What’s the most “fitting” thing to find in each of the 20 Paris districts? Something – a museum, a cafe, a street, a park… something that’s representative of its neighbourhood?
For example… the eighth arrondissement is something of a business district that’s affluent and beautiful. What site matches that energy? (Spoiler alert: a private art museum).
We posed the challenge to Bertrand d’Aleman from award-winning travel company My Private Paris, who we’ll be working with closely this season. Here’s what he suggested in this week’s podcast episode. Listen below for the full tips and justifications, or scroll down for all the details and pictures.
20th arrondissement – Père Lachaise
The 20th arrondissement is home to a massive cemetery called Père Lachaise, where all kinds of famous and interesting people are buried. The cemetery is the focal point of this arrondissement, which straddles both the city and the countryside with kebab shops and beautiful villas of La Campagne à Paris.
Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde… and about a million more. It’s the most visited cemetery in the world with 3.5 million people checking it out annually.
Click here for more things to find in the 20th arrondissement.
19th arrondissement – La Mouzaïa
An exceptional collection of streets built around the Rue de Mouzaïa, this cozy section of the neighbourhood is filled with over 500 townhouses built at the end of the 19th century. Not far from the tranquility of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, you’ll walk around this area and feel like you’re somewhere else, which is an essential part of life in the 19th arrondissement.
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18th arrondissement – Villa Léandre
Walk away from the Sacré Coeur and head to the cul-de-sac of Villa Léandre, which is made up of a handful of picturesque townhouses. Steps away from the quietly stunning Avenue Junot, Villa Léandre is a great access point for the two sides of Montmartre.
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17th arrondissement – Rue de Lévis market street
The 17th arrondissement is a large, residential neighbourhood, so it feels appropriate to go for something more everyday Parisian with this charming street, which has a fantastic food market. Even on non-market days, you won’t be disappointed by this place.
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16th arrondissement – Maison de Balzac
An extremely rare combination in Paris of garden and a home-turned-museum dedicated to the famous 19th century French writer, Honoré de Balzac. We give this place extra points for its Eiffel Tower views and a cute cafe on site. Don’t miss his cane, nor the sketches gifted by Picasso and keep your eyes peeled for the secret door he would use to escape his creditors. Address: 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016
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15th arrondissement – Rue du Commerce
This fun and busy street is the beating heart of the 15th arrondissement. If you want to understand how this residential, family-focused neighbourhood works, head straight to the Rue du Commerce.
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14th arrondissement – Parc Montsouris
One of the big man-made parks of Paris, but rarely frequented by visitors to the city. There’s a beautiful lake, nice views and a wonderful feeling of calm and quiet. Why not take a wander here instead of the Parc de Buttes Chaumont?
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13th arrondissement – Butte aux Cailles street art
Street art in the 13th arrondissement was popularised in the 1960s in an effort to embellish the more industrial parts of the neighbourhood. The artistic movement spread into the Butte-aux-Cailles and has become a staple of the village. If you stay on the few streets around the main area, you’ll find all sorts of examples of street art, particularly that of the artist Misstic, who is celebrated by the locals.
Click here for more things to find in the 13th arrondissement.
12th arrondissement – Coulée verte
The Coulée Verte best represents the 12th arrondissement, which serves as a mid-point between the peace and quiet of the Bois de Vincennes and the liveliness of central Paris. Near to Place de la Bastille, this former train line has been transformed into a pretty oasis where you can jog, walk your dog or take your kids. Running almost all the way to the Bois de Vincennes, you’ll feeling like you’re flying over the streets of Paris. It’s not hard to see why the Coulée Verte inspired the High Line in Manhattan.
Click here for more things to find in the 12th arrondissement.
11th arrondissement – Atelier des Lumières
The Atelier des Lumières is half-theatre, half-museum. As a former factory, its industrial aesthetic perfectly reflects the history of the 11th arrondissement, not to mention the cool-trendy atmosphere of the neighbourhood today. The exhibitions offer immersive experiences, so you feel like you’re stepping inside iconic pieces of work, with images projected onto the walls, floor and ceiling. Previous shows there have included works around Van Gogh, Chagall and Monet, as well as the famous reporter/detective Tintin.
Address: 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011
Click here for more things to find in the 11th arrondissement.
10th arrondissement – St Denis and Saint Martin arches
Back in the 1300s, the French King Charles V ordered a massive wall to protect Paris (Note: This is not the Philippe Auguste Wall that we’ve covered in great detail over the years). While both these walls were demolished, in the 17th century King Louis XIV ordered for magnificent gateways to be erected in the exact spots the former gateways once stood. Two of these arches remain today, and stand quite close to one another in the tenth arrondissement.
Click here for more things to find in the 10th arrondissement.
9th arrondissement – Musée de la Vie Romantique
A tribute to the dramatic emergence and tradition of 18th and 19th century French Romanticism. The permanent collection won’t cost you a euro and if you’re interested in the history of French literature or just want to see an unassuming but decidedly charming museum, make an excursion here, though please be aware that the museum is closed until 2026.
Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009
Click here for more things to find in the 9th arrondissement.
8th arrondissement – Musée Jacquemart André
The 8th arrondissement is centred around the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and at its heart is the Musée Jacquemart-André. A preserved luxurious mansion built in the late 19th century, which serves as a host to artworks from across history. The museum is especially famous for its landmark exhibitions, which require booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008
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7th arrondissement – Rue St Dominique
The 7th arrondissement is as much the Eiffel Tower as it is the Invalides, the Seine, the residential streets and the Rue St Dominique crosses it all. Famous landmarks, good restaurants and day-to-day life in Paris are all present along this street. Take a walk along the Rue St Dominique to capture the true essence of the 7th. The street is pictured below (including a few snaps from inside the picturesque Thoumieux restaurant).
Click here for more things to find in the 7th arrondissement.
6th arrondissement – St Sulpice church
Nestled between the Boulevard Saint Germain and the Luxembourg gardens, this church is easily overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Saint-Germain-des-Près. Saint Sulpice is elegant, intellectual and impressive, thus perfectly capturing the spirit of the refined 6th arrondissement. Don’t miss the chance to attend one of their famous organ concerts.
Address: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006
Click here for more things to find in the 6th arrondissement.
5th arrondissement – Arènes de Lutèce
This place is becoming less and less secret, which is understandable because it is, quite simply, magical. An arena built during the Roman period, when Paris was called Lutetia, thousands of people could attend numerous entertainments here. Today there are landscaped gardens, vineyards and seating to offer a peaceful lunch break to students from the nearby Sorbonne university.
Click here for more things to find in the 5th arrondissement.
4th arrondissement – Village St Paul
There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the 4th arrondissement, but the Village Saint Paul is a special secret place. It’s made up of a series of courtyards running parallel to the Philippe Auguste wall and provides a peaceful sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets.
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3rd arrondissement – the area around the Carreau du Temple
The Carreau du Temple is a landmark building which serves as a great orientation point for the upper Marais. Originally a food market, today it is an interesting enough conference-exhibition centre, but the area around it is essential to visit if you want to feel like an authentic Marais resident for the day.
Address: 4 Rue Eugène Spuller, 75003
Click here for more things to find in the 3rd arrondissement.
2nd arrondissement – Covered passages
The 2nd arrondissement acts as a beautiful shortcut to the north of the city and, on a rainy day, there’s nothing nicer than popping into explore the many, varied covered passages here. Each has its own personality and Galerie Vivienne captures the essence of modern Paris. Go to check out the mosaics and stay for some lunch at Bistro Vivienne.
Address: 4 Rue des Petits-Champs, 75002
Click here for more things to find in the 2nd arrondissement.
1st arrondissement – Palais Royal
The Palais-Royal is a former palace steeped in history, but perfectly enjoyable as a courtyard, garden, and series of stunning arcades. This place is so nice to look at that it’s featured in many movies, including the classic Audrey Hepburn-Cary Grant movie Charade. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a picture with those cool striped columns in the courtyard. Address: 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001
Click here for more things to find in the 1st arrondissement.
And that’s it from Bertrand d’Aleman. My Private Paris is an award-winning travel company creating deluxe itineraries for Paris. See what they offer here. And stay tuned for more – especially as Bertrand and his team take The Earful Tower for day trips outside of Paris in the months to come.