The districts of Paris - From Montmartre to the Champs-Elysées!

Paris is first and foremost a magnificent setting: the architectural unity of the capital makes it a unique city, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Beyond its great monuments, Paris is made up of countless neighborhoods with their own character: lively markets, peaceful parks and gardens, bustling squares and quiet streets - from ultra-trendy spots to popular, authentic areas that shape the identity of the city.

The French capital boasts one of the world’s richest historical heritages: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Palace, the Arc de Triomphe, the Panthéon… Sometimes it’s not just a single monument but an entire district that looks like a postcard, such as Montmartre or the Marais - two iconic neighborhoods that define Paris.

Paris is also a city of culture, with countless museums from hidden gems to world-famous institutions: the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Quai Branly, the Centre Pompidou, and exhibitions at the Grand Palais. As the world’s fashion capital, Paris offers both historic department stores and designer boutiques for shopping lovers. Need a break? Relax in the beautiful Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. When evening falls, make the most of Paris by night: opera, theatre, concerts and shows, as well as bars and clubs all over the city.

The main districts of Paris

Originally, Paris was divided into four large areas hence the word 'quartiers'. Today, the city comprises 20 arrondissements and nearly 80 official districts. Here is a selection of the most picturesque and famous neighborhoods.

THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

Often called the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées stretches for almost 2 km from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles-de-Gaulle. Its name comes from the Elysian Fields of Greek mythology, the resting place of virtuous souls.

An essential stop on any tour of the capital, the avenue is perfect for a stroll day or night, summer or winter. It is lined with restaurants and bars (Hard Rock Café, Ledoyen, Fouquet’s), luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, Guerlain), flagship stores (Sephora, Abercrombie & Fitch), clubs and cinemas. You’ll also find the famous cabaret Lido de Paris on this avenue.

THE VILLAGE OF MONTMARTRE

Montmartre is legendary: once home to struggling artists, cabarets and cafés where Toulouse-Lautrec sketched Parisian life. While the bohemian lifestyle has faded, Montmartre has kept its village feel and remains one of the most charming areas in the capital. Stroll by the Sacré-Cœur, the Abbesses, Barbès and the Place du Tertre.

THE LATIN QUARTER – SAINT-MICHEL

The Latin Quarter owes its name to the medieval university courses once taught in Latin. Many colleges were founded here, and you can still find the Sorbonne at its heart. The academic vocation endures and shapes the spirit of the district, lively by day and night.

This legendary area of the 5th arrondissement is exceptional around the Sorbonne, along Rue des Écoles and lively Rue Mouffetard. See: the Sorbonne, the Fountain of Saint-Michel, the Panthéon, Rue Mouffetard, the Jardin des Plantes, and the Arènes de Lutèce.

SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS – THE ODÉON

In the heart of Paris, from Place Saint-André-des-Arts to the Odéon and up to the Luxembourg Gardens, discover chic and literary Paris. Highlights include the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Palace (French Senate), the Odéon-Théâtre, the Pont Neuf, the Pont des Arts, and iconic cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

LE MARAIS

Le Marais is one of the oldest districts in the capital and also one of the trendiest, with numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and several museums.

Place des Vosges, Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and the mansions of Soubise, Rohan and Salé plunge us into the 17th and 18th centuries, the era of absolute monarchy and the Enlightenment. Today, designer boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and markets bring a lively, contemporary energy to these historic streets.

To see: the Picasso Museum, Place des Vosges, the Carnavalet Museum, the Marché des Enfants Rouges…

LA BUTTE AUX CAILLES

The Butte-aux-Cailles is a picturesque neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement. Built on a 62-metre-high hill overlooking the former course of the Bièvre River (now underground), it escaped large developments due to the limestone quarries beneath - preserving a village vibe in the heart of Paris.

BELLEVILLE AND MÉNILMONTANT

Known for their popular, cosmopolitan and artistic atmosphere, these two districts straddle the 19th and 20th arrondissements and are best discovered at a leisurely pace. Enjoy the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, wander down to Rue de Belleville, take a look at street-art-covered Rue Dénoyez, then head up to Parc de Belleville.

In Ménilmontant, don’t miss Père-Lachaise Cemetery and the nearby Cité Aubry - a carefully hidden treasure against the cemetery wall - a tiny Parisian enclave of small houses with gardens and artisan workshops.

THE BASTILLE

Place de la Bastille regularly hosts events and is especially popular for its many cafés, restaurants, cinemas and nightclubs. Fancy an evening drink? From Irish pubs to “secret bar” speakeasy vibes, Rue de Lappe has you covered!

To see: the July Column and the Opéra Bastille.

THE CANAL SAINT-MARTIN

Close to the lively Oberkampf district, the canal offers a peaceful, romantic atmosphere with leafy quays, cast-iron footbridges and trendy cafés.

Our suggestion for groups:
To discover Paris and its different districts as a group, opt for a coach rental in Paris with France Tourisme - an ideal solution for friendly travel in the comfort of a coach.