Paris 1st Arrondissement: The Center of Paris

Perhaps the best known of Paris’ 20 arrondissements is the 1st arrondissement, located along the Right Bank of the River Seine (it extends onto the western section of the Île de la Cité in the middle of the river). It is home to famous sites like the Louvre, the Jardins des Tuileries, and the Palais-Royal, as well as world-class shopping venues like Les Halles.

Metro and RER stops: Châtelet/Les Halles, Pont Neuf, Palais-Royale/Musée-de-Louvre, Tuileries and Pyramides are the most commonly used metro stops in the 1st arrondissement.

What to do in Paris’ 1st Arrondissement

Take in the extensive art and artifact collection at Le Louvre (Métro: Palais Royal/Louvre.) The museum is open daily except Tuesdays and certain public holidays. The permanent collections are open from 9 am to 6 pm (Wed and Fri until 10 pm.) The shopping area under the pyramid is open 9 am to 10 pm.

When you’re done with your visit to Le Louvre, head west to le Jardin des Tuileries, (Métro: Tuileries.) These impeccably landscaped gardens attract Parisians, picnickers, and art lovers. Enjoy the modern sculptures throughout and be sure to stop by the nearby Orangerie (open daily, except Tuesdays, Christmas Day and May 1st; 12.30pm-7pm, until 9pm Thursday) to see some Impressionist masterpieces, including installations of Monet’s Water Lilies.

Architecture and history buffs will enjoy visiting Église Saint-Eustache (Métro: Châtelet- Les Halles), located near Les Halles and the Bourse de Commerce. This large church is an excellent example of early Gothic architecture. The nearby Sainte Chapelle, 4 blvd du Palais (Métro: Cité) is also known for its Gothic style. The church’s soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows and colorful tile mosaics on the floor are sure to impress. Next door is the Conciergerie, a former palace turned prison. Here you can visit the cell where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before she was beheaded. You can purchase a double ticket for both the Conciergerie and the magnificent Sainte Chapelle.

Where to shop in Paris’ 1st Arrondissement

One of the largest shopping centers in Paris is Forum les Halles, (Métro: Les Halles). Open daily from 9am to 7pm, it is built on the site of Paris’ former farmer’s market (that closed in the 1960s). Filled mostly with clothing, electronics and accessories shops, movies and fast-food restaurants, les Halles attracts a younger crowd (teens and twenty-somethings.) The interesting layout (underground) and interior is worth a visit.

Located to the northwest of Les Halles is Rue Montorgueil (Métro: Les Halles or Etienne-Marcel), a charming pedestrian street filled with eclectic boutiques, specialty foods shops, bakers, and a fish market.

There are a variety of interesting arts, book and souvenir shops underneath the Pyramid at the Louvre (called Le Carrousel du Louvre). Open daily including Sundays (10am-10pm).

Note on La Samaritaine: Perhaps you’ve heard of La Samaritaine, one of the oldest and most established shopping centers in Paris. It closed its doors in 2005 due to economic hardship and problems with the building. Though it has been said that renovation/re-opening plans are in the works, many Parisians remain skeptical.