The 9th arrondissement of Paris, also known as Opéra, is a vibrant blend of grand architecture, rich culture, and lively shopping streets. Whether you’re being awestruck by the stunning Opéra Garnier, strolling down a historic passage, or discovering quirky museums, the 9th is an eclectic blend of old-world Parisian charm and modern energy. Here are 13 of the best things to do in this charming district.
1. Be Amazed By The Palais Garnier Opera House
- Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
For some reason, it took me years to visit the Palais Garnier. I bought the ticket to see the interior and was completely blown away by this incredible monument. It is, in fact, one of the most visited in Paris. Still on my list of things to do in Paris is experience an opera in the theatre under the magnificent ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.
Pro Travel Tip: Your entry ticket to the Opera Garnier is not time-specific. Do not arrive late in the day as we were turned away on our first attempt even though we had tickets. I would advise going in the morning
2. Be Dazzled (And Shop) At Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
- 40 Blvd. Haussmann, 75009 Paris
If you love shopping, you just might disappear in the shoe department for hours on end. Or possibly the perfume section. Galeries Lafayette is one of the top stores in Paris where you can shop. Don’t forget to look up! The Art Nouveau glass dome has been around for over one hundred years. Take the escalator to the seventh-floor terrace and enjoy spectacular views over Paris.
3. Have A Drink On The Rooftop of Printemps Haussmann
- 64 Boulevard Hausmann, 75009 Paris
Another fantastic department store, wander and shop until you drop! Don’t forget to head to the 8th floor, the Printemps du Goût, the gourmet food floor! It was here that I sampled Nina Métayer’s scrumptious pastries just after she won the Best Pastry Chef in the World award! Find what I tasted here. Head to the 9th floor and find the rooftop restaurant and bar, La Perruche. Sit back have a coffee or a coupe de champagne and drink in the views over Paris (including the Eiffel Tower). Does it get any better than this?
4. Bring Your Appetite to Lafayette Gourmet
- 35 Blvd. Haussmann, 75009 Paris
While on Bd. Haussman, be sure to explore Lafayette Gourmet. All under one roof, you’ll find a warm introduction to French gastronomy and interior design. When you enter the main floor, it’s all about the tasting. It buzzes with French master bakers, artisanal chocolate creators, and international cuisine. There are multiple booths where you can find an exotic sandwich and a pâtisserie for lunch along with a small selection of restaurants. I recently had lunch at Stazione Levoni, an inviting Italian restaurant. Explore the other floors for grocery shopping, kitchen decor, including utensils and linens, and bedroom decor. It’s a one-stop shopping experience similar to the Grande Épicerie in the 7th arrondissement.
5. Flâner on rue des Martyrs
One of my favourite market streets in Paris, rue des Martyrs stretches from the charming Notre-Dame-de-Lorette church to the foot of Montmartre. The lively street is lined with a hardware store, coffee shops, bookstores, and amazing food boutiques. From one of my highly recommended cheese shops to an Alain Ducasse chocolate boutique, to ice cream shops including Amarino, it is an ideal stroll full of locals and visitors doing their shopping. Rue des Martyrs has a cosy, bustling energy making it feel like the heart of a true Parisian neighbourhood.
6. Visit The Musée de la Vie Romantique
- 16 rue Chaptal,75009 Paris
Please note: This delightful museum is currently closed for renovations
Le Musée de la Vie Romantique is situated at the foot of the Montmartre hill in the 9th arrondissement. The museum is housed in an elegant townhouse that once served as a gathering place for renowned Romantic artists, writers, and musicians. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the permanent collection dedicated to George Sand – one of France’s most celebrated female writers. The charming garden courtyard offers a beautiful oasis to relax and have tea.
7. Step Back In Time At Passage Jouffroy
- 10 – 12 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 9:30 PM
Passage Jouffroy is a beautiful covered passageway in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Completed in 1846, Passage Jouffroy is the first covered passageway in Paris built of metal and glass. Passage Jouffroy is absolutely charming with its glass ceiling, tiled floor and wrought iron details. You might like to stop by the Musée Grevin, the famous wax museum. There are also beautiful toy shops, a second-hand book store, Librairie du Passage, and the perfect place for lunch, Le Valentin.
Christmas shopping? Step into La Maison du Roy and be amazed by the Christmas atmosphere. This boutique mixes antiques and Christmas decorations in the style of the 18th century!
8. Devour A Flaky Croissant At Mamiche Boulangerie
- Mamiche Boulangerie Condorcet, 45 rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris
Oh là là…whenever I am in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, I make a beeline for Mamiche. I usually find a lineup of locals out the door. Listed as one of the best croissants in Paris (and the pain au chocolat too), Mamiche also has an outstanding baguette and of course, amazing pastries.
9. Step Into the Mystical At The Musée Gustave Moreau
- 14 rue Catherine de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris
It was the stunning spiral staircase that first drew me to the Gustave Moreau Museum in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. And spectacular it is!
Gustave Moreau (1826–1898) was a leader in the Symbolist art movement. He was a master at blending symbolism with mythology, the Bible, and literary works, and his works are filled with vibrant colour, fantastical imagery, and intense emotional depth.
Housed in his former home and studio in the 9th arrondissement, the Gustave Moreau Museum showcases a rich collection of Moreau’s vibrant paintings, drawings, and watercolours. Wander by his dreamlike masterpieces, climb the staircase, and marvel at this glimpse into the Symbolist art movement.
10. Delight in The Colourful Church Saint-Eugène-Saint-Cécile
- 4 rue du Conservatoire, 75009 Paris
This hidden gem in the 9th arrondissement is rather nondescript from the outside. But take a few minutes to enter, and you’ll be swept away by the vividly painted interior and the 48 stained-glass windows. Eglise St-Eugène-St-Cécile, listed as a historical monument, was the first church in France to use iron-framed construction.
Dedicated to Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoléon III, and Sainte Cécile, the patron saint of music, this church is known for its choir that sings High Mass in Latin.
11. Have a Tranquil Moment At Square de L’Opéra Louis-Jouvet
- Square de l’Opéra-Louis Jouvet, 75009 Paris
Wander into the delightful Square de l’Opéra-Louis Jouvet and find Pegasus about to take flight, sculpted by Alexandre Falguière. Also of note in this Square is the stunning facade of the Athénée Théâtre Louis Jouvet, known for its sumptuous interior and excellent acoustics. Louis Jouvet was the director of the theatre for almost 20 years.
Be sure to wander a bit further and find the Square Édouard VII, An equestrian statue of the English monarch graces the centre of the elegant square. Theatre lovers can book an evening at the Théâtre Édouard VII.
12. Sip A Latte At KB Coffee Shop
- 53 Av. Trudaine, 75009 Paris
I first discovered KB Coffee Shop when I was staying on Av. Trudaine. It was buzzing and after enjoying a latte or two it quickly became a favourite stop. Whenever I am on rue des Martyrs, I make a beeline for this vibrant coffee shop and find a spot on the sidewalk terrace. It’s the perfect place for people-watching in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
13. Refresh Yourself At Classique
- 1bis rue Lallier, 75009 Paris
My daughters always find the best bars in Paris! Classique, nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement of Paris, is a hidden gem with great drinks, delicious plates to accompany the drinks and super friendly staff. Situated in a former pharmacy, Classique is the perfect place to have a refreshment before heading down rue des Martyrs or up the hill to Montmartre!
I hope you enjoy exploring the 9th arrondissement of Paris as much as I do. What will you discover?
Until next time,
