1st Arrondissement, Paris guide

Once a playground for French royalty, the 1st Arrondissement is still one of the city’s most fashionable and sophisticated neighbourhoods. Pomp and grandeur dazzle at every turn, from elite fashion houses to sumptuous palaces and opulent hotels. But our 1st Arrondissement guide proves that it’s not all style over substance here. With world-famous museums, historic landmarks and diverse restaurants, the 1st Arrondissement is one of Paris’ most exciting neighbourhoods.

1st Arrondissement highlights

History everywhere

As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Paris, the 1st Arrondissement is packed with historic churches, palaces and bridges. The Gothic Sainte-Chapelle is famous for its stained glass, while the Baroque Palais Royal was built for Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century. You’ll also find the Pont Neuf here, the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine.

Parisian elegance

From its designer boutiques to its historic architecture, the 1st Arrondissement is the definition of Old World Parisian glamour. Place Vendôme is one of the city’s most prestigious squares, lined with high-fashion boutiques and luxury hotels. And around Place Dauphine, you’ll find art galleries, Renaissance mansions and scenic cafes.

Old World arcades

Discover the 1st Arrondissement’s historic ‘passages couverts’ (covered passages). With their beautiful Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, these arcades feel like stepping back in time to old Paris. Galerie Véro-Dodat dates to 1826 and now houses antique shops. And the Palais Royal’s Galerie de Montpensier and La Galerie des Proues are lined with cafes and boutiques.

Things to do in 1st Arrondissement

Restaurants

Rue Montorgueil isn’t just one of the city’s most picturesque streets — it’s also packed with historic bakeries, delis, cheese shops and cafes. Need a sweet treat? Look no further than Le Soufflé, serving up fluffy soufflés since 1961. Or, if you’re craving something different, Rue Sainte-Anne has some of the best restaurants in the 1st Arrondissement for Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Shopping

With everything from haute couture fashion rooms to the Westfield Forum des Halles (Paris’ largest shopping centre), the 1st Arrondissement is a shopper’s dream. Rue de Rivoli is loved for its galleries, bookshops and souvenir stores. And Rue Saint-Honoré is home to well-known French designers and luxury brands. If fashion history is your bag, visit Coco Chanel’s original boutique on Rue Cambon.

Museums and culture

You’ll find many of Paris’ most famous museums in the 1st Arrondissement. Plan your trip to the Louvre after 3pm to see the famous ‘Mona Lisa’ with smaller crowds. And don’t miss the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Claude Monet’s enormous ‘Water Lilies’ paintings. If you’re a fashion and design fan, make a beeline for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

Nightlife

After dark, the 1st Arrondissement offers a taste of the Parisian high life with its live music haunts, wine bars and swanky hotel lounges. Soak up some literary history at Bar Hemingway inside the Ritz Paris. And make your way to Rue des Lombards for some of the city’s best jazz clubs.

Free things to do

Looking for art without the Louvre’s price tag? The 59 Rivoli art gallery is filled with artist studios and is free to visit every afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday. And if you’re a French literature fan, a photo by Fontaine Molière is a must. With parks, gardens and arcades to explore, there’s plenty to do in the 1st Arrondissement without breaking the bank.

Family-friendly things to do

The 1st Arrondissement’s many parks make it a great base for family holidays. The Jardin des Tuileries was once Louis XIII’s private playground, but now offers young visitors a play area, merry-go-round and trampolines. For an easygoing afternoon, the manicured Jardin du Palais Royal is the ideal spot for a picnic before hitting the nearby Louvre.

FAQs about 1st Arrondissement holidays

Is the 1st Arrondissement expensive?

The 1st Arrondissement is one of Paris’ more expensive neighbourhoods. But thanks to its central location and plentiful sights, you won’t need to spend much on transport. To save on costs, consider visiting during Paris’ shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November to find more affordable accommodation options.

When is the best time to visit the 1st Arrondissement?

The 1st Arrondissement is a year-round travel destination. To beat the tourist crowds visiting the area’s many museums, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November. If touring the Louvre is a priority, know that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

What is the 1st Arrondissement famous for?

Located in the heart of the city with a lineage dating back to Roman times, the 1st Arrondissement is known for its wealth of history and culture. Home to iconic sights like the Louvre, the Palais Royal and the Jardin des Tuileries, it’s one of Paris’ most visited neighbourhoods.