Update Your Exploring of the Paris Arrondissements
For months Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has been arguing to change the layout of arrondissements in Paris before 2020. With the idea to eliminate districts two through four and create one large first district of Paris, we might see the layout of our beloved city changed.
Before that happens, take advantage of each unique district and what it has to offer. From theaters, museums, street art, and local delicacies; each arrondissement is a community of its own.
1ere
Image Credit: Comédie Francaise
Trade in the Louvre for the Comédie Francaise and get some laughs in at the center of the maze which is Paris. The current production at taking place in the first district of Paris dates back to Molière, one of the best French playwrights of the Western world. A production of Marivaux's Le Petit-Maître corrigé, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger, is running until April 24th. This is the first time this play has been seen on stage at the Comédie Française since its première in 1734. The story's plot is about a Parisian boy finding love in a countess away from Paris and the conflicts arise.
2eme
Image Credit: Shutterstock/pix_coffee
The Paris Stock exchange, otherwise known as Paris Bourse, can be boring and uninteresting. Instead of taking pictures in front of the towering columns in the second district, go see the Passage des Panoramas. One of the oldest covered passages in Paris, it is home to traditional French restaurants, antique shops, and some of the best tasses of espresso found in the city of love. The red checkered tablecloths, along with the traditional decor, make the passage a place of its own. To check it out head to 11 Boulevard de Montmartre, 75002.
3eme
Image Credit: Museé Arts et Metiers
When in the 3rd, falafel and hipsters usually come to mind. Often people will stop in the Jewish district for some delicious treats and small boutique shopping. Suggestions include trying a museum instead. The Musée Arts et Metiers might just spark your interest. The museum is home to collections of inventions of times past. When done take a small walk to Cosmo Nazareth on Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth. The bar has comfy chairs to relax after a walk and a unique vibe only found on this side of Paris. Be sure to order one of the cocktails: the bartenders are charming so be sure to say hi. And if you’re really enjoying the coziness of the couches and armchairs, be sure to order some fries, arguably the best in Paris. I’m sure they won’t disappoint you.
4eme
Place des Vosges. Image Credit: Shutterstock/wplmoitr
Hotel de Ville is nice to see in the 4th, but it’s a bit uninteresting. Tourists flock to Cathédrale Notre Dame, but it's overdone. So...what to do you see in the 4th? How about the Maison de Victor Hugo? The famous 19th century French author, Victor Hugo, lived at 6, Place des Vosges while he stayed in Paris. You can walk the square and see the house that he inhabited for some time. For literary buffs, the 4eme is a dream.
5eme
Image Credit: Shutterstock/wasdownunder
The Pantheon is one of the biggest attractions in the 5th arrondissement, but turn away from the dome top and head over to Mosquée de Paris. The under-the-radar Mosque is open to visitors every day except Friday, and it is beyond stunning. Go and chill in the luscious green gardens and hear the sounds of the water drizzling over the fountains. The tranquille colors and the beautiful scenery will take you to a faraway land, almost as an escape from Paris.
6eme
Image Credit:Shutterstock/cafeauparis
For many, the 6th is filled with superior schools, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and cinemas. Beautiful café served Hemingway such as Les Deux Magots and Café Flore resides in this picturesque area of Paris. For a more down-to-earth experience in one of the richest arrondissements, check out any of the 20-plus theaters and cinemas. The most recommended theater is Theâtre du Lucernaire. This small theater performs in a captivating and artistic style. Check out the link to see what is is playing that might spark your interest.
7eme
Image Credit: Shutterstock/grandinters
The 7th district is famous for about one thing and one thing only, the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel's masterpiece attracts about 6.8 million visitors a year and the majority are tourists. A suggestion for getting away from the Eiffel Tower (maybe you’ve been in it before or the crowds aren’t for you) go to the Musée de l’Armée. The war museum has interactive exhibits on three floors filled with models, videos, war effort advertisements, and uniforms. The retelling of history from another culture's perspective is something to experience and enjoy, so head on over to the army and war museum to see some awesome knights in shining armor.
8eme
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Daniel Ronderters
In the 8th arrondissement there are many things to see and do, such Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Avenue Montaigne, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées. For a break of the typical tourists, hubs head over to Gare Saint Lazare and join the hustle and bustle of Normandy traffic. The unique atmosphere is inviting and modern with the general sense of adventure you would normally find in a train station. The history of Saint Lazare train station is almost as beautiful as the paintings Monet painted of it. The strong architecture and the sense of history collide in a station known for taking Parisians to the odds and ends of the Normandy region. Check out Gare Live for Friday afternoons filled with song and good vibes. Just last Friday famous pop folk French singer Julien Loko spent an hour singing pop folk songs for a crowd of dancing and clapping people.
9eme
Image Credit: City of Paris
The historic Moulin Rouge and Pigalle nightlife take this district by storm, but consider heading over to the Métro stop Anvers for a break of the typical sex-themed tourist attractions. At Square de Anvers there is a beautiful public park with benches and green grass seating. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat before settling down, consider going on a Friday from 8 am-2 pm when the Anvers market hosts farmers from the outskirts of Paris, local wines, and fishermen from Normandy. After your self-made picnic, stroll down Avenue Trudaine to see up-and-coming artist studios, unique board game restaurants, and local beer bars.
10eme
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Wastdpastel
The 10th district isn't known for its tourist attractions except for Canal Saint Martin and the locks on the bridge. How about seeing a not-so-famous church? The Eglise Saint-Vincent-de-Paul began construction in 1824 in the neoclassical style. The church, which took 20 years to complete, stands tall with six columns lining the front. The interior is famous for the old plaques describing the life of Christ and the golden-covered cross.
