{"id":2485,"date":"2019-09-10T08:00:34","date_gmt":"2019-09-10T07:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=2485"},"modified":"2026-05-29T15:07:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T14:07:53","slug":"paris-by-neighbourhood-a-guide-to-the-citys-top-arrondissements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/paris-by-neighbourhood-a-guide-to-the-citys-top-arrondissements\/","title":{"rendered":"Paris Neighbourhood Guide: The City\u2019s Top Arrondissements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Come wind, rain, or shine, Paris lures all manner of tourists in with its romantic aura, timeless elegance, and grace. Whether you\u2019re boating across a quiet lake or tumbling out of atmospheric bars, the French capital offers endless ways to please its first-time visitors and keep them coming back for more \u2013 and with direct Eurostar services from London in just over two hours, you\u2019ll have every reason to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we break down our favourite arrondissements and why you, too, will fall head over heels with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paris 101: What\u2019s the Difference Between the Left and Right Bank?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first, you need to know the basics. If you\u2019re travelling to Paris, you\u2019ll frequently hear the terms \u2018Rive Droite\u2019 (Right Bank) and \u2018Rive Gauche\u2019 (Left Bank), which, respectively, refer to the north and south of the Seine \u2013 a 483-mile-long river flowing through the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference between either bank is both geographical and cultural. The Right Bank is located north of the Seine and is known for being the centre of business, grand boulevards, and high-end shopping, while the Left Bank is traditionally known as the intellectual and cultural heart of the capital, home to the Latin Quarter and endless historical monuments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this divide is neither formal nor definitive; there are luxury shopping districts in the Left Bank and historical landmarks in the Right Bank. Using the Seine as a natural separator of the city makes it simpler for tourists to have an idea of where each of Paris\u2019 20 arrondissements (districts) is located and how to navigate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st, 2nd, and 7th arrondissements: The Heart of the City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No visit to the City of Light would be complete without a tour of its heart \u2013 a pulsating neighbourhood overflowing with history and elegance and home to some of its most famous attractions. If you\u2019re short on time, put these arrondissements at the top of your list for a fail-safe, albeit bite-sized, picture of Paris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start at the Mus\u00e9e de l\u2019Orangerie, tucked away in the Tuileries Gardens, where you\u2019ll marvel at the world-famous \u2018Water Lilies\u2019 by Monet. At the other end of the gardens, you\u2019ll find the Louvre (book a morning slot to avoid big crowds) and beyond that, the western portion of l\u2019\u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 \u2013 home to Notre-Dame and the royal 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle, whose tall stained glass windows are positively mesmerising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cross the river to the Left Bank and stop at the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay, which hosts the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world, before heading down to the country\u2019s most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower. Make your way to the top and treat yourself to a meal with an incredible view. If you want to get a picture with the iconic landmark and next to no crowds, skip Trocad\u00e9ro and Champs de Mars and head to Rue de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 or Avenue des Camo\u00ebns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8th arrondissement: Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es and the Triangle d\u2019Or<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the other side of the Tuileries Garden is Place de la Concorde, over 20 acres of beautiful fountains and sculptures, which leads to the Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es, a mile-long avenue housing flagship stores, luxury boutiques, theatres, and caf\u00e9s. Do not miss this buzzing arrondissement if you\u2019re gearing up for a fun-filled day of retail therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Grand Palais and Petit Palais, home to incredible art collections, then head to the Triangle d\u2019Or (Golden Triangle), an upscale district bordered by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and the Avenue des Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es, where you\u2019ll find the flagship stores for designer brands, such as Dior, Chanel, and Gucci. Continue up the avenue to find the must-see Arc de Triomphe, which offers unbeatable views of the city skyline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3rd and 4th arrondissements: Cultural and LGBTQ+ Hotspot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Le Marais, spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is the historic and cultural heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Paris, famous for its pride flags, inclusive bars, and vibrant nightlife. A tourist magnet, the neighbourhood is rife with eye-catching architectural displays, hip locals and inviting bars and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also find the city\u2019s old Jewish quarter here if you\u2019re looking for a unique cultural experience. Literature-lovers shouldn\u2019t pass up a visit to the Mus\u00e9e Victor Hugo, where the author himself once lived, while art aficionados will find heaven at the Mus\u00e9e Picasso and Centre Pompidou. Foodies are well catered for around these parts, too, with the March\u00e9 des Enfants Rouges spilling with international delicacies and artisan goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Le Marais<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5th arrondissement: The Latin Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bustling student neighbourhood spanning the prestigious Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter is known for its lively nightlife and historical landmarks. Stroll through its stunning streets to find a wealth of caf\u00e9s and bookshops, including the landmark Shakespeare & Company and the Pantheon. If you want a break from the hustle of the city, retreat to the Jardins des Plantes, a vast botanical garden with one of the oldest zoos in the world, the M\u00e9nagerie Zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Latin Quarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

18th arrondissement: Paris\u2019 Bohemian District<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a blast back to the city\u2019s bohemian past, you could really find no better than Montmartre, a noteworthy neighbourhood that inspired artists from around the world, from Picasso to Van Gogh, Renoir, and Matisse, to name but a few. Ascend the hill to the Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur basilica, catch a performance of outrageously epic proportions at the Moulin Rouge, and keep things low-key and laid-back as you lose yourself in the village\u2019s ultra-charming cobbled streets. Top your Paris bucket list with this neighbourhood for an inspiring dose of art and a taste of the bohemian way of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12th and 16th arrondissements: The City\u2019s Green Lungs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paris\u2019 \u2018green lungs\u2019 refers to the two public parks bordering either side of the capital: Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement and Bois de Boulogne in the 16th. Seize a chance to get away from the tourist trail with a trip to either neighbourhood, where calming green spaces and courtyards inspire a sense of tranquillity \u2013 while still putting you within easy reach of world-famous sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bois de Vincennes is Paris\u2019 largest public park, featuring four lakes, two of which offer rowboat rentals, a botanical garden, a zoo, and the Ch\u00e2teau de Vincennes. The Bois de Boulogne, the city\u2019s second biggest park, is twice as big as New York\u2019s Central Park, and offers stunning botanical gardens, several lakes, a waterfall, and the Jardin d\u2019Acclimatation \u2013 France\u2019s first theme park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Should I Stay in Paris to be Near Everything?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to stay in Paris to be near everything, the 1st and 2nd arrondissements are the best choice. These central districts put the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and the Ch\u00e2telet transport hub within walking distance, making it the most efficient base for short trips. However, due to the central location, hotels in these districts are expensive, which is why Secret Escapes offers incredible deals on Paris breaks<\/a> so you can enjoy luxury on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book Your Dream City Break in Paris with Secret Escapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paris is a dream destination for many, renowned for its historical landmarks, stunning architecture, rich culture, and hefty price tag. With Secret Escapes\u2019 outrageous deals, you can cross the City of Lights off your travel bucket list without breaking the bank. From overnight stays to weekend city breaks<\/a> and longer getaways, benefit from incredible savings on our Paris breaks<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist<\/a> magazine, or get in touch<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t