Paris is divided into 20 districts known as 'Arrondissements’
(abbreviated as 'eme' i.e 1eme, 2eme, 3eme, 4eme ...)
and is split in two by the Seine River. From the Seine/center the
arrondissements count upwards from 1-20 in clockwise direction.
Everything above the
Seine is the Right Bank (arrondissements 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20); and everything south of the river is the
smaller Left Bank (arrondissements 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15)
* Note: Even the neighborhoods furthest from the epicenter of
Paris (such as 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 14th, 14th and 15th), are still
only a maximum of 25mins metro to the center as Paris is a diverse but very compact city with efficient transport.
And it pays to stay in less central/ tourist areas that are
generally cheaper, more authentic, tranquil and have their own village
cafes, brasseries, bars, restaurants, boutiques, museums, markets &
more.
Nevertheless each district has its own history, culture,
attractions, atmosphere and way of life. So it’s a good idea to read
about each district to decide which ‘feels like home’ to you!
p.s All Petite B&Bs are within 5 min walk to the closest metro, so the center is never far from home. NEW Metro MAP
Le 1ème Arrondissement - MAP
The royal heart of Paris and an art lovers dream, this
is where you stay when you want to be a stone's throw from the biggest
icons and attractions of Paris, to experience grandeur, royal palaces,
elegant shopping, prestigious establishments, opulent bars and dining.
Here lies the Palais Royal, Tuileries Jardin, Louvre Museum, Musee de Arts Decoratifs, Monets Musee de l’Orangerie, designer boutiques on Rue de Rivoli or Rue Saint-Honore, the dazzling Place Vendome, les Bouquinistes (rare print book sellers) along the S
eine and crossing Pont Neuf bridge - the oldest bridge in Paris immortalized by artists and poets and 20th Century films - reach Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame Cathedral the finest example of French Gothic architecture built 1163, Sainte Chapelle, Place Dauphine and Square du-vert Galant - one of the nicest places to sit and picnic in Paris. Shaking up all that grandeur is the Le Halles' an urban commercial shopping district and live jazz destination by night.View our special B&B in the 1st arrondissement 'B&B Monique' - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-monique
Le 2ème Arrondissement - MAP
Old world meets modern world in the smallest district of Paris, that feels like a quaint little secret tucked conveniently in the center. It is the business district housing the Bourse (Stock Exchange), Bibliotheque (National Library) and has some the loveliest 19th Century architecture – Place des Victories, Notre Dame des Victories and the Opera Comedique concert hall. Its' highlight is the unmissable historic shopping arcades once used as a thoroughfare for horse and carriage with the most beautifully preserved being Galerie Vivienne.Find here one of Paris' foodie strips Rue Montorgueil with endless cafes, restaurants, brasseries, the oldest Patisserie in Paris, fresh produce and specialty cheese shops. It is a trendy night spot with hard-to-get-a-seat hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars like French
ie and Lockwood. The Bonne Nouvelle
is a trendy pocket away from tourists - at sundown the boulevard is
positively buzzing, as bars brim and spill out onto terraces, queues
snake into the streets from theatres and nightclubs offer the chance to
‘faire la fete’ and party, Parisian-style.Stay in our special private apartment in the 2nd arrondissement 'B&B Martinn' tucked down a traditional courtyard entry, from 163euro per night - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-martinn
Le 3ème Arrondissement- MAP
The top end of the Ma
rais
neighbourhood, known as the Haute-Marais, i.e the 3rd arrondissement of
Paris, is a popular and very sought-after neighborhood for the
'yuppies' of Paris. It is one of the oldest parts of the city, with
seventeenth-century stone mansions, like the Hôtel Salé housing the Musée Picasso, Musee Carnavalet, and has the oldest covered market in Paris - the Marché
des Enfants-Rouges (dating from 1615). It is known for its gourmet
shops and
fresh food markets particularly
along Rue Bretagne, its' lively and cosmopolitan tucked-away bars like, Le Barav, Candelaria and Little Red Door.
Though it is a sleepy less-obvious part of the popular Marais, it comes
with more refinement and exclusivity, cosy brasseries (we love Chez Janou) MANY galleries, art spaces, pop-up fashion shops, local designer and interior decor boutiques like delicious Merci Concept store.Stay in our studio apartment in this neighbourhood of Paris 'studio Helene' - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/studio-helene
Or stay in our beautiful 'Apartment Antonella' - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/apartment-antonella
Le 4ème Arrondissement - MAP
Once the haunt of old nobility and often referred to as the 'old
Paris', the Marais neighbourhood i.e the large 4th arrondissement exudes
old-world charm yet with modern day functionality right in the city
center. It is a picturesque neighbourhood that will have you snapping
your camera phone every few seconds thanks to it's dizzying network of
narrow winding cobblestone streets lined with 17th Century mansions and
buildings restored
into residences and museums, secret courtyards and gardens tucked down
alleys, provocative galleries and ivy covered boulangeries, iconic zinc
bars, meticulously styled aesthetics of painted windowpanes
and antique relics, Le Marais was well kept by its
once thriving Jewish population (Rue des Rosiers), and its recent incarnation as an LGBTQ
hotspot.Also known as 'the' shopping district (the only
area
in Paris where shops open on Sundays and roads close to cars) with
characterful 2nds stores, and as the best trendiest nightspot. Place des Vosges and the Maisons de Victor Hugo are here and worth a jaw-dropping visit. Finally, an easy walk to the Seine river and the Ile Saint Louis or Ile de la Cite and the Notre Dame Cathedral.Stay in our guests favourite and highest rated classic B&B in the 4th arrondissement 'B&B Carol' on the Saint Louis Island - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-carol
Le 5ème Arrondissement - MAP
The Latin Quarter, 5th arrondissement, is the literary heart of Paris
- Hemingways, Stein and Sartre's Paris (to name a few); with cult cafes
where the writers, thinkers, artists types dwell. It has a diverse
cultural atmosphere and a old-world mythical feel with romantic
cobblestone streets, secret passages, gardens, cafes, bars as well as
grand boulevards and bustling
major cornerstones to lose yourself in. Find antique stores, bookstores, art galleries and Paris’ oldest passages and restaurants, Place Contrescarpe, Delmas Cafe, the Pantheon and Sorbonne University giving it a healthy student population with a young bohemian feel, eclectic and ethnic eateries geared towards the students, Cluny Medieval Museum, the infamous Rue mouffetard - the oldest/longest pedestrian only gourmet strip with weekly markets alive with musicians and buskers. The chic Odeon and St-Mic
hel
nightlife with cocktail bars and Jazz institutions are here and you
will recognize many streets from movies such as 'Midnight in
Paris' where the 1920s Peugeot pulls up to collect Owen Wilson and
infamous bookshop 'Shakespeare and Co. and more. Finally, here lies ,
the Jardin des Plantes (the Parisians favourite park - an impressive botanical garden and zoo).Stay at 'B&B Brigitte' in the 5th Latin Quarter of Paris - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-brigitte
OR at 'B&B Marine' a private entry B&B suite off the famous Rue Mouffetard - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-marine
Le 6ème Arrondissement - MAP
Considered the most quintessential Parisian neighborhood, is the
cosmopolitan 6th - Saint-Germain-des-Pres - next to the Latin-Quarter
with a similar mythical feel yet in a more upscale atmosphere with grand
boulevards, beautiful alleys, the famous Luxembourg garden and cult posh cafes where
Paris’ famous writers frequented (Hemingway, Sartre, Stein) like ‘Cafe de flore’, ‘Brasserie Lipp’ and ‘Deux
Magots’. The bustling Boulevard Saint-Germain runs through the center and is lined with boutiques, boulangeries, cafes, patisseries, wine shops, restaurants, galleries, antique shops, museums, the beautiful Saint-Sulpice church, Le Bon Marche department store with its rare selection of gourmet foods, Cafe Coutume for the best coffees in the city, Musee Delacroix at Place Furstemburg, Le Procope (oldest restaurant in Paris), 'Cours du Commerce Saint Andre' (oldest Paris passage) a
nd the chic Odeon village with its bustling nightlife of jazz and upscale cocktail bars. The
Seine river is approx 10 minutes on foot from most parts of this neighbourhood.In this neighbourhood of Paris stay in our luxurious historically listed 'Apartment Delphine' - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-apartment-delphine
Or stay 5 mins walk from Cafe de Flore and the Jardin Luxembourg in our 'Apartment Jerome' - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/apartment-jerome
Le 7ème Arrondissement - MAP
One of Paris’ most prestigious residential neighborhoods with minimal
crowds in one sense being away from most of the main attractions, yet
being home to the most iconic attraction, le Eiffel Tower,
means hordes of tourist around the area, admittedly very prone to
hawkers. But if you move an extra few streets away you find the most
beautiful upscale exclusive Parisian streets and intimate tranquil
burrows bustling with local life, that are anything but touristy,
rather with an air of ‘money’ and richness with conservative Parisians
about. Enjoy sophisticated shopping, pricier bustling street markets where
celebrities can be spotted - Rue Cler, prized local shops and charming candle-lit
bistrots, antique boutiques and art galleries, there are trendy cafes such as Coutume or classic brasseries like Carmine, Hotel des
Invalides, Musee d’Orsay, Musee Rodin and Musee Quay Branley.
No real nightlife in this neighborhood, it is best suited to those
looking to enjoy its daytime pleasures and simple quiet nights in local
Brasseries or at home. Metro ride to the St-Germain-des-Pres takes only
approx 10mins.
Le 8ème Arrondissement - MAP
The 8th arrondissement has 4 distinct flavours. The triangle d’or between the famous Champs Elysees and the Seine – a ritzy area home to the Grand Palais and Petite Palais
with chic designer boutiques; the Champs Elysees itself (once a ritzy
strip though now we strongly advise staying away from this street that
is prone to hawkers, pick-pockets and over-run with teenage 'out of
towners'); by contrast the Monceau
in the northern part is one of Paris’ exclusive, rich and calm areas
with ornate parks and secret gardens and small museums like Musee Jacquemart-Andre;
and the east St-Lazare which becomes more ‘populaire’ with department
stores and busy CBD stations of incoming and outgoing commuters.Here find the Arc de Triomphe, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V with designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Chanel. While the 8th has less to offer tourists than other neighborhoods and is generally quiet after dark, if you stay bordering the 2nd, 9th or 17th it is a beautiful and convenient location to reach the rest of Paris' main sights.
Le 9ème Arrondissement - MAP
The Parisians preference, the perfect snugly tucked midway point
between the 1st, 2nd arrondissements (Louvre, Tuleries) and the 18th
(Montmartre village) where it is discreet and charming and off the
regular tourist routes, by passed by developers, and ‘thank goodness’
for that, because it remains a very central yet untouched beautifully
authentic, quiet, safe village of Paris. Preserved almost intact early
19th Century architecture, neo-gothic architecture, charming courtyards,
untou
ched
zinc bars and a timeless Parisian air, a stroll here is a simultaneous
journey through old and contemporary Paris, sprinkled with exquisite and
surprising secret corners and little-know museums along the way. Here lies the Paris Opera Garnier, famed Le Bouillon Chartier restaurant, Galleries Lafayette and Printemps department stores with rooftop restaurants, bars and panoramic city views, the Musee de la vie Romantique and its secret garden cafe, Musee Gustav Moreau, Rue des Martyrs - another street lined with gourmet shops, fruit shops, cafes, patisseries and trendy coffee shops, with a more local feel; and finally the redlight district and nightlife near Pigalle.
In this wonderful authentic part of Paris stay in our 2 level 'B&B Elisabeth' offering 3 guest bedrooms - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-elisabeth
Or stay in our bright and beautiful B&B Helene - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-helene
But if a B&B with a jaw-dropping view is what you are after, then we highly recommend 'B&B Isabelle' - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-isabelle
Le 10ème Arrondissement - MAP
Best known for the Canal Saint Martin
and its surrounding vibrant restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, the 10th
is an eclectic multicultural neighbourhood populated by the ‘bobo’
(bourgeois and bohemian) working class residents of Paris. Parisians
picnic along the Canal banks and on Sundays the streets along the canal
are shut to cars and locals enjoy strolls, bike riding or running
through here, or simply shopping. This is a very family friendly spot in
Paris, though by night the Canal area is very lively with bars and
nightclubs.It is one the trendy ‘new’ Paris neighbourhoods and has the
award winning 'best boulangerie' of Paris - Du Pain et des Idees.In the south is a very commercial, multicultural area, where you find little India and little Africa, some Jazz venue institutions. Populated by the ‘bobo’ (bourgeois and bohemian) working class residents of Paris.
Le 11ème Arrondissement - MAP
Densely populated and funky is the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Home to the well known Place de la Bastille and the colourful Faubourg Saint-Antoine;
this is an area characterized by its edgy style, quirky manga shopping,
street art and rowdy nightlife as it offers a disproportionate number
of the cities hippest bars and clubs. Rue Oberkampf is party central 
complete
with gritty Parisian charm. It is the place to mingle with locals in
casual, cool eating and drinking establishment, to listen to local
musicians and bands especially traditional gypsy jazz.Here you will also find Boulevard Richard Lenoir and Place de La Bastille and its lively markets (one of the largest on a sunday in Paris) and it is generally a short and easy walk to reach the Marais and the Seine river.
In this bohemain part of Paris, stay in our charming 'B&B Bruno' with guests private entry area with bedroom, bathroom and lounge room with Bastille and Montmartre views, breakfast served daily - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-bruno
Le 12ème Arrondissement - MAP
There is no Eiffel, Chanel or Louvre in the 12th. This is where the
Parisians actually live their lives! It is best understood and explored
more as a Parisian might. Take a walk along the Promenade Plantee - the elevated old railway track that was once abandoned and now renovated i
nto a glorious garden track that leads all the way out to Bois de Vincennes (a walker or runners 12km paradise); explore furniture makers, jewelers, fabric designers, have a drink at Bercy village, shop fruit and veggies at the open markets.For a memorable stay in this neighbourhood of Paris, stay in our charming 'Apartment Joel' on the famous colourful Rue Crimeux - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/apartment-joel
Le 13ème Arrondissement - MAP
A curiously diverse section of Paris that
feels both close and far-off to the center and another less obvious
destination resulting in significantly lesser crowds but more
opportunities for richer experiences to deepen your knowledge of the
city and Parisian life. There is nothing more Parisian than the shops
around Rue Tolbiac and the old-world charm of the Butte aux Cailles
- the lesser known Parisian hilltop neighborhood is an isolated lovely
village. This is somewhere to stay when you want to escape the 'typical'
and be immersed in quiet true Paris village with just a few streets
with small houses on a hill. Smaller and less picturesque than
Montmartre therefore it belongs all the more to the locals.
Le 14ème Arrondissement - MAP
The least populated arrondissement the 14th, comprising the legendary Montparnasse
district, once home to a lively arts and literature scene in the
roaring 1920's, the 14th arrondissement has a lot to offer. It is a
quiet and charming area with some of the cities most beautiful 'hidden'
streets, pedestrian only historic passages hard to come by such as Rue Thermopyles, and Cite Bauer, outdoor markets, the BEST Flea Market (in our opinion) in all Paris - the unpretentious
locals type with antique fashion, decor and other priceless goodies for
very affordable prices - Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves.Also find the Tour Montparnasse - skyscraper with panoramic 360degree city views, iconic cafes like La Coupole, Le Montparnasse, La Rotonde and Le Dome where artists and intellectuals once resided (Picasso, Satre, Hemingway and Chagall) boasting a very ‘avant-garde’ scene, the Catacombs, Montparnasse Cemetary, Parc Monsouris, and a number of open-air markets and small museums.
Le 15ème Arrondissement - MAP
Relatively uncharted, the 15th is a quiet and unassuming neighborhood with charming nooks and residential streets, the Georges Brassens park with rare print book markets in weekends and the Convention Centre de Paris.
Surprisingly it has the largest population out of all 20 neighborhoods.
Discover the most bustle around markets and shops, a plethora o
f
ethic eateries and wonderful views of the Eiffel Tower from various
points. Though do no underestimate the area – It is on the rise with
trendy new cafes, and coffee shops and still enjoys its own more
peaceful Parisian village life.Stay in our Eiffel Tower view B&B in the 15th, 'B&B' Odile offers 3 perfect guestrooms each with private bathroom and each with balconies and Eiffel Tower views. An art lovers home, this family feel dwelling will make you feel right at home, from 155euro per night including breakfasts - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-odile
Le 16ème Arrondissement - MAP
Also known as ‘Passy’ home to affluent Parisians, opule
nt
19thC architecture world-class museums and upscale shops, the 16th has
the reputation for being the richest. It is home to the Bois-de-Boulogne –
the second largest public park in the city with beautiful lakes, ponds,
gardens, cafe, a japanese garden, and in summer open-air cinemas under
the stars. Stay in our Petite Paris 'B&B Christophe' for an absolutely truly deluxe B&B experience - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/bb-christophe
Le 17ème Arrondissement - MAP
The most family friendly neighborhood of Paris, known as the ‘green’ arrondissement of Paris, with the beautiful 'La Batignolles'
area - a wealthy area littered with parks, gardens and spaces in which
to take a stroll or takes the kids to numerous play dates; and most
charming area is the Epinettes
district that dates back to 1847 that features small houses and gardens
alongside narrow streets with a Provincial feel. The areas surrounding Avenue de Clichy offers plenty of restaurants, wine bars, cafes and interesting shops. Montmartre village is an easy walk from most of the 17th.
Le 18ème Arrondissement - MAP
Known as Montmartre,
the 18th is the enchanting old-world charming and very typical village
where artists still work on their mural sin the open streets, where you
will feel like a local; and be treated like one too. It is the ideal
place to experience a ‘village’ atmosphere maintained since the 1950's
and a very artistic vibe. Get happily lost in its famous beautiful
cobblestone streets, lane-ways and hilly and steep stairwells that take
you to magnificent vistas, passing along the way secret gardens, parks,
and hidden nook cafes and bars. Like a little Provence in Paris which
freestanding historic country-style mansions(see Villa Leandre), the beautiful little last vineyard in Paris at Clos Montmartre and secret courtyard garden cafes (Hotel Particulier garden cafe). Also enjoy traditional markets, famous cabarets (Lapin Agile and the Moulin Rouge), sip endless coffees and creme-du-brulee's at the Amelie Cafe des Deux Moulins and shop the boutiques along Rue Abbesses where you can pick up crispy croissants and baguettes in some of Paris' best boulangeries.Here lies the Sacre Coeur Basilica boasting panora
mic views, and Place du Tertre square, Montmartre Museum, Montmartre cemetary and more.Stay in our FAVOURITE private apartment in Paris, the delicious 2 bedroom 'Apartment Lisette' right across from Lamarck Metro station, moments walk to all the beautiful Montmartre sights, cafes and shops at your door - from 139euro per night - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/apartment-lisette
Or stay in our tranquil sunny 'Apartment James' right across from the Sace Coeur Basilica from 110euro per night - https://www.petitebnbs.com/paris/apartment-james
