Each Paris arrondissement has its own unique character. They mean everything to a visitor trying to make sense of where to eat, stay and play in Paris. Ask a Parisien. They will “boff” you and say a true Parisien knows their city by each village. But for the traveller, getting familiar with the arrondissements in Paris is a way to put the pieces of the Paris puzzle together.
The twenty Paris arrondissements or administrative districts of Paris, organize the city. Think of a snail’s shell. The arrondissements in Paris start with the number 1 in the heart of the city and work their way in a circular clockwise direction, outward.
I’ve lived for a time in eight different arrondissements in Paris. Some for as short as a week and others for up to 8 months. Staying in the different districts of Paris is my way of getting to know the city.
This Paris arrondissement guide includes my best tips for things to see and do in each arrondissement.
Tips for Figuring Out The Arrondissements In Paris:
- Look at the street signs. At the top, the Paris arrondissement indicates exactly where you are!
- If you like exploring a city by address, the Parisian postal codes are a quick way to figure out where you are going. The arrondissements in Paris each have their own unique code. Take 75005 – the last digit denotes that the address is in the 5th arrondissement. 75016? The 16th. Oh! When I discovered this tip, I felt like I “got” Paris a bit better!
Paris Arrondissement Guide: A Little History
How did the arrondissements of Paris come to be?
In 1795, Paris was divided into twelve arrondissements, nine were on the Right Bank and three Paris arrondissements were on the Left Bank. In 1860 under Napoleon III, the territory outside the city limits was included. In doing so, the twelve original Paris arrondissements were rearranged to give us the city’s current layout.
Paris chose the spiral pattern or the snail shape (after much controversy) when it was reorganized in 1860.
Fun Fact: The French word “arrondir” means to encircle.
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Paris Arrondissement Guide: Four Central Arrondissements United
In 2020, the first four arrondissements of Paris united under a new name: Paris Centre. Paris Mayor Anne Hildago spearheaded this plan in order to make the arrondissements in Paris more equal in terms of the population they serve. Residents voted on the new name and the location of the town hall which is in the 3rd arrondissement in Paris.
Where To Stay In Paris
Paris Hotels:
- Check out this carefully curated list of 13 best affordable hotels in Paris
- You’ll love these 11 charming boutique hotels in le Marais
- 21 Best Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views – oh là là!
Paris Homestays:
Homestays: This colourful apartment is right by one of my favourite places to get the best croissant! This apartment has a view over the Seine and Notre Dame’s towers. This small apartment, full of old-world charm, is perfect for two. In a fabulous location, by the Mabillon metro station, this chic apartment sleeps up to 6 people.
The 1st Arrondissement In Paris – Louvre
This Paris arrondissement is full of world-renowned sites to see. Start at the Louvre right by the Pyramid and have a coffee at Café Marly soaking up the royal vibe of this former palace. Wander through the Jardin des Tuileries with its gorgeous gardens, sparkling fountains, and countless statues. If you’re lucky you’ll see sailboats being sailed in the fountains, a yoga class, and many Parisians in full-on discussion mode.
Don’t miss the Palais-Royal with the courtyard showcasing Daniel Buren’s famous striped columns. The newly reopened (after years and years of renovation) department store, La Samaritaine is definitely worth visiting. If you’re feeling ritzy, pop by The Ritz Hotel for a cooking class at the Escoffier Cooking School or have an elaborate cocktail in the Hemingway Bar. Be sure to stroll the high-end boutiques of rue Saint-Honoré and Place Vendôme.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
Musée du Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Palais-Royal, Place Vendôme, Pont Neuf, La Conciergie, Sainte-Chapelle, rue Saint-Honoré, La Samaritaine
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée du Louvre, Musée des Art Decoratifs, Jeu de Paume, Musée de l’Orangerie
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Jardin des Tuilieries, Jardin du Palais-Royal
Where To Stay In the 1st Arrondissement in Paris:
Talk about central! Here are hotels in the 1st arrondissement.
Arrondissements In Paris: The 2nd – Bourse
The 2nd arrondissement in Paris is the smallest. Don’t blink and miss it though. Head to the gorgeous circular building La Bourse, a former grain exchange and stock exchange, which is now a contemporary art museum.
Keep your eyes open for hidden passageways like the elegant Galerie Vivienne and the gorgeous dome in Galerie Colbert. Stroll down rue Montorgueil, a lively market street and one of my favourites. If you like unique kitchen shops, head to E. Dehillerin which has been around since 1820 and J. Detou which is stacked with all kinds of interesting products for baking and cooking.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Galerie Vivienne, Galerie du Grand Cerf, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Colbert, rue Montorgeuil,
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection (opened 2021)
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Square Louvois (there aren’t a lot of green spaces in this arrondissement so head over to this charming square lined with chestnut trees and a gorgeous fountain.
Where To Stay In the 2nd Arrondissement in Paris:
The 3rd Arrondissement In Paris – Temple
Le Marais spans two arrondissements in Paris; the 3rd and the 4th. Known as the Haut-Marais, this part of the Marais is quieter than its lively counterpart to the south.
Originally a marsh, le Marais got a new lease on life in the 17th century. Wealthy aristocrats moved in and built elegant mansions (hôtels particuliers). Today these lavish homes dot the narrow streets, many used as museums. One can spend days exploring the cobbled streets lined with boutiques and cafés in le Marais. Have a meal at the outdoor terrace of Café Charlot. It’s the perfect French café experience and the best place for people-watching!
Read More: I lived for 6 months in le Marais during Covid-19. Here’s my full guide to exploring le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements in Paris. These great Marais restaurants are some of my favourites. Read some great insider tips from a local that lives in le Marais.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
Marché des Enfants Rouges, rue de Bretagne, get lost in the maze of streets, stop by a gallery or two, pop into one of the Merci concept store.
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée Carnavalet, Musée Picasso, Musée Cognacq-Jay, Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme, Musée des Archives Nationales Musée, Musée des Arts et Metiers
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Jardin des Archives Nationales, Jardin Anne-Frank, Square du Temple Elie Weisel, Square Georges Cain,
Where To Stay In the 3rd Arrondissement In Paris:
Read my article on 11 Best Boutique Hotels in the Marais.
The 4th Paris Arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville
This Paris arrondissement contains the southern and more lively part of le Marais, Ile Saint-Louis, the eastern part of Ile de la Cité and the Hôtel-de-Ville. You can’t go wrong strolling around the 4th. Stop by Les Philosophes for some people watching. Pop into Aux Merveilleux de Fred, take your deluxe meringue to Ile Saint-Louis and devour it by the Seine. Do you see why I love the 4th? It’s also a very central area and a great one to use as a base for visiting the city.
Read More: One of my favourite places in this Paris arrondissement (and possibly all of Paris) is hanging out on Île Saint-Louis. Here is why I love this Paris island.
The 4th arrondissement is full of chic upscale shops, trendy restaurants and bars and is a mixture of many communities – Jewish, Asian and LBGTQ. Look for the rainbows on the street!
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Paris (temporarily closed), Place des Vosges, l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Ile Saint-Louis, Centre Pompidou, rue des Rosiers, Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II, Hotel de Sully, Hôtel de Sens, Saint-Jacques Tower
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée National d’Art Moderne (in the Pompidou Center), Mémorial de la Shoah (Holocaust Museum), Maison de Victor Hugo, Maison Européene de la Photographie
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Place des Vosges, Square Barye
Where To Stay In the 4th Arrondissement In Paris:
This arrondissement in Paris is a super central location to stay while visiting Paris. Here is my article on 11 Best Boutique Hotels in the Marais.
Read More: Aux Merveilleux de Fred is one of my favourite French pâtisseries. Read about all my recommended pâtisseries. The taste testing was a grand pleasure during the confinements of 2020. If you happen to be in Paris in January, don’t miss this treat.
The 5th Arrondissement Of Paris – The Latin Quarter
Here is my full guide to the Latin Quarter, the 5th arrondissement, of Paris. And don’t miss reading these insider tips on the Latin Quarter, including where to eat and stay.
It is in the 5th arrondissement in Paris that you’ll find reminders of the Roman town of Lutetia (Lutèce). The Roman baths in the Musée de Cluny and the arena, the Arènes de Lutèce, remain as vestiges of ancient times.
Wander the cobbled roads of the Latin Quarter, past la Sorbonne, one of the world’s oldest learning institutions, and up to the Panthéon which sits atop Saint-Geneviève mountain.
Have tea in the Grand Mosque, sit at Place de la Contrescarpe eating a takeout falafel sandwich and don’t forget to sit on the steps of St.-Etienne-du-Mont right where Owen Wilson did in the movie, Midnight in Paris.
Read More: One of the most famous English Bookstores in Paris is in the 5th and… if you want to try your hand (feet) at dancing the Tango in Paris by the Seine, find the Jardin Tino-Rossi in the 5th. The Panthéon is a major site in the 5th. Here is a guide to the 6 Women Buried in the Panthéon.
Have you ever considered having a spa treatment in Paris? The hammam at the Mosque will sweep you away to another space and time. Here’s how to enjoy the hammam in Paris.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
The Panthéon, The Arènes des Lutèce, Grande Mosquée (Mosque) de Paris, the Arab World Institute, Jardin Tino-Rossi, St.-Etienne -du-Mont, Saint-Geneviève library, rue Mouffetard and Place de la Contrescarpe, Church of St. Severin, Shakespeare and Company, the oldest tree in Paris
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée de Cluny (currently under renovation), Natural Museum in Jardin des Plantes, Musée Marie Curie
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Jardin des Plantes
Where To Stay In the 5th Arrondissement In Paris:
Arrondissements In Paris: The 6th – Saint-Germain-des Prés
It was in Saint-Germain at the covered market that the young man in the flower shop gifted me an enormous bouquet of holly. He told me that here in Saint-Germain, everyone knows each other just like a village. Some Parisians will dispute this saying the district has changed immensely, which it has, but hang around a little, chat to some locals, and you might just get that small-town feel.
Saint-Germain is the darling district of most tourists. The oldest church in Paris, Saint-Germain des Prés, is here along with iconic cafés where authors and intellectuals used to gather. Today these same cafés are where to be seen and to see…yes, perfect people-watching cafés. Can you distinguish between the tourists and the locals?
Stop by the glorious fountain in front of Saint-Sulpice and be sure to spend time in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Jardin du Luxembourg, Eglise Saint-Sulpice, Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, chic and unusual boutique shopping, the Medici Fountain, Marché Raspail (Tuesdays and Fridays; Sunday mornings the city’s best organic market), Iconic Cafés: Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée Luxembourg, Musée Eugène Delacroix, Musée Zadkine
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Jardin du Luxembourg
Where To Stay In the 6th Arrondissement In Paris:
How about in a cute boutique hotel? Check them out here.
Read More: This post lists 20 things to do in Saint-Germain des Prés. I wonder which ones you have heard of. Looking for a unique dining experience in Paris? Make a reservation at the Ferrandi Cooking School in one of their training restaurants. You won’t be disappointed.
The 7th Arrondissement In Paris – The Eiffel Tower
Everyone knows this district of Paris because it is from here that the Eiffel Tower soars! On the left bank, the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars (the long green space leading up to the Eiffel Tower) are a must on any visit to Paris. If you’ve been to the Musée d’Orsay, you’ve been to Paris’s 7th arrondissement.
I lived in Paris’s 7th arrondissement for eight months. It’s a great base for visiting Paris landmarks. Full of elegant, timely mansions that now serve as Embassies, Paris 7 definitely has an aristocratic feel. Rue Cler is a fabulous market street to peruse and rue de Bac, my street, is lined with fabulous boutiques and cafés. Not to mention, the 7th arrondissement in Paris borders the Seine. Stroll along the Berges sur Seine, a pedestrianized stretch on the left bank between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Those that say they are “not a fan” of the 7th haven’t lived there!
Read More: Here is the detailed version of the great things to do in the 7th arrondissement. And what is life really like in the 7th arrondissement? Here is an interview with a real Parisian who lives in the 7th
Looking for 45 Most Romantic Places in Paris? Quite a few involve the Eiffel Tower!
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
The Eiffel Tower, Hotel des Invalides (the tomb of Napoleon I), École Militaire, rue Saint-Dominque, rue Cler, rue du Bac, Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, UNESCO Peace Garden, #29 Avenue Rapp, les Berges sur Seine, the house of Serge Gainsbourg
Museums In the 7th Arrondissement:
Musée d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, Musée Maillol, Musée de Quai Branly, Musée de l’Armée, Museum of Paris Sewers
Shopping In This District Of Paris:
Le Bon Marché (department store), the Grande Épicerie de Paris, boutiques along rue de Bac and rue Saint-Placide,
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Jardin Catherine-Labouré, Esplanade Jacques Chaban-Delmas, Esplanade des Invalides, le Champ des Mars, UNESCO Garden of Peace, and the Garden in the Rodin Museum.
Where To Stay In the 7th Arrondissement In Paris:
There are plenty of small boutique hotels in the 7th: Check them out here.
The 8th Arrondissement Of Paris – Elysée
Sometimes I just avoid the busy Champs-Elysées. It’s just too busy and glitzy for me. But with the colossal Arc de Triomphe, in all its grandeur, posing at the top of the wide boulevard and the Place de la Concorde at the eastern end, I ignore the crowds and stroll down one of Paris’s most famous streets. It is a must. If you happen to be in Paris during the Christmas season, the glittering lights along the Champs-Elysées are magical.
It was my first venture along prestigious Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V last year. Did someone say expensive, high-end or luxurious all in one sentence? I mean, the French President does live in the area of l’Elysée. Biking through the 8th arrondissement in Paris, the police will not allow you to stop in certain places close to the Élysée Palace.
Don’t miss Parc Monceau which is full of locals and the tranquil, secluded garden in the Petit Palais.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
l’Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Madeleine Church, Pont Alexandre III, Chapelle Expiatoire, Place de la Concorde with the Luxor Obelisk, Cathédrale St-Alexandre-Nevsky, Petit Palais, Grand Palais
Museums In This Paris District:
Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Musée Jacquemart-André, Musée Nissim de Camondo, Jeu de Paume and the Galerie Dior that opened in 2022. Here is what I thought of the Galerie Dior.
Favourite Green Spaces In The 8th Arrondissement In Paris:
Parc Monceau
Where To Stay In the 8th Arrondissement In Paris:
There are plenty of high-end hotels in the 8th: Check them out here.
The 9th Arrondissement Of Paris – Opéra
Shopping or browsing at Paris’s famous department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps is a must! If you’re not a big shopper, pop into Galeries Lafayette to see the gorgeous art deco coupole and rooftop views over Paris. On the Grands Boulevards are plenty of other stores to keep the shopper in the crowd happy!
The sparkling jewel of the 9th is the Palais Garnier. Take a tour, explore on your own or purchase a ticket to the opera or ballet.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette , Printemps (have a drink on the rooftop – La Perruche), rue des Martyrs, Passage Jouffroy, Passsage Verdeau
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée de la Vie Romantique, Fragonard Perfume Museum, Musée Grévin, Musée Gustave Moreau
Where To Stay In the 9th Arrondissement In Paris:
Check out the hotels available in the 9th arrondissement.
Arrondissements In Paris: The 10th – Canal Saint-Martin
One of my favourite areas in Paris is the 10th. This Paris arrondissement is synonymous with the Canal Saint-Martin. I lived here for a month when I first moved to Paris and spent a lot of time here during the first confinement. There’s never a dull moment by the Canal and it’s perfect for people watching. Skip across the iron footbridges under blooming chestnut trees, do a little vintage shopping and stop by Chez Prune for an apéro or lunch.
Read More: Read my full guide to Canal Saint-Martin and also where to eat in this bobo (bohemian-bourgeois) district. And did someone mention that there might be a crocodile in the canal?
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Canal Saint-Martin, Passage Brady,
Favourite Green Spaces In The 10th Arrondissement of Paris:
Jardin de l’Hopital Saint-Louis, Jardin Villemin
Where To Stay In the 10th Arrondissement In Paris:
Here is a list of hotels in the 10th arrondissement to checkout.
The 11th Arrondissement In Paris – République
The 11th is a lively arrondissement with a very local and authentic feel. Perhaps it is due to its working-class roots and its revolutionary past. It was, after all, the scene of the Paris uprising of 1832 immortalized in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables.
Standing at Place de la Bastille under the July Column topped with its gilded angel representing liberty (a big theme in France) you just know you’re immersed in history. French were once guillotined here, and the historic Bastille fortress was stormed.
The 11th meets two other Paris arrondissements at Place de la Republique where the imposing and magnificent statue of Marianne, the national symbol of France, stands. If you are curious about the French’s penchant for demonstrations, you can be sure to find one happening here.
Read More: Here is my full guide to the 11th arrondissement of Paris. This hip area is known for its restaurants and boutiques. It’s in the 11th that the very best gluten-free bakery in Paris is found. Read here to find out my top gluten-free tips in Paris.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
Place de la Bastille, the Roquette district, lots of passageways – Passage de l’Homme and Cour Damoye, Marché de la Bastille on Sunday and Thursday mornings – don’t miss the Breton stand with amazing galettes and kouign amann (incredibly delicious and buttery dessert from Brittany)
Museums In This Paris District:
Atelier des Lumières, Edith Piaf Museum
Where To Stay In the 11th Arrondissement In Paris:
Check out these places to stay in Paris 11
The 12th Arrondissement – Reuilly
The 12th arrondissement might not be on your radar but here are a few highlights of this arrondissement in Paris. If you like unique streets in Paris This colourful street, rue Crémieux, is a beauty and not far from the Gare de Lyon.
The Bois de Vincennes is the biggest park, ahem forest, in Paris. Lovely lakes, weeping willows, the Château de Vincennes, and the Parc Floral, one of Paris’s four botanical gardens.
Love markets? Head to one of the most authentic in Paris –le Marché d’Aligre.
Read More: Here’s the low down on the 13 best things to do in the 12th arrondissement.
Stroll along the elevated pathway, La Coulée Verte, built on an abandoned railway line from behind La Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Le Marché d’Aligre, the Coulee Verte (AKA the Promenade Plantée), Picpus Cemetery, Bercy Village
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Cinema Museum at Cinémathèque Française, Musée des Art Forains
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Bois de Vincennes
Where To Stay In the 12th Arrondissement In Paris:
The 12th is a large arrondissement, stay close to Gare de Lyon. Try these hotels.
The 13th Arrondissement Of Paris – Butte Aux Cailles
Chances are you might not get to the 13th arrondissement on a short visit to Paris. But there are a few hidden gems to investigate and Paris’s main Chinatown, the oldest known Chinatown in all of Europe.
Start at la Butte aux Cailles. It’s one of those areas in Paris that evokes the village feel. And, there is fabulous street art. It’s the perfect place to wander.
If it’s a really hot summer’s day in Paris, you might want to head to the Josephine Baker pool, floating in a giant barge on the Seine. Just wait until the glass roof opens and gives marvellous views of the Seine. Wander through the François-Mitterand Library, in its book-shaped towers, to the permanent exhibition of Louis XIV’s globes. They’re enormous and impressive. Then head to the Quai de la Gare where numerous trendy cafés and bars await. It’s a lively stop for an apéro!
Read More: Want to get off the beaten path? Head to la Butte aux Cailles neighbourhood. See the best street art and Little Alsace. Read about it here.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
la Butte aux Cailles, François-Mitterand Library, Simone de Beauvoir footbridge (the 37th bridge over the Seine), the Josephine Baker Pool
Museums In This Paris District:
Manufacture des Gobelins (royal tapestry factory dating back to the 17th century)
Where To Stay In the 13th Arrondissement In Paris: try these hotels
Arrondissements In Paris: The 14th – Montparnasse
When I was living in the 14th arrondissement during one of the Paris Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 I got to know this Paris district. It was the second or third wave of Covid-19 in Paris and we were confined to a one-kilometre radius. Luckily, both Parc Montsouris and the Cimetière du Montparnasse were close to my apartment.
At one time a meeting spot for intellectuals, there are iconic cafés in this Paris arrondissement. Follow in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir, Josephine Baker, and Ernest Hemingway and stop by La Rotonde, Le Dôme, La Closerie des Lilas or La Coupole for lunch or an apéro. A kir at La Coupole is an unforgettable experience.
The 14th arrondissement of Paris is also the site of one of the most fascinating experiences in Paris. The Paris Catacombs, one of the world’s largest ossuaries, is the resting place of several million souls and is also filled with tunnels that mirror Parisian streets. Read 25 Interesting Facts about the Paris Catacombs
Read More: Read my full guide to the 14th arrondissement of Paris. You won’t want to miss one of the most unique churches in Paris.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Cimetière du Montparnasse, The Montparnasse Tower, Parc Montsouris, The Catacombs of Paris, Cite de la Université, the iconic cafés
Museums In This District Of Paris:
Musée de la Libération de Paris
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Parc Montsouris, Jardin Lionel Assouad
Where To Stay In the 14th Arrondissement In Paris:
Not as central as some of the other arrondissements in Paris, the 14th will give you that residential/ local feel and is just a quick metro ride, walk or bike ride to Paris landmarks. Here is where to stay in Paris 14.
Read More: In my Paris Streets article, two lovely cobbled streets in the 14th arrondissement are featured.
The 15th Arrondissement In Paris – Vaugirard – Grenelle
The 15th arrondissement in Paris is the largest and the most populated and doesn’t have any big-name landmarks. So, you may not find yourself spending much time in this residential Paris district.
It’s not on most people’s radar but just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower is the Bir-Hakeim Bridge (used in the film Inception) and Ile aux Cygnes where the largest Paris version of the Statue of Liberty stands. Walk a little further and you’ll be standing on the Pont Mirabeau, made forever famous by French poet Guillaume Apollinaire’s love poem entitled, Le Pont Mirabeau.
Read More: Why go to the Ile aux Cygnes?
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
Bir-Hakeim Bridge, Ile aux Cygnes, le Pont Mirabeau
Museums In This Paris Quartier:
Musée Bourdelle
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement in Paris:
Ile aux Cygnes, Parc André Citroën, Square Georges Brassens
Where To Stay In the 15th Arrondissement In Paris:
Hotels in the 15th arrondissement.
The 16th Arrondissement – Chaillot- Auteuil – Passy
If you’ve stood amongst crowds at Place du Trocadéro viewing the Eiffel Tower, then you’ve been to the 16th. A very elegant arrondissement in Paris, with a high concentration of museums, the lovely village of Passy, the Bois de Bologne, and unique art nouveau buildings. There’s lots of exploring to do in the 16th, surprising views of the Eiffel Tower, and a long border with the Seine making for some spectacular strolls, mostly with locals.
Read More: The 16th arrondissement is full of gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings. Read my guide to finding Hector Guimard’s treasures.
Don’t miss one of the most romantic parks in all of Paris. Here’s the lowdown on Parc de Bagatelle.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Place du Trocadéro, views of the Eiffel Tower (try from the Raphael Hotel or Avenue de Camoens), Guimard’s Art Nouveau houses, Balzac’s House,
Museums In This Paris District:
Musée Marmottan-Monet (one of my very favourites), Palais de Tokyo, Palais Galliera Musée de l”Homme, Musée Guimet, Musée du Vin,Fondation Louis Vuitton, Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Musée Yves Saint-Laurent
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Bois de Boulogne, Parc de Bagatelle
Where To Stay In the 16th Arrondissement In Paris:
There are lots of luxury hotels in the 16th, some with stunning Eiffel Tower views from the rooftop bars. Popular ones are at The Peninsula Hotel Paris and The Hotel Raphaël. Here is a selection of other hotels
The 17th Arrondissement Of Paris – Batignolles – Monceau
One wintery morning I found myself in the 17th arrondissement of Paris at the Police Commissariat. It was where I had to apply for a récépissé to let me stay in France in between my visas. I realized I knew nothing about the 17th.
This very residential arrondissement has a delightful feel in the Batignolles area. Boutiques and cafés line the streets and there really is a village feel.
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
the village streets of Batignolles, the Cité des Fleurs
Museums In This Paris Quartier:
Musée Jean-Jacques Henner
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Square des Batignolles, Parc Cichy-Batignolles Martin Luther King
Where To Stay In the 17th Arrondissement In Paris:
Arrondissements In Paris: The 18th – Montmartre
If you are looking for classic bohemian Paris of the late 19th century, Montmartre is the place to visit. Perched on the hill, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is an unmissable landmark. Start there and then explore Montmartre’s winding cobbled streets, steep staircases, windmills and some of the prettiest streets in all of Paris.
Read More: Here’s my full guide to exploring Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement in Paris. The Calvaire Cemetery is a gem that is worth visiting.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Place du Tertre, St-Pierre de Montmartre, Montmartre Cemetery, Moulin de la Galette, Moulin Rouge,
Museums In This Paris Quartier:
Musée de Montmartre, Musée Gustave Moreau, Musée de Dali
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement in Paris:
The grassy hill in front of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Square Suzanne Buisson
Where To Stay In the 18th Arrondissement In Paris:
Here are some hotels to check out.
The 19th Arrondissement In Paris- Buttes-Chaumont
A highlight of this bustling and growing Paris arrondissement is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Filled with locals, it is a great place to come on a Sunday and people watch Parisians at play. Don’t miss hanging by the lake, the Sybil Temple, and the suspension bridge.
After some time in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, find the little hidden neighbourhood of Butte Bergeyre, the charming laneways of Mouzaïa and the little hidden Russian Church, Saint-Serge de Radonège.
Rent a Velib bicycle and cycle the pathways through Parc de la Villette and along the Canal de l’Ourq, a former industrial area.
Read More | The Best Things to do In The 19th Arrondissement
Here are 5 Great Reasons to Visit Butte Bergeyre!
And don’t miss a stroll through Parc des Buttes Chaumont with its own temple and waterfall!
Heading to Belleville and the 19th? Have you ridden Line 11 of the Paris Métro?
Park and Bassin de la Villette, the Canal de l’Ourq, Symphony Hall (Philharmonie de Paris), the neighbourhoods of Butte Bergeyre and Mouzaïa, Pont Crimée (the last remaining lift-bridge in Paris), Saint-Serge de Radonège
Museums In This Paris Quartier:
Cité de la Science et l’Industrie, Cité de la Musique,
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc de la Villette
Paris Arrondissement Guide: Top Sites
Where To Stay In the 19th Arrondissement In Paris:
Check out these hotels in the 19th.
The 20th Arrondissement – Belleville
It’s worth heading over to the 20th arrondissement in Paris just for the views from the Parc de Belleville. There’s also a great terrace at the top of the park where you can grab a bite or drink. Here in the 20th, you’re really off the tourist trail and surrounded by locals.
Wander through Paris’s largest cemetery, Cimetière Père Lachaise, known for its tombstones of noteworthy humans such as Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrisson, Edith Piaf and Heloise et Abelard.
Read More | The 20th Arrondissement Paris: 19 Things To Do
How To Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery and Whose Tombs To Find
Explore rue Saint-Blaise and the Charonne church, Saint-Germain de Charonne. Find Edith Piaf’s birthplace (72 rue de Belleville) and the Place named after her. Follow the street art trail on rue du Retrait and find the tucked-away neighbourhood enclave, La Campagne à Paris.
Top Sites In This Paris Arrondissement:
Cimetière Pére Lachaise, Belleville, rue Saint-Blaise, La Campagne a Paris,
Favourite Green Spaces In This Arrondissement In Paris:
Parc de Belleville
Where To Stay In the 20th Arrondissement In Paris:
Suggested spots to stay in the 20th.
I hope you love exploring and discovering the treasures of the arrondissements in Paris as much as I do!
Until next time,
Read More |What is Paris like in the different seasons?
Paris in the Summer: Choose from these 19 best things to do.
Here is Paris in the Spring and a guide to where to find spectacular spring flowers!
Paris in the Fall is also a fabulous time to visit. Bundle up for Paris in the winter and here is how to enjoy Paris in the snow (if you are lucky enough to have it snow on your visit!).
Marvel at the magic that French Christmas traditions bring to Paris!
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What a guide!!! Love this breakdown helps me picture and understand paris way better!
Hi Robin, So glad it is helpful!! I think seeing the map is helpful.
Hey! Thanks for this interesting article! The map is so helpfull especially that I want to visit it next months.
Yes, the map helps see the city more clearly! Glad you found the article helpful for planning your trip!