Arrondissements & Districts in Paris

The best neighborhoods and districts in Paris France

An overview of the best districts, arrondissements and most famous neighborhoods in Paris France. Where to stay during your Paris city trip?

The 20 arrondissements: neighborhoods of Paris

The city of Paris includes 20 arrondissements (administrative districts or neighborhoods). The final number of a postal code indicates in which district an address lies. For example, if the postal code is 75010, then the destination is in the 10th district. These arrondissements spiral outwards in a clockwise fashion from the city center, creating a "snail shell" shape. In these arrondissements you will find informal districts (like Le Marais or Quartier Latin), which sometimes overlap between different arrondissements. In this article you read more about the 8 most popular districts in Paris: Montmartre, Le Marais, Saint Germain, Quartier Latin, Montparnasse, Saint Martin, La Bastille en Les Halles:

8x Best districts in Paris

1. Montmartre

The Montmartre district is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Montmartre is known as the artists’ quarter of Paris. Prominent artists like Dali and Picasso have lived in the area. Today, the picturesque district is still the home of many artists. The iconic landmark of Montmartre is the stunning Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Other popular sights include Palais Garnier, Place du Tertre, and Moulin Rouge. Read more about 'What to see in Montmartre'.

^{Visit the Montmartre district in Paris, France}

^{Visiting Montmartre in Paris, France}

2. Le Marais

The Le Marais neighborhood is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris. The charming old neighborhood is home to historic town houses, small streets, concept stores, nice cafés, and Place des Vosges. The best time to visit the charming area is during the workweek. Many local shops and restaurants are closed on Saturdays because of the Sabbat. On Sundays, Le Marais is crowded with Parisians. It is the best district to join a food tour (more info food tours) while discovering hidden gems and tasting traditional French delicacies. Several notable museums can be found in Le Marais. You can learn more about the history of Paris in Musée Carnavelt. Musée Picasso has a substantial collection of artwork made by the well-known Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Read all information about the best 'Places to visit in Le Marais'.

Hotel-tips in Le Marais: Le Pavillon de la Reine and Hôtel du Petit Moulin

^{Visiting the Le Marais district in Paris}

^{Visit Place des Vosges in Paris, France}

3. Saint Germain

Saint Germain is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of Paris’ most expensive neighborhoods. The chic area is home to expensive boutiques, antique stores, modern art galleries, romantic restaurants, and nice cafés. The most popular sights in the area are public park 'Jardin du Luxembourg' and historic cathedral 'Église Saint Germain des Prés'. It is possible to book an organized walking tour through the chic district. More info about this Saint Germain Walking Tour.

Hotel-tips in Saint Germain: Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain and Bonsoir Madame

^{Visit the Saint Germain district in Paris, France}

^{Visit Église Saint Germain des Prés in Paris, France}

4. Quartier Latin

Quartier Latin is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. The charming neighborhood is the oldest part of Paris. The historic area has small medieval alleyways and streets, beautiful bookshops, and a lovely public park named Jardin des Plantes. The landmark in the district is the historic structure of Panthéon Paris. It is possible to book an organized walking tour through the district. More info about this Quartier Latin Walking Tour

Hotel-tips in Latin Quarter: Hotel Fior d'Aliza and Hôtel Jardin de Cluny

^{Place de la Sorbonne in Latin Quarter district in Paris}

^{Visiting Panthéon in Paris, France}

5. Montparnasse

The Montparnasse neighborhood is located in the 15th district of Paris. It is an artistic area with many art galleries and changing exhibitions. The 210-meter-high Montparnasse Tower is the district’s landmark. The well-known structure offers visitors a breathtaking viewpoint of Paris and its surrounding areas.

^{Visit the Montparnasse district in Paris, France}

^{Visit Tour Montparnasse in Paris, France}

6. Saint Martin district in Paris

Saint Martin is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. The Saint Martin Canal inspired the district’s name. Saint Martin is a stylish and active neighborhood with hip boutiques, restaurants, and bars. A public square named Place de la République is the district’s best-known landmark. You don't see many tourists in the area. It is possible to book an organized boat trip over the Canal. More information Saint Martin Canal Cruise.

Hotel-tip in Saint Martin: Les Rives Oceanik

^{Visit the Saint Martin district in Paris, France}

^{Visiting Place de la République in Paris, France}

7. La Bastille

La Bastille is located in the 12th district of Paris and centered around the iconic Place de la Bastille. The area is named after the former prison with the same name. Today, the neighborhood is noted for its vibrant restaurants. The area is also known as 'Veggie Town' due to the number of vegan establishments.

^{Place de La Bastille from Canal Saint Martin}

^{Coulée Verte René-Dumont in La Bastille district}

8. Les Halles

Les Halles is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris and is an upcoming neighborhood. Recently, a public park and large shopping center were opened. Close to this district are notable landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and public square, Place Dauphine or you can visit the museum of Centre George Pompidou.

^{Visit the Les Halles district in Paris}

^{Visiting Place Dauphine in Paris, France}