Which arrondissement in Paris? Discover every corner of the city
Wondering which arrondissement to visit in Paris?
Whether you’re looking for a place to stroll, a place to stay, a place to go out or a place to discover, it’s essential to get to know the atmosphere of each district. Parisians speak of many villages. Whether you’re looking for chic or trendy, fashionable or popular, hectic or peaceful… let’s take a tour of Paris’s arrondissements.
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements, an open-air museum
These four arrondissements have been around since the very beginnings of Paris. It was from these districts that the city was built, and even today they are a veritable open-air museum. Young designers, luxury brands and old-fashioned haberdasheries are all to be found in these arrondissements. This merry mix is enhanced by a host of tasteful bars and restaurants. We love this mixed atmosphere. You’ll come across a rather young and stylish crowd, as well as businessmen and women in a hurry. What seems obvious is that you must visit these districts.
The Vth, VIth, VIIth and VIIIth, a chic atmosphere
The Vème, VIème, VIIème and VIIIème arrondissements offer a chic atmosphere without the shock. From the Vème to the VIIème, culture has pride of place. Browsing on a terrace over a coffee or a hazelnut is an easy pleasure to indulge in these beautiful districts. Discovering a gallery on a street corner and falling for a numbered silkscreen print is also a daily occurrence. It’s in these arrondissements that the intelligentsia feel at home, and you can feel it. Once you reach the 8th arrondissement, the chic goes up a notch with the presence of the Champs Elysées avenue and the majestic buildings that line it. The luxury brands all have addresses here. For strolling or shopping, it’s a must.
The IXth, Xth, XIth and XIIth arrondissements, districts on the move
These arrondissements are on the move, much to the delight of young Parisians. Day and night, the streets are teeming with people. Cafés, restaurants, boutiques, music shops… it’s as if a new establishment is opening its doors. Whether you have a goal or not, every opportunity is a good one to don your prettiest outfit and wander around the arrondissements that make Paris such a lively, cosmopolitan capital.
The XIIIth, XIVth and XVth arrondissements, quiet and close to points of interest
In these arrondissements, the volume is turned down a notch. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, but the atmosphere is calmer. Without being residential, the districts that make up these arrondissements have the advantage of being peaceful because there are fewer crowds. This is where you’ll meet the pure Parisians who have their own habits and enjoy retreating to arrondissements where there’s less hubbub.
They like to spend time here to breathe and relax. The only exception to the rule is Chinatown, where an avalanche of colours and shops will take you on a trip to the Orient without leaving Paris.
The XVIIth, XVIIIth, XIXth and XXth, the working-class arrondissements
These are the working-class arrondissements par excellence. With the exception of the XVIIème Sud, which remains chic, once you cross the railway tracks leading to the XVIIème Nord, you discover a different atmosphere. African bouibouis cohabit with the trendiest concept stores.
Exotic restaurants and grocery shops distil products you’ve never heard of before. Start-ups and creative offices have made it their headquarters. Faced with the chic Paris of the centre, the slightly shadier Paris gives the city a relaxed atmosphere.
Find out more about the characteristics of each arrondissement on the Vivre Paris website.