Even though the 1st Arrondissement of Paris is by far the smallest as well as the least populated, it is brimming with famous places such as the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre. This small but lovely arrondissement along the Seine river has more to it than contemporary art and a medieval palace.
Location
Renowned for its many historic sites and tourist hotspots, Paris Arrondissement 1 can be found on the Seine’s right bank. You may have heard about the Bourse de Commerce, the former stock exchange, or even the Forum des Halles in the Les Halles neighborhood.
The area is also home to some of the city’s best shopping and dining, including the renowned Jardin du Palais Royal and Île de la Cité and the Rue Saint-Honoré.
The Paris Métro, along with a number of bus lines, provides convenient access to the rest of the capital city of France from its central location. It’s a straightforward trip to every other place in Paris as long as you start at the first arrondissement.
An Overview of the 1st Arrondissement
The first of the 20 arrondissements (districts) that make up Paris, France’s capital city, is the 1st arrondissement. Since the world-famous Musée du Louvre is situated there, this central location of the city has often been called the “Louvre district.”
The Seine separates this arrondissement from the adjacent 8th on the western edge, while the 2nd and 4th arrondissements lie to the north and south, respectively. There are close to 20,000 people living in such a small area.
Multiple bus and metro lines converge in the first arrondissement, making it easily accessible by commuters. It’s a great place to visit, both for tourists but also Parisian locals, and also the neighborhood is filled with activities perfect for when you want to enjoy the Parisian life.
Top attractions in the 1st Arrondissement
It is also referred to as the “Louvre district,” and it is the location of many of the most well-known monuments and sights in the city. The following is a list of the top attractions and activities:
1 – Admire art inside Musée du Louvre
When in Paris, you simply must visit the Louvre, the biggest museum in the world.
You can see the beautiful Mona Lisa as well as the intricate Venus de Milo there among the multitudes of other pieces of art on display.
This art museum will keep your eyes stuck on every single artwork you find here.
The Musée du Louvre is open every day except Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Wednesdays and Fridays, it is open until 9:45 PM.
The Musée du Louvre does not have a dedicated phone number for visitors. However, you can call the following numbers for information about the museum:
- General information: +33 1 40 20 53 17
- Group reservations: +33 1 40 20 51 51
- Ticket office: +33 1 40 20 50 50
You can also find information about the museum on its official website, https://www.louvre.fr/.
2 – Take a stroll by the Seine River
The Seine has always been a popular tourist attraction due to the fact that it passes through the center of the French capital.
Take a walk along the renowned river of Paris while taking in the beautiful views of the historic bridges that cross over it.
The Seine River is a natural waterway that flows through the city of Paris, France. It is not a tourist attraction with opening and closing hours, so it is open 24/7.
However, there are a few tourist attractions and activities that are located along the river and may have their own opening hours.
3 – Embrace nature in Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries, Tuileries Garden in English, would be a great place to go to since it’s a lovely park in the middle of Paris that can be found between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.
It is considered one of the city’s most important parks, as it was dedicated to Catherine de Medici.
They offer a wonderful opportunity to unwind and take in the natural surroundings.
The Jardin des Tuileries is a public garden located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. It is open every day from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
The garden may have different opening hours during holidays or special events, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website (https://en.jardindestuileries.fr/)
or call (+33 1 42 76 40 40) ahead to confirm the hours before visiting.
4 – Learn about some history at Place Vendôme
The Place Vendôme is a well-known plaza in Paris that is well-known for its luxurious hotels and shopping establishments.
In addition, it is the location of the well-known Vendôme column, which is a memorial to one of Napoleon’s victories in the Battle of Austerlitz.
The Place Vendôme does not have an official website or a dedicated phone number. However, you can find information about the square and the surrounding area on the following websites:
- The official website of the City of Paris: https://en.paris.fr/
- The official website of the Paris Tourist Office: https://www.parisinfo.com/
You can also call the
- City of Paris at +33 1 42 76 40 40
for general information about the square and the surrounding area.
5 – Relax and take a breather in Palais Royal
The great historical palace within Paris known as the Palais-Royal is currently used as the location for the National Assembly of France.
It is a wonderful place to unwind and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Paris because it is encircled by beautiful gardens.
The official website of the Palais Royal is https://www.palais-royal.com/. On the website, you can find information about the palace’s history, architecture, collections, and events.
The Palais Royal does not have a dedicated phone number for visitors. However, you can call the
- French Ministry of Culture at +33 1 40 15 80 00
for general information about the palace and its activities.
Unique Things to Do in the 1st Arrondissement
There are many things to do in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, which is located in the heart of the city. Some popular attractions and activities in this area include:
1 – Check out the Musée de l’Orangerie and admire a Monet masterpiece
The Musée de l’Orangerie is only found in Paris within the Jardin des Tuileries, which is conveniently located adjacent to Place de la Concorde.
During the 1900s and the beginning of the twenty-first century, it served as a home to a large number of painters who were associated with the impressionist and post-impressionist movements.
This art gallery showcases some of the most well-known works of art of that period like the beautiful Water Lilies by Monet.
The official website of the Musée de l’Orangerie is https://www.musee-orangerie.fr/. On the website, you can find information about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, events, and visitor services.
2 – Explore Ile de la Cité and visit Sainte Chapelle while you’re there
French for “island of the city,” Ile de la Cité can be located in Paris on the River Seine.
You’ll find a lot of the city’s most famous attractions there, like Sainte Chapelle as well as the Conciergerie, right in the heart of this island.
This densely packed island has been important to the growth of Paris since ancient times, and its historical background is fruitful and varied.
Sainte Chapelle is a historic royal chapel that is evidence of that rich history.
Today, visitors come from all over the world to explore Paris and see the city’s charming cobblestone streets, grand old mansions, and picturesque riverfront starting here.
The Île de la Cité does not have an official website or a dedicated phone number.
However, you can find information about the island and the attractions located on it on the following websites:
- The official website of the City of Paris: https://en.paris.fr/
- The official website of the Paris Tourist Office: https://www.parisinfo.com/
3 – Go window shopping at the Galeries Lafayette
The Galeries Lafayette in Paris is a huge shopping mall that is well-known for selling international fashion and luxury brand items; however, it also offers a vast selection of items that are priced at a variety of different prices.
You can shop for anything you need, from designer clothes and jewelry to cosmetics and home furnishings.
In case you get hungry while shopping, the mall has a variety of dining establishments along with several cafes that even French kings would take time choosing from.
The official website of Galeries Lafayette is https://www.galerieslafayette.com/. On the website, you can find information about the store’s products, services, events, and sales.
The store is open every day, and the opening hours vary depending on the day of the week. You can find the exact opening hours on the store’s website or by calling the store at +33 1 42 82 37 10.
4 – Take a tour of Notre Dame Cathedral
The Eiffel Tower, in the background, overlooks this historic cathedral in Paris. Its towering spires, colorful stained glass windows, and ornate stonework make it a stunning example of Gothic-style architecture.
As one enters the cathedral, they are immediately struck by the awe-inspiring interior, which is flooded with sunshine from the numerous stained glass windows.
To get a bird’s-eye view of Paris, tourists can also ascend the cathedral’s spires. A stairway leads up to the cathedral’s towers, where one can take in panoramic vistas of the metropolitan area.
The official website of Notre-Dame Cathedral is https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/
The cathedral is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:45 PM.
The cathedral does not have a dedicated phone number for visitors. However, you can call +33 1 53 10 07 00 for general information about the cathedral and its activities.
5 – Enter the Louvre Palace and explore the historical royal residence
The Louvre Palace is without a doubt among the most visited museums throughout the world.
The museum housed in the former royal residence features approximately 480,000 artworks, which include quite a few of the world’s most well-known paintings.
The famous Mona Lisa from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo’s David, and countless others fall into this category.
The Louvre Palace was the residence of royalty until Louis XIV decided to choose the Palace of Versailles instead.
This palace is located along the Rue de Rivoli, which means that after you have finished exploring the palace and the museum it houses, you will be close to a wide variety of dining options.
The official website for the Louvre Museum is www.louvre.fr. You can find information about hours, ticket prices, exhibitions, and more on the website.
The phone number for the Louvre Museum is
+33 (0)1 40 20 53 17.
You can also contact the museum by email at information@louvre.fr.
Shopping in the 1st Arrondissement
In addition to being a wonderful place to dine, the first arrondissement of Paris is an excellent shopping district. Here, you’ll find everything from upscale boutiques to more reasonably priced stores.
1 – Rue de Rivoli
Historic buildings line Rue de Rivoli, a street in Paris’s 1st arrondissement.
From the east at the Place de la Concorde to the west at the Place des Vosges, this street connects two major Paris squares.
Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops line the street.
There is no official website for Rue de Rivoli, as it is a street and not an organization or business.
However, you may be able to find information about the street and its attractions on the website of the City of Paris or on travel websites.
2 – Marché Saint-Honoré
With the exception of Sundays, you can find this local market here every day of the week.
You’ll find it right at the edge of the fashionable area between the Place Vendôme as well as the Palais Royal, on the rue Saint-Honoré.
You may be able to find contact information for specific vendors or businesses within the market by searching online or by visiting the market in person.
3 – Printemps
Another well-known shopping centre, Printemps, can be found on Boulevard Haussmann.
The store sells a comprehensive selection of goods, including those related to personal grooming, interior design, and consumer electronics, among other categories.
The official website for Printemps is www.printemps.com. On the website, you can find information about the store’s hours, locations, and products, as well as information about sales and special events.
The phone number for Printemps is +33 (0)1 42 82 50 00.
You can also contact the store by email at communication@printemps.com.
4 – Les Halles
Les Halles is a shopping district that can be found in the center of Paris and was a major hub for food distribution and commerce. The market was famously depicted in Emile Zola’s novel “The Belly of Paris.”
It offers a variety of expensive luxury shops and more budget-oriented stores, in addition to a variety of cafes and eateries.
5 – Le Marais
This beautiful avenue is recognized for the unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries that can be found there.
It’s an established destination for style-conscious customers on the lookout for one-of-a-kind and uncommon items to add to their collections.
Best Places to Eat in the 1st Arrondissement
Hungry in the first arrondissement of Paris? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of places you can go to grab a bite! Some are better than others, so keep looking for that perfect place to eat.
1 – L’As du Fallafel
This well-known falafel shop can be found in the middle of the Marais district.
It is famous for the falafel sandwiches that it serves, which are both delicious and affordable.
2 – Le Grand Vefour
This refined eatery, which boasts a Michelin star and can be found inside the Palais Royal, is renowned for both its opulent atmosphere and its exceptional cuisine.
3 – Le Comptoir du Relais
This popular eatery can be found in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
It is well-known for the classic French cuisine it serves as well as its exhaustive wine collection.
4 – Le Pain Quotidien
This global chain of patisseries is well-known not only for its organic and handmade breads and pastries, but also for its selection of dishes that are suitable for vegetarians and other health-conscious eaters.
5 – L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges
This restaurant, which boasts a nice atmosphere and a Michelin star, can be found a short distance from Paris within the neighborhood of Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or.
It is famous for the contemporary French cuisine that it serves and for its upscale atmosphere.
Bars and Nightlife in the 1st Arrondissement
After a long day of sightseeing, shopping, or working, there are numerous options for a relaxing evening in the 1st arrondissement. Listed below are some recommended nightlife locations throughout the 1st Arrondissement:
1 – Bar 228
A popular bar found along the fashionable Rue de Rivoli, and it’s well-known for its extensive drink menu and laid-back vibe.
Visitors and locals alike frequent this area for its social atmosphere.
2 – Le Meurice Bar
The bar of the upscale Hotel Meurice, where you can sip on traditional cocktails in an elegant setting.
The bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and has a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. The bartenders are skilled mixologists and can create a custom cocktail just for you based on your preferences.
3 – Le Bar du Plaza Athénée
A cocktail lounge within the Hotel Plaza Athénée that features traditional drinks and, on select evenings, live entertainment.
4 – Le Bar Kléber
At the Hilton Hotel’s Le Bar Kléber, you can choose from a variety of cocktails while listening to live music on select evenings.
5 – Le Bar Hemingway
Appropriately named after the author, this a classy spot to enjoy a cocktail in a sophisticated atmosphere located inside Ritz Hotel.
Best Hotels and Apartments in the 1st Arrondissement
It’s likely that you’ll be searching for a place to stay within the 1st arrondissement when you’re not out seeing the sights. Here are just a few of the region’s finest lodging options:
1 – Hôtel de la Monnaie
Phone: +33 5 46 50 65 65
Website: https://www.hotelmonnaie.com/en/
The Louvre and Palais Royal are within walking distance of this luxurious hotel. It features a restaurant, a gym, and lavish suites and bedrooms.
Hôtel de la Monnaie welcomes guests who have visited Paris to explore its one-of-a-kind atmosphere with how they blended art, design, and the baroque period’s spirit.
The hotel enjoys a prime location in the middle of the historic first arrondissement. Indulge in the enchanting atmosphere of the lounge, unwind with a drink at the bar, and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the hotel’s bar, Espace Détente.
Courtesy: Hôtel de la Monnaie
2 – Hôtel du Louvre
Phone: +33 1 73 11 12 34
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/france/hotel-du-louvre/paraz
This 5-star hotel can be found in a historic building dating back to 19th century Paris and is conveniently close to the Louvre or the Palais Royal. It has an eatery, a gymnasium, and comfy rooms.
Explore the heart of France like a native Parisian when you stay at the Hôtel du Louvre, which boasts a location that is ideal for exploring the Louvre and also the Opéra Garnier. Our location, which is filled with history, promotes the practice of meandering, which contributes to an accommodation that is unforgettable.
Courtesy: Hôtel du Louvre
3 – Hôtel de l’Échiquier Opéra Paris
Phone: +33 1 42 46 92 75
Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/9375/index.en.shtml
Just steps away from the Louvre and the Opéra Garnier, this four-star hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. In addition to its posh guestrooms and suites, the hotel boasts a fitness facility alongside a rooftop deck with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
L’Echiquier Opéra Paris is conveniently located near the Opéra Garnier, Paris’s theater and entertainment mecca. The hotel’s renovation successfully marries contemporary design with Art Nouveau, while maintaining the building’s Belle Epoque features like mosaic floors or paintings. In the contemporary suites, you can feel like you’re in a one-of-a-kind Parisian abode.
Courtesy: Hôtel de l’Échiquier Opéra Paris
4 – Apartments Du Louvre
Phone: +33 1 71 26 73 85
Website: https://www.apartmentsdulouvre.com/parisian-tourism-le-marais
Situated in the hip Marais district, these contemporary apartments provide easy access to both the Louvre and the Opéra Garnier. They have all the conveniences of a home, including kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms.
The building is conveniently situated in the middle of a wide and elegant street, making it a short stroll to several famous museums and points of interest. Its location between the artsy Marais and perhaps the traditional Montorgeuil neighbourhoods allows guests to savour the best of both worlds.
Courtesy: Apartments Du Louvre
5 – Hôtel de la Place des Vosges
Phone: +33 1 42 72 60 46
Website: https://www.hotelplacedesvosges.com/
Place des Vosges or the Louvre are within easy walking distance from this 4-star hotel in Le Marais. Hotel guests can take advantage of the fitness center as well as the on-site eatery.
You need not look any farther for a suitable hotel that embodies the timeless elegance and romance of Paris. The Hotel de la Place des Vosges, a national historical site, will make you feel as though you’ve been transported into the past to an era when Paris moved at a slower pace, and its comfortable guest rooms will make your stay memorable.
Courtesy: Hôtel de la Place des Vosges
Transportation in the 1st Arrondissement
FAQ
What parts of the 1st arrondissement are the most popular?
The 1st arrondissement is home to some of Paris’s most famous shopping districts, including the Rue de Rivoli and the Rue Saint-Honoré. It is a popular destination for tourists, who come to see the many art galleries, museums, and fashion boutiques that are located in the area.
Some popular landmarks in the 1st arrondissement of Paris include the Les Halles neighborhood, Place des Victoires, Forum des Halles, Saint Eustache church, and the Bourse de Commerce.
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Which arrondissement of Paris is the best one?
It is difficult to pinpoint a single arrondissement of Paris as being the “nicest” because different people have unique perspectives on the characteristics that contribute to the desirability of a location.
The seventh, eighth, and sixth arrondissements are known for their high-end shopping, lush greenery, and famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, as well as the Arc de Triomphe, making them some among the more attractive and prestigious arrondissements throughout Paris.
The fourth and fifth arrondissements are also very well known due to the enchanting streets, historical sites, and lively nightlife that can be found in both of these areas. In the end, your personal preferences and financial constraints will determine which arrondissement in Paris is the most suitable for you.
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