Facts &
Useful Terminology

On every Paris street sign, you’ll find the arrondissement number displayed, making it easy to know exactly which part of the city you’re in. The arrondissements also have official names, often derived from a prominent landmark. For example, the 1st arrondissement is known as the Arrondissement du Louvre. Even Paris postcodes reflect the arrondissement: the postcode for the 1st arrondissement is 75001.

In 2020, the first four arrondissements were merged administratively into a new entity called Paris Centre. In practice, this mainly affects administrative matters such as local elections, while the traditional arrondissement names and numbers remain unchanged.

Each arrondissement is officially divided into four quartiers (districts). In addition, there are many neighbourhood names that are not official administrative units but have become established through history and everyday use. These often describe areas with a distinct identity. One well-known example is Le Marais, which stretches across both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. The name Marais means “marsh”, reflecting the fact that the area was once marshland before Paris expanded.

Another example is the Latin Quarter. For centuries, Latin was the official language of the University of Paris, and the surrounding student district has retained the name Quartier Latin to this day.

The distinction between Rive Gauche (Left Bank) and Rive Droite (Right Bank) is also unofficial. It dates back to a time when the Seine was the city’s lifeline and simply refers to the districts on either side of the river, following the direction of its flow. On a map of Paris, this roughly corresponds to the southern and northern parts of the city.

Historically, the Right Bank was associated with wealth, luxury and the aristocracy, while the Left Bank became known for culture, art and intellectual life. There is some truth in this – the stock exchange is north of the Seine, while the university lies to the south. On the other hand, the Louvre and the artistic district of Montmartre are also on the Right Bank, while banks and luxury boutiques can certainly be found on the Left Bank. These labels are therefore best viewed as historical stereotypes rather than strict realities. That said, some Parisians are still said to identify quite strongly with the area in which they live.

In 2008, President Nicolas Sarkozy launched the Grand Paris initiative, Europe’s largest urban development project. Its aim is to strengthen connections between central Paris and the surrounding suburbs (banlieues). Construction has been ongoing since 2016, partly in preparation for the Olympic Games of 2024. One of the flagship projects is the Grand Paris Express, which includes around 200 kilometres of new metro lines. Alongside this, new residential and business developments are being built, and entire neighbourhoods are being redesigned or created from scratch.

But enough of the introduction! Let’s take a look at five of the most interesting arrondissements and neighbourhoods in Paris.

1. district
1st arrondissement

The 1st arrondissement lies right at the centre of Paris. It is, so to speak, the starting point of the “Parisian snail”.

The French writer Émile Zola called “Les Halles”, one of the four quarters, the “belly of Paris”. From the Middle Ages until 1969, this was also the location of the city’s largest market. After it was moved to the suburb of Rungis near Orly Airport, the modern shopping centre Forum des Halles was built. It underwent extensive renovations from 2010 onwards. The new design, with its futuristic curved roof, caused quite a stir among Parisians, although that does not stop them from shopping there. Spread over four floors, you can find virtually everything here: the usual French and international brands, a huge supermarket, restaurants and snack bars, the largest pharmacie (a combination of pharmacy and drugstore) in Paris, a library, a cinema, a swimming pool and the largest underground railway station in Europe.

Behind the shopping centre lies the Jardin Nelson Mandela, a park with a large adventure playground for children (although it is also known as a location for drug dealing – so be careful).

The Church of Saint-Eustache on the eastern side of the park is well worth a visit. The façade is Gothic in style, while the interior contains Renaissance and Classical elements. Fun fact: Keith Haring designed one of the side altars. Saint-Eustache houses the largest organ in France, and free short concerts are held on Sunday afternoons. The church is generally known for its cultural programme, with renowned ensembles performing there throughout the year.

The 1st arrondissement is named after the Louvre for good reason, as the famous museum is located here in the Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois quarter. Directly behind it begins the Jardin des Tuileries.

Fancy a bit of contrast to classical art? Then visit the artists’ house 59 Rivoli on Rue de Rivoli. You can find more information about it in our article on hidden gems.

In the Palais-Royal quarter stands the Palais Royal (city palace) that served as the residence of the royal family before Versailles was built. In its courtyard you will find a hidden Paris landmark: 260 black-and-white striped columns rising from the ground at different heights. They create a wonderful contrast with the palace’s own columns. There is also a fountain with large silver spheres, which make for a great photo opportunity. The small but charming Jardin du Palais-Royal is also worth a visit.

What else is in this district?

• Bourse de Commerce
• Caves du Louvre
• Jeu de Pommes
• Musée d’ Orangerie
• Musée des Arts décoratifs

3. district
Montmartre

The 18th arrondissement officially bears the name “Buttes-Montmartre”. Butte means hill, and the name Montmartre probably derives from Mons Mercore (Hill of Mercury) or Mons Martis (Hill of Mars), as temples dedicated to these two deities once stood here in ancient times. The frequently cited translation “Hill of the Martyrs” is not strictly correct, as martre does not mean martyr but marten. On the other hand, Bishop Saint Denis (Dionysius) was beheaded here in AD 250. According to legend, he then picked up his head and walked along what is now the Rue des Martyrs to his burial place, as depicted by the statue dedicated to him in Square Suzanne Buisson.

Montmartre is, of course, best known for the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which stands proudly atop the hill. If you’re reasonably fit, you can climb the roughly 300 steps to reach it. Otherwise, simply take the Funiculaire de Montmartre. From the top, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view over Paris.

Very close to the basilica is Place du Tertre. Countless artists display their work here, including many portrait painters who naturally have tourists in their sights. The square is perhaps the most visible reminder that Montmartre remains Paris’s artists’ quarter. In the past, figures such as Van Gogh, Renoir and Dalí lived and worked here. Around 300 of Dalí’s works are displayed in the Dalí Museum (11 Rue Poulbot), located just beside the square.

Is the windmill of the Moulin Rouge on the edge of the neighbouring Pigalle a little too kitsch for your taste, or simply overdone as a photo opportunity?

Then Montmartre offers two alternatives, both officially called Moulin de la Galette and often confused with one another. The first, originally known as Moulin Blute-Fin, was once a venue for dance events and inspired Renoir’s famous painting Bal du Moulin de la Galette. It is now privately owned and cannot be visited. Its official address is 5 Hameau des Artistes, although it is best viewed from the junction of Rue Lepic and Rue Tholozé.
A few steps further along, at the corner of Rue Lepic and Rue Girardon, you’ll find the second windmill, originally called Le Radet. Today it houses a restaurant. Incidentally, Van Gogh once lived at 54 Rue Lepic.

Another famous photo spot is La Maison Rose (2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir – 4,2 on Google with 3.196 reviews), a pale pink house that is particularly charming in the evening sunlight. The café, which still exists today, was once frequented by Picasso, Camus and many other artists and intellectuals.

Montmartre even has its own small vineyard, clearly visible from the garden of the Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot). Every October, the district celebrates its own wine festival. The wines sell for around EUR 50 a bottle and are sometimes even auctioned, although the proceeds go towards charitable causes. Food lovers need not worry, however — the area around Sacré-Cœur is full of stalls selling regional delicacies.

Learn more about the Montmartre district.

5. district
Quartier Latin

Just across the Seine from Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis lies one of Paris’s most fascinating neighbourhoods: the Latin Quarter. For centuries, students, scholars, artists and intellectuals have shaped its unique atmosphere. Today, elegant boulevards, hidden alleyways, historic buildings, lively cafés and peaceful gardens come together to create one of the city’s most vibrant districts.

The quarter takes its name from the Middle Ages, when Latin was the language of learning and university teaching. In 1257, the theologian Robert de Sorbon, confessor to King Louis IX, founded what would become the famous Sorbonne University. Originally established to educate theology students, it grew into one of Europe’s most influential centres of learning and helped define the character of the neighbourhood that still bears its academic spirit today.

One of the most impressive buildings in Quartier Latin is the Panthéon. Originally built as a church, it now serves as the resting place of some of France’s most famous figures, including Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.

Founded in 1257, the Sorbonne is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. While much of the complex is not open to visitors, its historic buildings remain a symbol of the district’s academic heritage.

If you prefer some green space – go to the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is not actually part of Quartier Latin, but it is right on the boarder and a favourite among both locals and visitors. With elegant fountains, tree-lined paths, colourful flowerbeds and the beautiful Luxembourg Palace, it is the perfect place for a break from sightseeing.

A little hidden gem is perhaps “Shakespeare and Company” – Perhaps the world’s most famous independent bookshop (4,6 on Goolge with 25.186 reviews). Located just across from Notre-Dame, it has welcomed generations of writers, readers and dreamers since the 1950s.

Another gem is The Roman Arenas of Lutetia. It is hidden away behind modern buildings lies and is one of Paris’s oldest monuments. These ancient Roman ruins date back nearly 2,000 years and offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s distant past.

What other sights can you find here?

• Grande Galerie de l’Évolution
• Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
• Muséum national d’histoire naturelle
• Musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge

Find out more about the Latin Quarter.