Our comprehensive Paris neighbourhood guide

By Go City Expert

Discover the city on your own terms with our Paris neighbourhood guide

Navigating Paris - let alone the metro - is an absolute mission and 100% worth committing to. Packed with art galleries, boutiques, patisseries and breathtaking architectural sites, even the savviest local can still discover something new to uncover in one of the many Paris neighbourhoods. Find out more below...

Different Districts in Paris

Rather than districts or New York City style blocks, Paris is divided into different sectors called arrondissements. The city is made up of twenty of them, though there’s a few that are going to be more relevant for tourists than others.

Many of the major tourist attractions are located in the 1st, 7th and 18th arrondissements, which include Tuileries, the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and more. For more on exploring Paris for the first time, check out our guide to exploring the capital for newbies.

The Latin Quarter

Nicknamed ‘the Latin Quarter’ after the nearby university students who once conversed in the lost language, this neighbourhood feels like a portal into medieval Paris. Centrally located in the 5th arrondissement along the River Seine, it’s a mish mash of modern restaurants, old world architecture, book shops and the inevitable student bar as it’s still a popular spot with the university and college crowds.

We adore the area so much that we actually pulled together an in-depth guide diving into the area’s highlights, from the renowned Shakespeare & Co bookshop to its breathtaking Gothic churches. And not to play favourites, but if you asked us what is the best district to stay in Paris - we’d probably say this one.

Saint Germain

This sixth arrondissement hangout is where you’re likely to find the tourists and the upper class who can actually afford to live in this upscale spot. Lined with classic Parisian facades and strings of designer stores, there’s no denying its artistic charm - especially as it’s played a major part in the formation of the city’s creative elite throughout history.

Grab a brew at either Cafe de Flore or Deux Magots, where the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Simone De Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway once rubbed elbows with the greatest minds of their generation. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a celebrity as they continue to be popular spots with the likes of Sophia Coppola and Robert de Niro.

Montmartre

As one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Paris, this 18th arrondissement neighbourhood was once where the city’s creative types brought colour to the city and left their stamp on the capital. In recent years, prices have hiked up and forced them out but they’ve left their mark as it’s becoming a thriving area filled with gorgeous independent boutiques, galleries, cocktail bars, cafes and the occasional sex shop. We’d recommend grabbing a baguette, cheese and wine and heading to the very top to Sacre Couer - Paris’ iconic domed white church where you can sit on its steps and bask in an unparalleled view over the city of lights.

Fan of French cinema? It’s worth stopping by Cafe des Deux Moulins which is located nearby, the nondescript little restaurant which was catapulted into fame by Amelie. Once you’ve finished your coffee and croissant, you can then take the funicular back down to the bottom of the hill to save you from making the long walk down.

South Pigalle

Fondly nicknamed SoPi by locals, this former red light district has cleaned up its act a lot and become one of the city’s coolest places to be. While Parisians may grumble about its rapid gentrification, it’s become a place where chic crowds gather to relax after work with a cocktail at Dirty Dick and dance the night away at Le Carmen (one of its many nightclubs). In the daytime though, it’s also a great place to indulge in some Parisian fashion buys as the rue Clauzel is packed with charming boutiques and vintage stores filled with past season designer buys.

Looking for a bite to eat? Buvette is a big favourite with the locals, though come prepared to queue at peak hours for dinner here. KB Cafeshop is also a great place to stop for a coffee if you need a recharge while Lulu White, a former seedy bar, has now become a speakeasy where you’ll find the coolest cats hanging out.

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Monet's water lilies
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Musee d'Orsay vs Musee Marmottan Monet

It’s 1874, and a group of young artists known collectively as the ‘Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers, etc.’ launch a low-key exhibition in Paris. Flash forward 150 years and many of the artists involved – among them Monet, Degas and Pissarro – are household names; pioneers and leading practitioners of the movement that became known as Impressionism. It’s fitting then that the world’s finest collections of Impressionist and indeed Post-Impressionist art are housed in Paris museums, among them the mighty Musée d’Orsay and small-but-perfectly-formed Musée Marmottan Monet. Read on for our guide to this dynamic duo as we pit the Musée d’Orsay vs Musée Marmottan Monet… Musée d’Orsay in Brief The Musée d’Orsay opened in 1986, inside the Beaux-Arts beauty that is the former Gare d'Orsay, a turn-of-the-century railway station. It’s set on the Left Bank of the Seine with views across the river to the Tuileries and the Louvre and boasts the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art on the planet. We’re talking works by (deep breath): Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Cézanne, Rodin, Renoir, Whistler, Toulouse-Lautrec and some dude called Vincent van Gogh, to name just a few (phew!). Here’s your opportunity to see – in real life – world-renowned masterpieces like Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ series, Whistler’s ‘Mother’, van Gogh’s hypnotic ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’ and Renoir’s ‘Bal du Moulin de la Galette’ (pictured above). And these historic paintings and sculptures are only the half of it: the building is a work of art in itself, as evidenced by the soaring arches of the main hall, and the massive station-clock window with its timeless views across the Seine to the Louvre Museum and Sacré-Cœur Basilica beyond. Musée d’Orsay in Numbers: Size: 574 feet long and 246 feet wide, this former train station is supported by 12,000 metric tons of steel – beat that, Eiffel Tower! Artworks: You can explore up to 3,000 sculptures, paintings and pieces of decorative art from the collection at any one time. Top artists: Among the most represented artists here are Monet (86 paintings), Renoir (81), Redon (106), Carrière (86), Cézanne (56) and Vuillard (70). Visitors: around 3.3 million annually. Unmissable Musée d’Orsay Highlights We’re in the Monet! Here’s where to ogle many of the maestro’s most famous works – in fact the biggest collection of his art outside of the Musée Marmottan Monet (of which more below). Don’t miss pieces from his mesmerizing ‘Water Lilies’ and ‘Haystacks’ series, plus the majestic ‘Londres: Le Parlement’ and ‘Coquelicots’. The van Gogh collection here is equally impressive. Get up close to the original canvases of paintings you’ll feel you’ve known your entire life, including ‘Self Portrait’, ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’, and ‘Bedroom in Arles’. A modern master, Manet’s early works were considered utterly shocking back in the 1860s, and pieces including ‘Le Déjeuner Sur l'Herbe’ and ‘Olympia’ still pack a mighty punch. The light and movement in Renoir’s iconic ‘Bal du Moulin de la Galette’ is a joy to behold. The 1876 masterpiece is rightly celebrated as one of the best pieces produced by the Impressionist movement. Do. Not. Miss. Getting In Entry to the Musée d’Orsay is included with the Paris Pass, which can save you up to 50% if you plan to take in a number of popular Paris attractions, tours and activities while you’re in town.  Get more information and buy your Paris Pass here. Musée Marmottan Monet in Brief The Musée Marmottan Monet, set on the edge of the epic Bois de Boulogne park in the 16th arrondissement, is a rather different prospect to the mighty Musée d’Orsay. For starters, it’s way smaller. And, as the name suggests, it’s primarily focused on the work of Claude Monet. In fact, it contains the world’s largest collection of his work; something in the order of 100 pieces. These include instantly recognizable works including ‘Impression, Sunrise’ (the extraordinary oil on canvas that gave the art movement its name), plus large scale paintings from the ‘Water Lilies’ and ‘Haystacks’ series, and his views of Japanese bridges, the Tuileries, Gare Saint-Lazare and the Houses of Parliament in London. Many of the artworks here were bequeathed in 1966 by Michel Monet, Monet’s son and heir. But it’s not all about the Monet, Monet, Monet here. Many other artists of the Impressionist and modern era are represented, including Degas, Manet, Gauguin, Rodin, Sisley, Pissarro et al, plus the world’s largest permanent collection of works by Berthe Morisot, the first female Impressionist. Musée Marmottan Monet in Numbers: Size: A former 19th-century hunting lodge, Musée Marmottan Monet is inevitably smaller than a train station, yet still packs a considerable punch. Artworks: The collection comprises more than 300 carefully curated works of art; there are around 100 in the Monet exhibition, 25+ by Berthe Morisot, and dozens more paintings and sculptures by the world’s best-loved Impressionists. Unmissable Musée Marmottan Monet Highlights The clue’s in the name here and the Monet collection does not disappoint. You’ll want to ogle ‘Impression, Sunrise’ for sure (though do check it isn’t on loan elsewhere before you go!). Then there’s the maestro’s stunning take on Rouen Cathedral, various snowy European landscapes and the Gare Saint-Lazare. Several paintings from Monet’s beloved ‘Water Lilies’ series are displayed in a monumental, light-filled rotunda-style space: strategic seating invites viewers to pause a while and contemplate the art. The result is both hypnotic and illusory. Don’t miss the permanent collection of works by Berthe Morisot. Highlights include her ‘Reclining Shepherdess’ and portrait of Manet’s brother with his daughter. The Impressionism and Modern Times exhibition is the Impressionist movement in microcosm. Check out Gustave Caillebotte’s masterful ‘Paris Street, Rainy Day’, Gauguin’s colorful ‘Bouquet of Flowers’ and Manet’s alluring portrait of Berthe Morisot for the win. Getting In Musée Marmottan Monet is open daily except Mondays. Hours are 10AM-6PM, with late opening until 9PM on Thursdays. Last admission is an hour before closing time. Tickets cost €14 and can be purchased via the official website. Musée d'Orsay vs Musée Marmottan Monet: Which is Best? There’s a great deal to enjoy at both museums. The obvious benefits of Musée d’Orsay would be its central location and huge, broad collection of painting, sculpture and decorative arts. That said, the sheer size of a place like this can be intimidating, and its popularity can mean lots of standing on tiptoe trying to catch a glimpse of your favorite piece over an ocean of bobbing heads. The fact that Musée Marmottan Monet is a little off the beaten track can be considered a positive for that reason; it’s far less busy and its size makes the exhibitions easier to digest. It’s unlikely anyone but the most die-hard Impressionism enthusiast would want to see both. We’d recommend Musée d’Orsay if you only have time for one, and perhaps combine Musée Marmottan Monet with something like the mighty Louvre, for a broader overall perspective on the history of European art. Save on Paris Museums and Other Attractions Save on admission to dozens of attractions, tours and experiences with The Paris Pass. Check out @TheParisPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
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Paris in November: Your Local Guide

While it technically isn't tourist season, Paris in November still has much to offer! In this article we'll list some of the more interesting things to do in Paris this month. Yes, we cannot deny that it will be cold and rainy. But don't let the weather dampen your spirits! Bundle up, don't forget your umbrella, and get ready to enjoy fall in this beautiful city! Tolkien- Journey to Middle-Earth The François-Mitterrand Library is hosting an exhibit that celebrates the art and genius of J.R.R. Tolkien. Famous for his works including 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Tolkien's books continue to captivate us. The exhibit features over 300 pieces, including original manuscripts, as well as drawings by the author. A delight for old and new fans of Middle-Earth alike! Address: Quai François Mauriac, 75013, PARIS Dates: October 22, 2019 - February 16, 2020 Times: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Ticket prices: from 11€- 9 € For more information about the exhibit, please visit the François-Mitterrand Library's website by clicking the link here. Armistice Day Observed annually on November 11th, the day marks the end of all hostilities in WW I. Armistice Day ceremonies take place all across Paris. If you would like more information about the history of Armistice Day in France, and where to mark the day in Paris, we invite you to read our article by clicking the link here. Le Grand Tasting: Wine Festival In 2006, journalists and critics Thierry Desseauve and Michel Bettane founded 'Le Grand Tasting' wine festival. Their aim was to introduce both enthusiasts and amateurs to different European wines, as well as their producers. The festival also offers a 'Masterclass' in wine tasting, reservation in advance is highly recommended. Desseave and Bettane know that wine pairings can be intimidating with so many choices! To help they have introduced a free application. It's called 'Le Grand Tasting', and can be found on Google Play and the Apple Store. Address: Carousel du Louvre- 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001, PARIS Dates: November 29 and 30, 2019 Times: Friday, November 29- 10:15 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30- 10:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices: 1 day entry: 30 € online / 35 € on site 2 day entry: 35 € online / 40 € onsite For more information about Le Grand Tasting, please click the link here. Made in France Salon The Made in France Salon proudly celebrates all that is French and made right here in France! This year boasts over 550 exhibitors with products ranging from textiles, to hand crafted items and food. A perfect place to find a souvenir for someone special! Address: 1 place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015, PARIS Dates: November 8 - November 11, 2019 Times: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Ticket prices: 10 € For more information on the Made in France Salon, please click on this link. Leonardo Da Vinci Retrospective at the Louvre The Louvre has one of the world's largest collections of Leonardo Da Vinci paintings in the world! This year (2019) marks the 500th anniversary of Da Vinci's death in France. To celebrate his legacy, the iconic museum is displaying 5 of his most important paintings as well as many drawings. A special experience not to be missed! Please be advised that time slot tickets are required for this exhibit. Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001, PARIS Dates: October 24, 2019 - February 24, 2020 Times: Mondays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesdays: CLOSED Wednesdays: 9 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 9: 45 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Ticket prices: 17 € For more information regarding the Leonardo Da Vinci retrospective at the Louvre, we invite you to visit their website by clicking the link here.
Erin Hagen
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Your Guide to the Grévin Wax Museum Paris

Did you know that Madame Tussaud's isn't the only wax museum in Paris? Let's talk about the Grévin Wax Museum, or Musée Grevin as the locals call it, which has been entertaining and sometimes scaring visitors since 1882. In this article, we'll explore this fascinating and one-of-a-kind attraction in Paris, but if you are ready to just book your tickets to the Wax Museum in Paris, save by booking through the Paris Pass! History of the Grévin Wax Museum In the age before photography, newspapers relied heavily on illustrators and caricaturists to convey images of the newsworthy, famous, and infamous to the general public. Arthur Meyer, the director of the widely circulated newspaper 'Le Gaulois', had a keen sense of not only what the public wanted, but also how to make a fortune. He joined forces with caricaturist Alfred Grévin (for whom the museum is named after), and the museum opened its doors in 1882. Meyer's gamble was correct, the public was entranced! They showed up in droves to see wax likenesses of both 'modern' and historical figures! Classic Attractions Originally, along with famous figures from France's history, they also included magic show performances and seances. As the poster (pictured above) illustrates, the Grévin Wax Museum brought to life gory scenes from the French Revolution, as well as infamous murders. The renowned 'Hall of Mirrors' which was built for the Universal Exposition in 1900, also had a kaleidoscope effect. It is still part of the museum's decor today! Since it's opening, there have been over 2,000 wax statues produced. photo by Erwmat Modern Wax Museum in Paris The Musée Grevin underwent renovations early 2019 to celebrate its 137th anniversary! Several exhibits were updated, and more than 60 new statues were added. Updated features include interactive attractions, video and lights shows, as well as a change in decor. Looking for a place to relax after hobnobbing with the 'stars'? Café Grévin opened its doors in 2011, and is conveniently located right next to the wax museum in Paris. It is also a wonderful place to people watch! A fun, yet also sad fact: If a star's popularity fades, their statue is taken out of the main showrooms and sent to the purgatory of Grévin's storage space. A cruel fate? Perhaps. But that's showbiz! Grévin Wax Museum FAQs Q. Can I take photographs inside Grévin Wax Museum? A. Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum, so feel free to capture memorable moments with your favorite wax figures. Q. Are there any interactive exhibits at Grévin Wax Museum? A. Absolutely! Grévin Wax Museum offers interactive exhibits where you can engage with certain wax figures, making your visit even more immersive and entertaining. Q. Can I touch the wax figures at Grévin Wax Museum? A. While we encourage you to get close and admire the lifelike wax figures, touching them is not allowed to ensure their preservation and maintain their quality for all visitors to enjoy. Q. How long does it typically take to explore Grévin Wax Museum? A. On average, visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum, but you are welcome to take your time and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. Q. Are there any guided tours available at Grévin Wax Museum? A. Yes, guided tours are available at Grévin Wax Museum, providing you with fascinating insights and stories about the wax figures and the history behind them. It's a great way to enhance your experience. Q. Can I bring my children to Grévin Wax Museum? A. Absolutely! Grévin Wax Museum is a family-friendly attraction, and children of all ages will delight in the lifelike wax figures and interactive exhibits, creating lasting memories for the whole family. Your Visit to the Grévin Wax Museum A trip to the Grévin Wax Museum might just leave you star-struck! This is your chance to hob-knob with the stars, or at least their wax likenesses. A strange and delightful experience, complete with all of the glamour and gore that is French history! Address: 10 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009, PARIS Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday- 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday- 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ticket Prices: starting at 24,50€ *The museum has been wheelchair accessible since 2001. Free Entry with the Paris Pass!
Erin Hagen

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