An ultimate guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris

An ultimate guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris

Here is a helpful tip when visiting the city of light: learn about the arrondissements of Paris to impress people, and more importantly, to make your life much easier.

What is an arrondissement? 

The Paris Arrondissements are actually 20 administrative divisions that separate the districts. On a map, you’ll see that all 20 districts are arranged in the form of a clockwise spiral. It almost looks like a snail shell! (perhaps that is why the French love escargot….) As you see on the map, the smaller the number the district, the more central it is. I will be using the terms districts and arrondissements interchangeably. They mean the exact same thing.

Here is a bit of history behind the arrondissements before we get into the fun stuff. In 1795, Paris was divided into twelve districts. It wasn’t until the expansion of Paris in 1860 by Napoleon III and Baron Hausmann that the surrounding communes were welcomed into Paris proper and thus the remaining 8 arrondissements were created.

Another tip when traveling, don’t confuse the arrondissements or districts for Paris quartiers. The word quartier in means neighborhood in French. Examples of quartiers are Victor Hugo, Montmartre, Saint Germain, Le Marais, Beaubourg, Montparnasse, Latin Quarter, Les Halles, etc. Multiple quartiers could be located in the same district!

It’s really helpful to know which main attractions you want to visit are in which arrondissement. This will especially help you if you need to ask for directions! “Pardon, pouvez-vous s’il vous plaît me dire comment aller au 3ème arrondissement?” “Excuse me, can you please tell me how to get to the 3rd arrondissement?“ A helpful Parisian should be impressed you know the district numbers and will hopefully be able to assist you should you need!

If you’re ever lost and want to know which neighborhood you’re in, look at the famous blue street signs!

When you talk about the arrondissements, this how you should word it if you really want to impress. It helps if you know how to count to 20 in French. Each number ending with ème. Let’s say you want to visit the Eiffel Tower. This is in the 7ème (pronounced “sept-ième”) Now you can practice. How would you say the 18th district in French?

If you guessed 18ème, you’re right! (This is the very touristy arrondissement where Montemartre is located.)

Now let’s get to the more interesting stuff. Did you know that among locals, the arrondissements are known to be associated and categorized with different personalities and character traits?  Here’s an exercise for you: Read through this list, and visit as many arrondissements as you can. Do you notice the different vibes and types of people you see? It’s a fun experiment for an curious explorer. Now, here is a rough guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris. I’ll highlight some of the main monuments, rues, and quartiers too!

Paris 20e

Parc de Belleville © Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

The 20th district is located in northeast Paris and is the last arrondissement. It’s traditionally a working class area with immigrant roots, the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery, and is where the Belleville and Menilmontant neighborhood are located.  It’s a more open spaced, rugged part of Paris with a hipster and edgy nightlife scene. Paris 20eme is not full of the typical postcard charm we so often see. You’ll find bohemian, eclectic, artsy people, and mostly locals.  One of the famous spots is the rooftop bar, Mamashelter. Overall, the 20th offers a relaxed district under the radar, casual, with street art, low key bars, and edgy charm.

Paris 19e

The 19th district is in the northeastern part of the capital and is the favorite of many Parisians! Also considered historically working-class, it was home to the city’s traders and craftsmen. Now, as one of the largest arrondissements, it’s up and coming with some of the most amazing views of the city. Here, you’ll find one of the most beautiful parks in all of Paris, Parc des Buttes Chaumont. It’s a more affordable arrondissement so you’ll find a lot of young people! One of the top bars in the area is Rosa Bonheur, located at Buttes Chaumont. The other famous park is La Villette, which is an open space that hosts many cultural events, fairs, and open air cinema festivals! The Parisian who resides in the 19th is hip, likes contemporary, enjoys the outdoors, and enjoys the perfect blend of city and nature. There is also a large Jewish population in the 19th, so plenty of kosher restaurants!

Read here for more of some of the best things to do in Paris 19e!

Paris 18e

By Sieb Warmoeskerken on Unsplash

There is so much to say about Paris’s 18th district. Home to one of the most famous neighborhoods of Montmartre, this arrondissement offers the perfect balance of nostalgic charm and edge. Popular sites include Sacre Coeur, Montemartre artist’s village, and Pigalle, where you’ll find the Moulin Rouge. This district has always attracted crowds of tourists due to it’s cobblestoned streets, quant passages, hidden gardens, and charming shops. It’s home to a lively demographic of your Parisians who fill the local bars at night. You might know it as a quirky yet romantic setting if you’ve seen Amélie.  You can follow in her footsteps by getting off at the famous Abbesses metro stop and eating a meal at Cafe des deux Moulins. For an Instagram worthy shot, visit La Maison Rose and the Mur des e’taime (I love you wall).

Paris 17e

photo courtesy of Culturetrip

Paris 17e is one of the lesser known districts, as it is tucked in between the 16th and 8th arrondissements. What you might not know is that the 17th is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic Hassmannien charm. Batignolles is a hotspot for artists and fashion designers, offering a grungier atmosphere yet still charming. Walk down Avenue Wagram  towards the Arc de Triomphe or shop at the Batignolles Covered Market for some cheap, natural products. The personality of the district is dynamic, artsy, calm, yet vibrant.

Paris 16e

photo from TripAdvisor

The 16th arrondissement, located in west Paris, is one of the most affluent neighborhoods of the city. It’s also full of American expats. It’s a comfortable neighborhood, with a lot of homebodies as there isn’t really a nightlife scene. It’s residential, safe, full of the post-card looking cobble-stoned alleyways and stunning architecture. Think of it as the Upper East Side of Paris with mostly designer stores and expensive restaurants. Popular neighborhoods include Passy, Victor Hugo, and Trocadero.

Paris 15e

The 15th district, southern Paris,  is known for being residential with not much happening. Recently they just opened a pretty nice Galeries Lafayette at the Beaugranelle shopping mall, just across from the 16th arrondissement. It’s more of a neighborhood feeling, with boulangeries. Montparnasse Tower is located on the border of the 14th and 15th arrondissements, which is a skyscraper offering superb views of the city.

Paris 14e

View from La Maison Montparnasse – by La Maison Montparnasse – Sourced from their website

The nickname for this district is Montparnasse.  Known for being once a lively home to the literature scene in the 1920’s, the 14th is now mostly a sleepy area of town and pretty residential. Though you will find one of the more grim tourist attractions, the Paris Catacombs!

Paris 13e

The 13th district actually doesn’t look like the rest! Here, you really won’t find many Haussmanian style buildings, as this is a much more urban looking district. Though it’s not at the top of most tourists’ lists, there are still some cool things to see! The 13th district has the National Library (Bibliotheque National), Station F (a start-up hub with some very hip restaurants), and Paris’s Chinatown! The Parisians in the 13th are older, and its more of a family oriented neighborhood with a lot of diversity and a big immigrant population. It’s got an almost New York City vibe to it, and is actually an interesting place to walk around and explore.

Paris 12e

Rue Crémieux photographed by Arielle Meimoun

Paris’s 12th district, located in  east Paris, (northeast of the 13th on the other side of the Seine) doesn’t differ so much from the 13th, yet it is does have a bit more of the Parisian charm that you know and love. For green space lovers, check out Paris’ second largest public green space (after the Bois de Boulogne in the 16^tharrondissement), the Bois de Vincennes. The 12th holds the famous Bercy bus station, and AccorHotels Arena where most large concerts take place. It’s a young vibe, with many backpackers on budgets, as there are many cheap hotels and hostels in the area. It’s generally safe and a more affordable part of Paris. On the border of the 12th further west is the famous Place de la Bastille! For a hidden gem, go see Rue Crémieux, a charming colorful street with the perfect aesthetic for a photo!

Paris 11eme

metro Oberkampf by Jiel Beaumadier – WikiCommons

The 11th, or onzième arrondissement is situated on the right bank, right above the 12th. It’s actually one of the most densely populated urban districts of any European city! You can go see the national symbol of the Republic (Place de la République), the Edith Piaf museum, and visit one of the hippest bars, La Perchoir. The 11th is also known for having some of the best restaurants, so foodies will love it here. One of the most prominent nightlife scenes, Oberkampf is situated right in the heart of this district. It’s bohemian-bourgeois, as some would call it with a young and trendy atmosphere.

Paris 10e

The 10th is home to the famous Canal Saint-Martin, and contains Paris’s two main train stations: Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. This is also a very young, vibrant area, with many people sitting and drinking on the Canal in the warmer months. The 10th district local likes to go out, yet doesn’t need anything fancy to have a good time!

Paris 9e

Shoppers, this is your spot! The 9th district, which houses the famous Opéra house, is one of the best spots to eat, drink, and of course shop! I often frequent the 9th , and my favorite areas the Grand Magasins (amazing rooftop views), stunning Palais Garner, and Passage Jouffroy.

Paris 8e

La Rotonde de Parc Monceau – Gregory Deryckère – Wiki Commons

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This is basically the Beverly Hills of Paris. Instead of Rodeo Drive you have the Champs Elysees! The 8th is home to some of the most stunning avenues including Avenue Montaigne where you’ll probably have to window shop. Other things to see are the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, and one of Parisians’ favorite parks, Parc Monceau!

Paris 7e

The seventh district is actually interestingly half touristy half residential. Here you’ll find the world’s most famous monument, La Tour Eiffel. It’s a pretty small district compared to others, and besides Tour Eiffel and Champs de Mars, the seventh is mainly pretty quiet. Located in the seventh is the American University of Paris, where over 1000 international students come to study. It’s a very central location, elegant, and safe! Another fun thing to see in the 7th is the Musée d’Orsay.

Paris 6e

Saint-Germain-des-Prés @ Paris by Guilhem Vellut – Flickr

We’re now talking about one of the most popular districts in all of Paris with old-world glamour and atmospheric charm. The quintessential Odeon neighborhood and Saint Germain des Prés are in the heart of the 6th, including the magnificent Luxembourg Gardens! It’s also part of the magical Latin quarter and is really the epitome of Parisian Lifestyle. Home to intellectuals, young and old, philosophers, and more, you will find meaning walking through these streets.

Paris 5e

The fifth is the student quarter, and home to the Latin Quarter. Looking to debate with someone? Head over to the 5th and talk to a student studying at one of the many universities in the area. Also check out the beautiful Jardin des Planted and Rue Mouffetard!

Paris 4e

Place des Vosges – by AlNo – Wikimedia Commons

Artsy, world travelers will enjoy this district nestled in between Chatelet and Bastille. Shop at the BHV, visit the famous Hotel de Ville. Also home to the beautiful Jewish Quarter, also know le Marais, the district is filled with lovely shops, boutiques, and quaint cobblestone streets. One of the most relaxing spots of the fourth is Place des Vosges, a pleasant Parc right in the heart of Marais. Another cute spot is the shopping on Rue des Rosiers, home to Paris’s best falafel joints.  The people who appreciate beautiful architecture and decor will appreciate the 4th.

Paris 3e

Hôtel Salé, Picasso Museum by LPLT – WikiCommons

The third district is nestled in the center of the surrounding 2nd, 4th, 10th, and 11th districts. It’s mostly part of the third and just north of le Marais, most notably including the famous Picasso museum.

Paris 2e

Located in the heart of Paris, the 2nd arrondissement is actually extremely diverse, dynamic, and vibrant. It includes some of Marais, Les Halles, and the Louvre-Tuileries areas. My favorite areas are Montorgueil, a hip pedestrian district with some really great bars and restaurants and the Grands Boulevards which is a very fun spot for going out with friends.

Paris 1e

Place Vendôme – by Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage – Wikimedia Commons

We’ve finally made it to the end of the list, the first and last arrondissement! If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you are now fully knowledgeable on Paris geography. The first district has a rich history and is home to some of the most world-recognized, fashionable symbols of the city. Famous sites include Place Vendome, Palais Royale, Tuileries, Louvre Museum, and my favorite bakery, Angelina!

Thanks for reading the list of Paris arrondissements, I hope you familiarize yourself with the diversity of the city dynamic neighborhoods!