Exploring the 1st Arrondissement of Paris – Eat, See and buy
What is there to see, eat, do and buy in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris? Below is your best travel guide to the First Arrondissement of Paris!
- By: Mark Jhonson
Gently along the banks of the River Seine lies the smallest, but most famous of Paris’s 20 arrondissements. The Right Bank’s 1st arrondissement is the City of Light’s cultural and historical heart. This densely populated district contains many of Paris’s most iconic landmarks in its meager 1.83 square miles.
A stroll through the 1st arrondissement is a step into the past. The neighborhood encapsulates the city’s history as a Roman settlement and medieval capital. Cobblestone streets wind past medieval half-timbered houses and beautiful Gothic churches. The arrondissement abounds in sumptuous palaces, magnificent museums, and designer boutiques. Visitors can view the French Revolution’s landmarks, from the royal Palais du Louvre to the Palais-Royal, former home of the guillotined king Louis XVI.
Four arrondissements constitute the 1st arrondissement, each one distinct. The fashionable Place Vendôme exudes refinement with its ultra-polished facades around a gigantic column. Pedestrian Rue de Rivoli is thronged with shops and cafes beneath arcaded passageways. Halles district revolves around the modern Canopée shopping mall, where Paris’ central food market used to be. Next door is cinematic Île de la Cité island on the Seine and the breathtaking Notre Dame Cathedral.
This small quarter is filled with unsurpassed cultural riches—Western art from the Renaissance to the Romantics is housed in the Louvre. Monet’s stunning Water Lilies murals occupy the Orangerie. The Conciergerie and Saint-Chapelle are filled with opulent Gothic architecture.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Visit the Louvre Museum | One of the most famous museums in the world, with a vast collection of art from around the world.  |
| Explore the Tuileries Garden | Beautiful garden located right next to the Louvre, with fountains, statues, and plenty of flowers to see.  |
| Walk through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel | Triumphal arch located at the end of the Tuileries Garden, offering stunning views of the city.  |
| Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie | Museum housing a collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, including Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series.  |
| See the Sainte-Chapelle | Beautiful chapel located on the Île de la Cité, known for its stunning stained glass windows.  |
| Take a Cruise on the Seine River | Great way to see the city from a different perspective, and you’ll get to see some of the most iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.  |
| Shop on Rue Saint-Honoré | Famous street home to some of the most luxurious shops in Paris, so if you’re looking to splurge, this is the place to do it.  |
| Have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant | Paris is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, so if you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, be sure to book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant. |
1st Arrondissement of Paris - FAQ
Here are some interesting FAQs about the 1st arrondissement of Paris:
What are the boundaries of the arrondissement?
The 1st arrondissement lies on the Right Bank of the Seine River within an area defined by landmarks. It is bordered by the Seine to the south Rue de Rivoli to the north Boulevard de Sébastopol to the east and Boulevard du Palais to the west.
What are some of the 1st arrondissement’s best attractions?
The 1st arrondissement boasts a wide range of fascinating sights and landmarks. Travelers can explore places such as the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Place Vendôme, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle and even spot scenic areas such as the Tuileries Garden and Jardin des Plantes.
Which metro stops provide access to the 1st arrondissement?
Metropolitan travelers will have accessibility with significant stations serving this region. Optimal access stations are Louvre Rivoli, Palais Royal, Châtelet and Hôtel de Ville on lines 1 7 and 14. On the perimeter zones, portions are also covered by lines 1 7 and 11.
Where are shopping options found within the 1st arrondissement?
For who wish for high end shopping experience within the boundaries of this district; look no further than Place Vendôme and Rue Saint Honoré. These upscale locations present luxury boutiques with designer names such as Chanel, Saint Laurent and Cartier. Additionally the underground mall called Carrousel du Louvre presents a set of upscale stores, for shoppers who are discerning.
What kinds of dining can be found in the arrondissement?
A; There are plenty of restaurants in the 1st arrondissement ranging from traditional French bistros to hip cafes and upscale restaurants. You can discover the food on Rue Montorgueil pedestrian street. Some of the places worth visiting are Le Grand Véfour, Verjus, Ellsworth and Le Mauzac.
Are there any hotels in this neighborhood?
Most certainly! The 1st arrondissement accommodates high-end hotels, like Ritz Paris, Hotel Regina Louvre and InterContinental Paris Le Grand. If budget constraints are your problem, consider staying at Hotel Britannique or Hotel DU PONT NEUF.
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We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!