For new visitors trying to get around Paris and other cities in France, the word “district” comes up over and over again, but what exactly does it mean? In Paris, it’s inscribed on most street signs, preceded by a number (1 to 20) – indicators that can be puzzling to anyone trying to control where they are and navigate more effectively. You probably guessed that the term has something to do with city districts. The next step is to learn how to use that information when you are in the French capital.
Read on to find out what the term refers to and to get around like a local.
Basic definition and usage
In French, district refers to a city district as defined by official zoning. Some major cities in France, such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, are divided into several administrative districts or districts. Paris has a total of 20 districts, starting in the city center and spiraling counterclockwise. Districts 1-4 make up the city’s historic center, while districts 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are located on the western and eastern limits of the city.
Pronunciation: [arɔ̃dismɑ̃] (ah-rohn-dees-mawn)
Also known as: (in French): «neighborhood» (but note: some «rooms» occupy more than one «district», and vice versa). Furthermore, the concept of “neighborhood” is much more arbitrary, whereas districts are always clear.
How can I find out which district I am in?
In Paris, the district is marked with white letters above the street name (usually placed on a plaque on the building closest to a corner). Once you get used to locating these street signs, you can easily figure out where you are. We highly recommend carrying a good map from neighborhood to neighborhood in Paris, or using a smartphone app, to make navigating the city as easy as possible.
Which districts to focus on as a first-time visitor?
There is no easy answer to that question: All 20 districts have exciting things to see and do, and it will largely depend on your interests, time available, and other personal preferences. However, if we were to recommend three districts that you should try not to get lost in your first exploration of the capital, it would have to be the next four.
1st Distrito: Louvre-Tuileries, Place Vendôme and Saint-Honoré
As you might expect, the 1st arrondissement is home to some of the most popular and historically important sights in Paris, from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens to the Royal Palace, with its lush central gardens and unique boutiques. It’s also one of the city’s most sought-after shopping districts, home to streets like Rue St-Honoré and Place Vendome, lined with haute couture and designer boutiques, not to mention world-class hotels and hotel bars. Also enjoy the beautiful views from the Pont Neuf and other bridges that look out over the Seine River, connecting the right bank with the left.
District 4: Ile St Louis, Notre Dame and the Marais
One of the 20 most beautiful districts in Paris, the 4th arrondissement is home to its own share of essential attractions. Notre-Dame Cathedral is located here, on the Ile St-Louis, a picturesque “island” between the two banks of the River Seine and full of photogenic winding streets.
Meanwhile, the historic and modern Marais district combines medieval and Renaissance architecture with trendy boutiques, terraces full of people even from Monday to Friday and some of the best street restaurants in the city.
District 5: Latin Quarter
Next is District 5, home to the legendary Latin Quarter and all its literary and artistic ghosts. Look for titles in the Shakespeare & Company bookstore or in the huge French libraries that surround Place Saint-Michel; have a drink near the old Sorbonne University; See impressive medieval art and objects of everyday life at the Musée Cluny, and take a long stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg (technically in the 6th arrondissement, but it doesn’t matter).
Seventh District: Musée D’Orsay, Invalides and the Eiffel Tower
Last but not least, most visitors will want to see the area that is home to the Eiffel Tower and the large gardens that surround it, informally known as the Trocadero. The 7th Ward is grand, sprawling, and prestigious, but it can be hard to know where to go once you’ve seen the tower. Read our full guide on what to see and do in the area for suggestions on restaurants, markets, walks, museums and more around Eiffel.
The 7 is also a favorite area for shopping: it is home, in particular, to the elegant Belle Epoque department store, Le Bon Marché.
