In 1860, Emperor Napoleon III again divided Paris into twenty districts (municipal districts), with the first district located in the historic center, near the left bank of the Seine, and the remaining 19 districts spiraling to the right. Each district of Paris, often comprising multiple neighborhoods, has its own distinct flavor and cultural attractions, so if you’re looking to find out what to see in the area where you’re staying, this guide is a good starting point. To further understand how Paris is distributed geographically in relation to the Seine River running through it, you may also want to learn about the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) and Right Bank of Rive Droite) in Paris.
1st District: Louvre and Tuileries
The heart of what was once the seat of royal power in Paris, the 1st arrondissement retains an atmosphere of elegance and elegance.
District 2: Stock Exchange District and Montorgueil
The little-appreciated second arrondissement of Paris is home to attractions most tourists never see, including a medieval tower and one of the best open market streets in the city.
3rd District: Temple and Beaubourg
Often referred to as ‘Temple’ after the medieval fortress that once stood in the area and was built by the military order known as the Knights Templar, the 3rd arrondissement of Paris is located near the heart of the city and combines bustling commercial areas with quiet residential streets. .
4º Distrito: “Beaubourg”, el Marais and Ile St-Louis
The fourth arrondissement of Paris is home to some of the city’s major historical sites, including Notre Dame Cathedral, but it is also a strong symbol of contemporary Paris, home to diverse and bustling neighborhoods such as the Marais and the ‘Beaubourg’ and attracts artists, designers and fashion merchants. and students.
District 5: The Latin Quarter
The historic heart of the Latin Quarter, which has been a center of scholarship and intellectual achievement for centuries, the 5th arrondissement of Paris remains a huge draw for tourists thanks to places like the Pantheon, the Sorbonne University and the well-known botanical gardens. like the Garden. des Plantes
Distrito 6: Luxemburgo y Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Once the pioneer of mid-20th century writers and intellectuals, the 6th arrondissement of Paris is today an elegant hub for designer boutiques, antique furniture and art dealers, and lush formal gardens.
Seventh Arrondissement: Orsay, Eiffel Tower and Invalides
The seventh arrondissement (arrondissement) of Paris is a prosperous and highly prestigious part of the city that draws crowds of tourists to essential Paris sights such as the Eiffel Tower and the Orsay Museum. Accommodation here will cost you more and don’t expect to see many average Parisians in this area.
8th District: Champs Elysees and Madeleine
Located near the city center, the 8th arrondissement of Paris is a bustling center of commerce and home to famous attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées.
Ninth Arrondissement: Opera Garnier and The Grands Boulevards
The 9th arrondissement of Paris is a stately area known for its Belle-Epoque department stores and elegant shopping arcades, popular theaters, and hilly residential streets.
Tenth District: Canal St-Martin and Goncourt
The 10th arrondissement is little known to tourists, but it is home to hidden gems like the Canal St Martin neighborhood. This avant-garde working-class area is a stone’s throw from the bustling city center and increasingly attracts young professionals and artists.
District XI: Bastille and Oberkampf
The 11th arrondissement of Paris is an avant-garde and ethnically diverse area of the city that is home to landmarks such as the Place de la Bastille and its stately modern opera. It is also a huge draw for students and fans of the nightlife, as it offers a disproportionate number of the trendiest bars and clubs in the city.
District 12: Bercy and Gare de Lyon
The 12th arrondissement of Paris is a lesser-known part of the city that is notably home to the historic Gare de Lyon train station and the Bois de Vincennes, a huge park known as the “lungs” of Paris.
Distrito 13: Gobelins, La Butte aux Cailles y The National Library
The 13th arrondissement is a relatively unexplored area of Paris that is exemplary of a changing contemporary Paris. The area is notably home to a lively Chinatown and the ultra-modern and sprawling National Library.
Distrito 14: Montparnasse y Denfert Rochereau
Comprised of the legendary Montparnasse district, which was once home to a lively arts and literary scene in the 1920s, the 14th district has a lot to offer.
District 15: Porte de Versailles and Aquaboulevard
The 15th arrondissement of Paris is a relatively unexplored area of the City of Lights that features charming residential streets, a water park, and the largest convention center in the city. Located in the southwestern part of the left bank of the city, the 15th arrondissement is quiet and unpretentious, but it has many charming corners.
District 16: Passy and Trocadero
The 16th arrondissement is an elegant and mobile area of Paris that is home to important museums such as the Claude Monet / Marmottan Museum and the Palace of Tokyo, as well as quiet and charming neighborhoods such as the area known as Passy.
District 17: Batignolles and Place de Clichy
The 17th arrondissement is a somewhat unexplored area in the northwest corner of the city that combines upper-middle-class neighborhoods and quiet spots, such as Place de Clichy, formerly couture areas frequented by 19th-century artists, including Edouard Manet.
District 18: Montmartre and Pigalle
Thanks to its wide viewpoints, art-filled history, and charming village-like streets, the 18th arrondissement is one of the most frequented areas in Paris. In addition to charming (and famous) Montmartre, this district also includes lively and bustling immigrant neighborhoods like Barbes and La Goutte d’Or.
Distrito 19: Buttes-Chaumont y La Villette
Located in a northeast corner of Paris, the 19th arrondissement was until recently considered of little interest to tourists. However, the area, which is undergoing dramatic urban renewal, has a lot to offer. In particular, it has a large romantic-style park, animated cinemas and a science and industry museum.
Distrito 20: Belleville, Père Lachaise y Bagnolet
The 20th and final district of Paris is a sandy working-class area whose immigrant roots, the majestic Pere Lachaise cemetery, and its surprisingly quiet stretches give it a particular charm.
Driving in Paris
