Paris Districts - Arrondissements |
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| Paris is divided into 20 different neighbourhoods called arrondissements.
Arrondissements are named according to their number. For example, you might
live in the 5th arrondissement, which would be written as 5ème in French.
The suburbs are called the banlieue. They are generally more peaceful than
the city, and those to the west of Paris (Neuilly, Boulogne, Saint Cloud,
Levallois) are the most desirable. Each neighbourhood in Paris has its own
special character which we'll try to describe below. |
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It's impossible to generalize each neighbourhood,
but the following should give you a broad idea of the differences between
the Paris neighbourhoods:
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| 1er |
This is the geographical center of Paris and
a haven for tourists. The Louvre, Les Halles and the Palais Royal are all
here. |
| 2ème |
A primarily business district. The Paris Stock Market (the Bourse) and
the Bibliothèque Nationale are here. |
| 3ème |
Along with the 4ème arrondissement, this neighborhood makes up
the Marais, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Many 17th century
mansions that once housed the noblest families in Paris are still to be
seen in this quiet and ungentrified neighborhood. |
| 4ème |
The center of the Marais, this is a lively neighborhood with a strong
alternative lifestyle scene as well as lots of trendy bars, shops, and restaurants.
The rue des Rosiers is a centerpiece of Jewish lifestyle in Paris and the
Ile St. Louis and the Ile de la Cité are the oldest parts of Paris.
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| 5ème |
The fabled Latin Quarter. This neighborhood takes its name from the Sorbonne,
where Latin was the common tongue for all students during the Middle Ages.
The neighborhood has the feel of a small village and students mix freely
with professionals in its winding streets. The rue Mouffetard is a primary
artery where shops, international restaurants and student bars and cafés
are found. |
| 6ème |
St. Germain. Once the hangout for bohemians and intellectuals,
this neighborhood has undergone gentrification and is newly chic. Upscale
boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants can be found throughout this district.
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| 7ème |
The Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay and lots of Americans
can be found in this very wealthy neighborhood. |
| 8ème |
The Champs Elysèe, and lots of tourists make up this upscale
neighborhood. |
| 9ème |
Pigalle (the fading Red Light district) and the Moulin Rouge
can be found here. A diverse residential area popular among artistic crowd. |
| 10ème |
The two great train stations in Paris are here, the Gare
de l'Est and the Gare du Nord. This multi-cultural neighborhood also contains
a bohemian element. |
| 11ème |
The Bastille is located here. This is a primarily residential
district. |
| 12ème |
Residential neighborhood bordered on the east by the Bois
de Vincennes ( a nice park ). |
| 13ème |
Residential neighborhood, as well as Paris' Chinatown. |
| 14ème |
Montparnasse and the Cité Universitaire are found in this
residential district traditionally known for its lively cafés and restaurants
around the Blvd. Montparnasse. |
| 15ème |
This large outlying district is primarily residential. |
| 16ème |
Bois de Boulogne, Trocadero. Although it is not as exclusive
as the 7th arrondissement, the 16th is widely regarded as the neighborhood
for the wealthy. |
| 17ème |
This diverse district really contains more than one neighborhood,
with the portion, in the west, near the Arc de Triomph and Parc Monceau,
being very upscale. |
| 18ème |
Montmartre. This artsy residential neighborhood has a small
village feel and lots of tourists. |
| 19ème |
Père-Lachaise cemetery and the Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
A residential neighborhood with many ethnic restaurants and shops. |
| 20ème |
Belleville. An outlying residential area that is becoming
yuppified. |
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