Paris Arrondissements Guide: Exploring Paris from 1-20

Confused by the different Paris arrondissements and what makes each unique? You’ve come to the right place!

Paris is a unique city. Not just for its sights, sounds, smells, culture and the lifestyle it offers, but for its physical layout.

Paris is divided into 20 “arrondissements”. That is, 20 distinct administrative districts with designated borders. On a map, you will see that these numbered arrondissements wind their way outwards in a coil formation, with the lower numbered Paris arrondissements located in the heart of the city near the Seine, and the ones with higher numbers located on the outskirts of the city.

The best part of this system, however, is that each Paris arrondissement is unique, and offers something different for locals and visitors alike. While some arrondissements are packed with world famous landmarks, others are renowned for their hip restaurants and bars, their large green spaces or for representing the more gritty and “authentic” Paris locals experience on a day to day basis.

Some short-term visitors to Paris may not ever venture beyond the central arrondissements, but our guide will hopefully inspire locals, expats and visitors to discover what each and every arrondissement has to offer.

Let’s explore Paris together!


A fun fact about Paris arrondissements before we begin…

The last two digits in any Paris postal code indicates the arrondissement the address falls under. For example, 75019 is the 19th arrondissement, while 75001 is the 1st arrondissement. While technically arrondissements 1-4 are often grouped together for administrative purposes, we have broken each of the 20 Paris arrondissements down individually in this guide, as each is special in its own right and deserves to shine!


Arrondissement 1: “Le Premier”

Nestled right in the centre of any map of Paris on the Right Bank of the Seine, the 1st arrondissement is sometimes combined with the 2nd by locals, who call this district “Le Premier”. 

Arrondissement 1 is marked by some of Paris’ most visited central landmarks, including the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens. It is a delightful onslaught of beautiful public gardens, high end retail establishments, exclusive residential streets and some of Paris’ historic bridges that cross the Seine, like the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in France. 

What to see in the 1st arrondissement:

  • The Louvre 
  • Palais Royal 
  • Jardin des Tuileries 
  • Rue Saint Honoré
  • Les Halles
  • The Ritz Paris 
  • The Pont Neuf
  • The Pont des Arts
  • Place Vendôme 
  • Rue de Rivoli 

Paris Metro stations located in the 1st arrondissement: Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre, Louvre-Rivoli, Châtelet–Les Halles, Châtelet, Pyramides, Concorde, Étienne Marcel.

The Louvre.

Arrondissement 2: Stately central neighbourhoods  

Tucked behind the 1st arrondissement and forming part of “Paris Central”, the 2nd arrondissement is a small but mighty district home to The Paris Stock Exchange (“Bourse de Paris”) and the National Library of France. 

This important centre is also peppered with exclusive inner city neighbourhoods and some of the oldest theatres in Paris, for good measure. The stately Opéra Comique is one of Paris’ oldest theatres and was founded in 1714. You can still see a show here today.

Highlights of the 2nd arrondissement:

  • Bourse de Paris
  • Rue Montorgueil 
  • Grands Boulevards
  • La Tour Jean-Sans-Peur
  • Opéra Comique
  • Bibliothèque Nationale de France

Paris Metro stations located in the 2nd arrondissement: Bourse, Quatre-Septembre, Grands Boulevards, Sentier, Réaumur-Sebastopol, Bonne Nouvelle.

Bourse de Paris.

Arrondissement 3: History meets hip 

Known to locals as “Northern Marais”, the 3rd arrondissement is tucked back from the Seine on the Right Bank, but is one of Paris’ most exciting neighbourhoods. 

In this gentrified central neighbourhood, historic outdoor markets sell eclectic wares and fresh produce, fun-loving Parisians sip hip cocktails at trendy cocktail bars and art lovers pack the local galleries. The city’s oldest town square, Place des Vosges, sits on the dividing line between the 3rd and 4th arrondissement. 

Some sights of the 3rd arrondissement: 

  • Musée des Arts et Métiers 
  • Marché des Enfants Rouge
  • The Picasso Museum 
  • Place des Vosges

Paris Metro stations located in the 3rd arrondissement: République, Temple, Arts et Métiers, Rambuteau, Chemin Vert, Filles du Calvaire.

Place des Vosges.

Arrondissement 4: Culture and the classics  

Le Marais is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Paris, encompassing the 4th arrondissement and rolling down to the banks of the Seine where “Our Lady of Paris”, Notre Dame Cathedral, stands tall and proud. It then straddles part of the Île de la Cite located in the Seine.

Historically the Jewish Quarter of Paris, the lively 4th arrondissement is the place to go for the perfect fusion of nostalgia, culture and fun. Marais is home to some of the best museums in Paris, both old and new, on-trend restaurants and bars and is the city’s unofficial LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Some of the coolest bars are in Marais! Check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in Paris.

Standouts of the 4th arrondissement: 

  • Musée Carnavalet
  • Centre Pompidou 
  • Marché aux Fleurs
  • Notre Dame Cathedral 
  • Hôtel de Ville 
  • Hôtel de Beauvais
  • Village Saint Paul
  • Tour Saint Jacques

Paris Metro stations located in the 4th arrondissement: Hôtel de Ville, Cité, Sully-Morland, Saint-Paul, Pont Marie, Rambuteau, Bastille.

Notre Dame Cathedral.

Arrondissement 5: “The Latin Quarter” 

Paris’ 5th arrondissement can only be known by its widely accepted official name “The Latin Quarter”. This is a district steeped in tradition, ritual and excellence. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, this beautiful arrondissement is a student hive, due to it being home to the world revered La Sorbonne university. 

The 5th arrondissement also offers a beautiful outdoor lifestyle, with sprawling public gardens like the Jardin des Plantes calling this district home. Explore local museums and monuments, wander some of Paris’ oldest and most fascinating streets and simply soak it all in. You’re in the presence of greatness, past and present.

What the 5th arrondissement is known for: 

  • La Sorbonne
  • Musée de Cluny / Musée National du Moyen Âge
  • The Panthéon
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Musée Curie 
  • Arènes de Lutèce
  • Shakespeare & Company
  • Marché Mouffetard 

Paris Metro stations located in the 5th arrondissement: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Cluny La Sorbonne, Jussieu, Maubert-Mutualité, Place Monge, Cardinal Lemoine.

Jardin des Plantes.

Arrondissement 6: One of Paris’ trendiest locales 

Perched on Paris’ lively Left Bank, the popular neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés encompasses much of the 6th arrondissement, along with parts of the Latin Quarter. The 6th arrondissement is the place to be seen, but also to see some of the city’s most iconic sights.

The streets here are some of Paris’ most charming, filled with cute as a button patisseries, boulangeries, elegant shops and some of the most historic cafes in the city, such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Both were once magnets for the famous creative faces of Paris past, and are still operational today. The tranquil Jardin du Luxembourg takes pride of place in the 6th arrondissement, with its perfectly manicured gardens, historic fountains and famous toy sailboats. Keen to explore the parks and gardens of Paris? Check out our guide to the 10 best Paris parks and gardens.

Features of the 5th arrondissement: 

  • Les Deux Magots 
  • Café de Flore
  • Église St-Germain des Prés
  • Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris Metro stations located in the 6th arrondissement: Vavin, Notre-Dame des Champs, Saint-Placide, Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Mabillon, Odéon.

Luxembourg Gardens.

Arrondissement 7: Some of the world’s most famous sights 

The 7th arrondissement experiences some of the city’s most heavy tourist traffic, thanks to the Eiffel Tower soaring high above this central district. This Left Bank Seine-side hotspot is also home to some of Paris’ most visited museums, such as the Musée d’Orsay and Les Invalides, the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. A number of museums located in the 7th arrondissement made our list of the 10 best Paris museums to visit.

Around each and every corner of this important district is a sight to behold. Galleries and museums full of treasures, immaculately kept parks and gardens, ancient bridges and so much more. You can easily while away a day just in the 7th arrondissement.

Landmarks located in the 7th arrondissement: 

  • The Eiffel Tower 
  • Champ de Mars
  • Musée d’Orsay 
  • Musée Rodin
  • Les Invalides  
  • Pont Royal

Paris Metro stations located in the 7th arrondissement: Assemblée Nationale, Varenne, Rue de Bac, Sèvres–Babylone, Vaneau, Duroc, Ségur, École Militaire, Le Tour-Maubourg, Invalides, Solferino, Saint François-Xavier.

The Eiffel Tower.

Arrondissement 8: A grand Parisian journey 

Rivalling its neighbour, the 7th arrondissement, for Paris’ most visited district, ample time spent in the 8th arrondissement should be on any Paris visitor’s itinerary. After all, one of the world’s most well known and important streets defines this awe-inspiring arrondissement.

Setting off from the Place de la Concorde, travelling right up the grand Champs-Élysées is truly a pleasure. This renowned avenue is peppered with shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries and more, and in the lead-up to the festive season is lined by some of Europe’s most exceptional Christmas markets and lit up like a dream. The journey fittingly ends at the grand Arc de Triomphe. If you have a chance to climb this Napoleonic-era landmark, you’ll be met with the famous sights of the various avenues that branch out from the monument in a star formation.

What to visit in the 8th arrondissement: 

  • Champs-Élysées
  • Arc de Triomphe 
  • Place de la Concorde 
  • Petit Palais

Paris Metro stations located in the 8th arrondissement: Concorde, Madeleine, Havre-Caumartin, Europe, Liège, Rome, Monceau, George V, Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau, Alma-Marceau, Saint-Phillippe-du-Roule, Miromesnil, Saint-Augustin, Courcelles, Temes.

Champs-Élysées.

Arrondissement 9: The chicest shopping in Paris 

Back over on the Right Bank, the 9th arrondissement of Paris is grand, regal and will leave you feeling that you are walking in the historic footsteps of true French elegance from centuries past. Exquisite architecture, hidden passageways, gourmet restaurants and hip neighbourhoods all come together to make the 9th arrondissement what it is.

A day spent in the 9th arrondissement is never wasted, and should include a visit to the glorious Palais Garnier, one of the world’s grandest opera houses and the inspiration behind the tale of the ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Visitors to the 9th arrondissement also head to its chic neighbourhoods for a spot of upscale shopping. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are two of the iconic retail locations within this district that are worth visiting just to take in their sublime architecture. These aren’t just department stores, they are experiences all of their own.

Head to the 9th arrondissement for: 

  • Palais Garnier 
  • Galeries Lafayette 
  • Le Printemps 
  • South Pigalle

Paris Metro stations located in the 9th arrondissement: Opéra, Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette, Le Peletier, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Poissonnière, Anvers, Pigalle, Blanche, Place de Clichy, Trinité–d’Estienne d’Orves.

Paris Opéra.

Arrondissement 10: More than a travel hub 

If you are arriving into Paris by train from other French cities or European destinations, the odds are that the 10th arrondissement will be your first taste of life in Paris. After all, it is home to two of the busiest train stations in Europe, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. But this Right Bank district, bordered by other seemingly more “happening” arrondissements, isn’t just a travel hub. It is an up-and-coming destination with surprises to be found around every corner.

The bohemian neighbourhood of Canal Saint-Martin is located within the 10th arrondissement, and is rapidly becoming one of the city’s most popular areas to visit, experience and even to move to. It is brimming with achingly cool cafes and bars, outdoor markets and offers a relaxed outdoor canalside atmosphere.

Sightseeing in the 10th arrondissement: 

  • Gare du Nord 
  • Gare de l’Est
  • Canal Saint-Martin 
  • Marché Saint Martin 
  • Jardin Villemin

Paris Metro stations located in the 10th arrondissement: Gare du Nord, La Chapelle, Louis Blanc, Château-Landon, Gare de l’Est, Château d’Eau, Jacques Bonsergent, Goncourt, Belleville, Stalingrad, Barbès–Rochechouart.

Gare du Nord.

Arrondissement 11: A district forged by revolution 

The 11th of the Paris arrondissements is an interesting district. Historically, it is where some of the most important events of the French Revolution took place, and many related landmarks remain as an homage. Today, however, the 11st arrondissement has gained a firm reputation as a destination for fashionistas, foodies and those searching for a unique Parisian experience.

The Right Bank district, tucked behind the heaving Marais neighbourhoods, has taken up the mantle of being the newest place to go for good food, good fun and a diverse population. Where the Bastille once stood in the Place de la Bastille, you can now pay your respects at the monument that sits at what is now one of the city’s busiest roundabouts. Trendy bars and restaurants dot the streets of the Quartier Oberkampf, pretty boulevards hum with shoppers, and the cool young crowd that call this arrondissement home browse the local produce at the Marché Bastille or relax canal-side at Port d’Arsenal.

Visitor favourites of the 11th arrondissement: 

  • Opéra Bastille
  • Place de la République
  • Place de la Bastille 
  • Edith Piaf Museum
  • Quartier Oberkampf
  • Jardin du Port d’Arsenal
  • Marché Bastille

Paris Metro stations located in the 11th arrondissement: Couronnes, Ménilmontant, Parmentier, Rue Saint-Maur, Oberkampf, Filles du Calvaire, Saint-Ambroise, Richard Lenoir, Bréguet–Sabin, Charonne, Rue de Boulets, Alexandre Dumas, Avron, Phillipe Auguste, Voltaire.

Place de la Bastille.

Arrondissement 12: An outdoor lover’s dream 

Gentrified like many Paris arrondissements that have been transformed from gritty industrial centres into groups of neighbourhoods with a high standard of living, the 12th arrondissement in the east of the city offers an enjoyable and varied lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.

Bordering the 11th arrondissement and starting at the Place de la Bastille, much of the land mass of the artistic 12th arrondissement is taken up by Bois de Vincennes, the largest park in Paris and home to its own zoo and sprawling gardens. And that’s just one of the arrondissements outstanding outdoor spaces. Add to that charming city villages such as Bercy, the rambling food centre Marché d’Aligre and the many other hidden aspects of the area waiting to be discovered, and you have the perfect recipe for a balanced and diverse neighbourhood.

Hidden gems of the 12th arrondissement: 

  • Bois de Vincennes
  • Marché d’Aligre
  • Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
  • Bercy Village
  • Promenade Plantée
  • Cimetière de Picpus
  • Bercy Arena

Paris Metro stations located in the 12th arrondissement: Porte Dorée, Michel Bizot, Porte de Charente, Cour Saint-Émilion, Bercy Bourgogne-Pays d’Auvergne , Dugommier, Daumesnil, Bel-Air, Picpus, Reuilly-Diderot, Montgallet, Gare de Lyon.

Bois de Vincennes.

Arrondissement 13: A cultural melting pot 

One of the outer Paris arrondissements of the Left Bank, “the 13th” is authentic Paris at its finest. Many visitors to Paris will shirk a visit to these more far-flung districts in favour of meandering around the central arrondissements, but trust us, you won’t regret a day spent exploring the 13th arrondissement.

This diverse arrondissement is a melting pot of cultures, exemplified by the superb ethnic food offerings found within its neighbourhoods. Head here to fill up at the city’s largest Chinatown, and it is also renowned for its Vietnamese culture and food. The architectural sights here were are just as diverse as the food and people, with the hum of daily life set against a backdrop of both historic city buildings and modern skyscrapers, and charming villages are nestled within the limits of this arrondissement, like Butte aux Cailles. City dwellers also head here for events and fun at Quai de la Gare and Petit Bain, two of the city’s best live entertainment venues.

Local secrets of the 13th arrondissement: 

  • Chinatown 
  • Butte aux Cailles
  • Petite Alsace
  • Bibliothèque Nationale François Mitterrand
  • Quai de la Gare
  • Petit Bain

Paris Metro stations located in the 13th arrondissement: Porte d’italie, Maison Blanche, Tolbiac, Glacière, Corvisart, Les Gobelins, Campo-Formio, Saint-Marcel, Nationale, Chevaleret, Austerlitz, Quai de la Gare, Bibliothèque Francois Mitterand, Porte d’Ivry, Porte de Choisy, Olympiades.

The village of Butte aux Cailles.

Arrondissement 14: A glimpse inside Paris past

Commonly known as Montparnasse, the 14th arrondissement has a decidedly down to earth, bohemian vibe that sets itself apart from the more central districts of Paris. The Left Bank outer district is most commonly visited for the Paris Catacombs, which lie deep under the streets of the 14th, but Montparnasse is so much more than that!

At street level, Montparnasse is an exciting array of large streets dotted with cool cafes, historic restaurants, hip bars, diverse shops and pretty public gardens. The sprawling Montparnasse Cemetery is the resting place of Jean-Paul Sartre. One of the most southern of the Paris arrondissements, the 14th arrondissement has just the right balance of indoor and outdoor attractions, and just the right dose of “authentic” Paris for those weary of the tourist-heavy centres.

What to see in the 14th arrondissement: 

  • The Paris Catacombs 
  • Parc Montsouris
  • Montparnasse Cemetery
  • Observatoire de Paris
  • Fondation Cartier Pour l’Art Contemporain
  • Place Denfert-Rochereau & the Lion de Belfort

Paris Metro stations located in the 14th arrondissement: Porte d’Orleans, Mouton Duvernet, Saint-Jacques, Vavin, Edgar Quinet, Gaîté Joséphine Baker, Pernety, Plaisance, Alesia.

The Paris Catacombs.

Arrondissement 15: Paris’ skyscraper heart 

The 15th of Paris’ arrondissements is a largely residential area that many locals also travel to for work. The ultra-modern Tour Montparnasse looks down over the Left Bank outer Paris district, which is teeming with charming shopping streets, bistros, parks, markets, walking trails and some lesser-known but fascinating Paris museums, such as the Musée Bourdelle.

The 15th arrondissement starts at the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, and sprawls back towards the most southern end of the city. the On weekends, you may find our founder Kathryn at the Old Book Market at the serene Parc Georges-Brassens, which is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The 15th arrondissement is also home to the world famous culinary institution, Le Cordon Bleu.

What you will find in the 15th arrondissement: 

  • Tour Montparnasse 
  • Gare Montparnasse 
  • Porte de Versailles 
  • Musée Bourdelle
  • Parc André Citroën
  • Rue du Commerce
  • Marché Grenelle
  • Parc Georges-Brassens
  • Île aux Cygnes
  • Le Cordon Bleu

Paris Metro stations located in the 15th arrondissement: Porte de Versailles, Convention, Vaugirard, Volontaires, Gare Montparnasse, Falguière, Segur, Commerce, Avenue Emilie Zola, La Motte-Picquet Grenelle, Félix Faure, Boucicaut, Lourmel.

Tour Montparnasse.

Arrondissement 16: 

Jump[ing back across to the Right Bank, we head to the upmarket 16th arrondissement, a large district that has an eastern edge that runs along the Seine. Nestled behind the Arc de Triomphe, this elegant arrondissement is a hive of activity and where you’ll find many museums, luxury shops, galleries, embassies, restaurants and some of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city, like Passy.

The 16th arrondissement also offers a superior outdoor lifestyle, with Bois de Boulogne one of the most dreamy and tranquil of Paris’ many parks and gardens. Here, you can hire boats, explore waterfalls, ride horses, hike or even take in a tennis match at the famous Roland Garros complex. The views of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero from the Palais de Chaillot should not be missed.

Exploring the 16th arrondissement: 

  • Bois de Boulogne
  • Jardin d’Acclimatation
  • Palais de Chaillot
  • The Trocadéro
  • Fondation Louis Vuitton
  • Palais de Tokyo
  • Maison de Balzac
  • Roland Garros
  • Passy

Paris Metro stations located in the 16th arrondissement: Porte de Saint-Cloud, Exelmans, Chardon-Lagache, Mirabeau, Église d’Auteuil, Michel-Ange-Auteuil, Porte d’Auteuil, Michel-Ange Molitor, Argentine, Victor Hugo, Ranelagh, Rue de la Pompe, Avenue Henri-Martin, Trocadéro, Iéna, Jasmin.

Palais de Chaillot.

Arrondissement 17: Style & substance 

The 17th arrondissement, in the north-western backblocks of Paris’ Right Bank, is fast becoming the place to be. This large district may back onto the tourist-heavy central arrondissements, but here the visitor traffic is light and you’re more likely to experience the most authentic Parisian lifestyle, as many city dwellers move here for the higher quality of life.

Parisians are keeping this gem a secret all to themselves for the time being, and love the hip bars and bistros, the broad avenues packed with architecturally appealing buildings, the quintessentially Parisian street markets, the wide open green spaces like the 25 acre eco-friendly Martin Luther King Park, and the quaint little laneways where there is always a surprise to be found.

Discover the secrets of the 17th arrondissement: 

  • Place de Clichy 
  • Avenue Carnot
  • Marché de la rue Poncelet
  • Martin Luther King Park
  • Musée Jean-Jacques Henner
  • Parc Monceau
  • The Batignolles
  • Batignolles Covered Market

Paris Metro stations located in the 17th arrondissement: Reilly-Porte Maillot, Ternes, Courcelles, Wagram, Malesherbes, Monceau, Villiers, La Fourche, Pont Cardinet, Brochant, Porte de Clichy, Guy Môquet.

Parc Monceau.

Arrondissement 18: The marvels of Montmartre 

It may have a higher number that other arrondissements with some of Paris’ most renowned landmarks, but the 18th arrondissement is arguably the most famous by name in the city – Montmartre. The hilltop village is a true delight to the senses, and you absolutely must take at least a day to explore its cobblestone streets and to discover what makes Montmartre so magical.

There is no shortage of things to do in Montmartre. If you love eating, some of Paris’ most photographed and fascinating cafés, bistros and bars are located here, such as La Maison Rose and Le Consulat. If you love architecture, climbing the steps to Sacré Cœur and enjoying a visit to the basilica but also the epic views down across the entire city should be at the top of your list. People watch with a croissant in the Place du Tertre, learn about the history of Montmartre at the many local monuments and museums, visit the last working vineyard in the city at Le Clos Montmartre and of course, take in a traditional cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.

Head to the famous 18th arrondissement for:  

  • Basilica of Sacré Cœur 
  • Place du Tertre
  • Musée de Montmartre
  • Montmartre Cemetery  
  • The Moulin Rouge 
  • Paris’ Sinking House 
  • Le Clos Montmartre
  • The “Wall of Love”
  • Le Consulat 
  • La Maison Rose
  • The Funiculaire de Montmartre

Paris Metro stations located in the 18th arrondissement: Blanche, Abbesses, Anvers, Barbes-Rochechouart, Château Rouge, Porte de La Chapelle, Porte de Clignancourt, Porte de Saint-Ouen, Guy Môquet, Lamarck-Caulaincourt, Jules Joffrin, Simplon, Marx Dormoy.

Sacré Cœur.

Arrondissement 19: Locals love it  

Tucked in next to Montmartre and the 18th arrondissement in the north-eastern stretches of the Right Bank, the 19th arrondissement may be a 30 minute Metro ride from the 1st arrondissement, but feels like a world away.

If you love getting outdoors in Paris, you’ll love the 19th. This arrondissement is a smorgasbord of lush parks and gardens and endless spots to relax along the multiple waterways, and all of this comes with a slower pace of living than the busier central arrondissements. Neighbourhoods like La Mouzaïa are some of the city’s most charming, with quiet cobblestone streets and a distinctly “country” feel. The 19th arrondissement is also a destination for live entertainment, with many indoor and outdoor venues boasting impressive year-round calendars. Parc de la Villette and the Paris Philharmonic are just two of the fantastic live entertainment venues to be found in the 19th.

A day out in the 19th arrondissement: 

  • Parc de la Villette 
  • Parc des Buttes Chaumont
  • Canal de l’Ourcq
  • Philharmonie de Paris
  • Basin de la Villette
  • La Mouzaïa

Paris Metro stations located in the 19th arrondissement: Pyrénées, Colonel Fabien, Bolivar, Jaures, Riquet, Porte de Pantin, Danube, Pré-Saint-Gervais, Telegraphe, Place des Fêtes, Buttes Chaumont, Botzaris, Laumière, Ourcq.

Parc de la Villette.

Arrondissement 20: Quiet and calm in a busy city

The Right Bank 20th arrondissement, located where the 11th, 12th and 19th arrondissements meet, was once an important industrial centre of Paris. Today, the once-gritty urban centre is now a hip, vast district that is diverse as it is exciting. Young professional Parisians are moving to this arrondissement with a small-town feel in droves, and with them, a distinctly boho scene is flowering. Expect lots of cool bars and restaurants, earthy music venues, galleries, eco-friendly gardens and urban farms and so much more.

The most visited landmark in the 20th arrondissement is Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of famous names like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. A sunny afternoon spent here is extremely enjoyable and informative, and you can find maps at the entrance to help you find your way around this cemetery that is categorised according to the profession of many of its inhabitants. French icon Edith Piaf was born in the Belleville neighbourhood of the 20th arrondissement, and you will find nods to the singer across the district, including a plaque at her birthplace.

The best parts of the 20th arrondissement: 

  • Père Lachaise Cemetery
  • Belleville
  • Edith Piaf plaque at 72 Rue de Belleville
  • Ménilmontant
  • Parc de Belleville
  • Jardin Naturel Pierre-Emmanuel
  • Jardin Suspendu

Paris Metro stations located in the 20th arrondissement: Avron, Buzenval, Porte de Vincennes, Porte de Montreuil, Porte de Bagnolet, Porte de Lilas, Pelleport, Jourdain, Belleville, Ménilmontant, Père Lachaise.

Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Which Paris arrondissements are your favourites to explore?

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