Paris is known for its amazing architecture, culture and delicious food scene. It’s 20 arrondissements each have special aspects about them that add to the culture and attract millions of tourists each year. Whether it’s that bistro in the corner or the mysterious statue at the end of a street, each area speeks to you differently. Are you ready to find out which neighbourhood best fits your interests and personality? Read on to see which place calls its name out to you.

1. Champs-Élysées

Metro: Étoile, George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt In a nutshell, Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the widest street in Paris, is probably the most wonderful place to start your tour, as you can walk all the way down to Rue de Rivoli.  It stretches from Place d’Etoile to Place de la Concorde. It is better to start from the top, at Charles de Gaulle-Étoile metro station. Here you are basically at the foot of the Arc-de-Triomphe, built by the order of Napoleon I as promised to his soldiers to celebrate their victories. Under the arch you can find the tomb of the un-known soldier .  12 major streets meet at this roundabout. Major Celebrations are held at Ave. des Champs-Elysées especially on New New Year's Eve and July 14th (the Bastille Day), a national holiday which celebrates the end of monarchy and the beginning of the Republic government in France. This street is filled with cafes and shopping centers mostly concentrated on the west side of the streetsuch as Galerie des Champs. In Champs-Elysées you can find movie theatres showing movies in English with French sub-titles! Paris has always had a reputation as a city of celebration and entertainment. Located on the world's most famous avenue, the Champs-Elysées, the Lido de Paris and its revues have added sparkle to the City of Light since 1946. Discover the Lido Show, the world's most famous cabaret and enjoy the exhilaration and enchantment. If you get hungry while on Champs-Elysees you have multiple dining options.  If you are for fast foods try delicious sandwiches from Pomme de Pain rather than going to Quick or McDonald's. You can also try Atelier Renault, (yes the car!) an ultra modern restaurant for a wonderful Club House sandwich with salad. One of the best and affordable Restaurants in Paris is Le Relais de L’Entrecôte located at 15 Rue Marbeuf just off Champs-Elysées. They only serve Steak with their secret sauce and the best fries you have ever had. You might be better off going there earlier because of the line ups they do not take reservations.   You can find brand names and specialty stores on Champs-Elysées including Louis Vuitton, Lancel, Fred, Ballys. If you are into haute Couture you can go down Ave. Montaigne, where you can find designers such as Dior, and Channel. As you keep going further down the Champs-Elysees Ave, you will arrive at Place de la Concorde, where you will see the Luxor obelisk, a gift from the viceroy of Egypt to King Louis-Phillip. During the French Revolution, prior to the erection of  the obelisk, this square was a bloody scene, where a guillotine was placed and many lost their head including Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI. From this point you have 2 good options. You can either go through Jardin des Tuileries all the way to the Louvre or follow the signs to Rue de Rivoli.  Here you will find souvenir shops and of course cafes.  If you keep going you will soon find the Louvre on your right side of the street. Travel Tip: ●  You do pay more to drink or eat in major touristy areas rather than going off to the branching streets. ●  If you drive pay attention that you don’t get into an accident at Place d’Etoile since most insurance companies will not cover your accident!     Featured Paris Hotels around Champs Elysees:  Elysees Ceramic Hotel  34 Ave de Wagram, Paris 8    Hotel Napoleon 40 Ave de Friedland, Paris 8  Warwick Champs-Elysees5 Rue de Berri, Paris 8    Prince de Galles Hotel 33 Ave George V, Paris 8   Visit our Featured Hotels page for more choices.

Etoile Champs Elysees

If you love luxury fashion shopping and dining, then Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the right place for you. Located in the 8th arrondissement, this is one of the liveliest streets in Paris. Restaurant-packed and active in the city’s night-life scene, Champs-Élysées attracts thousands of travelers and locals each day. It has the best restaurants, cafés and shops, and is surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings. One end is home to the famous Arc de Triomphe and at the other end you’ll find Place de la Concorde, which is a must-see for French Revolution enthusiasts.

2. Le Marais

Quartier du Marais

Known as one of Paris’ most historic areas, Le Marais spreads across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. It is packed with pre-revolutionary buildings and offers the most of Medieval Paris. Many tourists also stop by this area to sit at one of their gorgeous cafés and engage with French locals. One of Paris’ most popular modern hot spots – Centre Georges Pompidou – is located in this area as well.

3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Boulevard Saint-Germain

Located near the banks of the Seine River, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area is one of the 4 administrative quarters of Paris’ 6th arrondissement. It’s packed with some of Paris’ best restaurants, including Brasserie Lipp, Les Deux Magots, and Café Pouchkine. The famous Musée d’Orsay and Luxembourg Gardens are also located here, and so is Église de Saint Germain des Prés. I must warn you though, this area does get very stinky due to its proximity to sewers.

4. Montmartre

Montmartre Streets

If you are passionate about art or want to experience Parisian night-life on another level, then Montmartre is the right place to be. In the daytime, this area is full of talented artists who are ready to sketch a drawing of you. You’ll also find many cute gift stores worth buying souvenirs from and the beautiful Sacré-Coeur church, which is a must-see attraction. Once it’s nighttime, you can head on out to dine at their several restaurants, including La Crémaillère, and visit the famous Moulin Rouge. After all, this area is known for its bars, cabarets and clubs.

5. The Latin Quarter

Panthéon, Paris

Are you seeking a lively and electric feel in Paris? If so, then head on over to the Latin Quarter of Paris, located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements. Situated on the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is one of Paris’ oldest areas, being home to the University of Paris (nicknamed Sorbonne), which attracted many scholars during the Middle Ages. During this time, scholars from all around the continent came to this university to learn Latin – which is how the Latin Quarter got its name. Other famous attractions include Musée Cluny and the Panthéon. Many tourists find themselves getting lost in wonder as they explore the narrow, historic streets of this area.

6. Trocadéro

Palais de Chaillot

If it’s your first time in Paris and you’re keen on spending every single day gazing up at the Eiffel Tower, then you’ll want to stay in the Trocadéro area. Located in the 16th arrondissement, Trocadéro is right on the other side of the Eiffel Tower, bordering the Seine River. It’s also full of great places to have breakfast, including Café Carette. You’ll also want to visit the Trocadéro Gardens, Place du Trocadéro, and take pictures by the Palais de Chaillot while you’re here.

7. Les Grands Boulevards

Palais Garnier

Les Grands Boulevards, found in the 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 11th arrondissements, is a must-see for history and fashion fans alike. Here you’ll find the most chic department store, Galéries Lafayette, which fashion enthusiasts can spend hours in simply admiring the building, tasting the delicious French flavours and shopping the latest Parisian trends. Running from Place de la Bastille (11th arrondissement) to Place de la Madeleine (8th arrondissement), this area is known as the shopping district of Paris, but it’s famous attraction, Opéra Garnier, also attracts architecture enthusiasts into the area.

 

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