourist spots. Some of the most memorable experiences in Paris happen when you wander off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems each arrondissement has to offer.