Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature with our Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees.

Located right in the centre of Paris, the 1st arrondissement is a must-see when visiting the French capital. Steeped in history and culture with the Louvre museum, as well as trendy places to shop and dine along the rue de Rivoli, there’s nothing you can’t find in this arrondissement.

So whether you’re visiting the City of Light for the first time or have been here many times before, head to the 1st arrondissement to experience Paris at its best. 

So let’s take a look at our guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris and where to visit, eat and stay.

Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay

1. What to see and do in the 1st arrondissement

Of course, when you think of Paris, one of the first things that springs to mind (especially for art lovers) is the Louvre, the largest and most visited museum in the world. While many people go there to see the Mona Lisa, it actually houses over 35,000 works of art, including the Venus de Milo. While these works alone are worth a visit, most travellers also go there to see the iconic glass pyramid entrance. And as you may have guessed, it’s right in the heart of the city, in the 1st arrondissement. Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions during your stay. 

On the other side of the rue de Rivoli is the Palais Royal, about five minutes’ walk away. This is a former royal residence, although it was originally built for Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century. The palace itself is magnificent, but what really attracts visitors is the Jardin du Palais Royal, which features elegant fountains and sculptures and is the ideal place for a little peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Another lesser-known spot is the tranquil Square du Vert-Galant, a small park at the western end of the Île de la Cité, which offers beautiful views over the Seine.

If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture, you must visit the Sainte-Chapelle, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is located on the Ile de la Cité (which is actually partly in the 1st and partly in the 4th arondissement) in the heart of Paris and was built in the 13th century after being commissioned by the king of the time, Louis IX. It is renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows, which cover most of the upper level and depict over 1,000 biblical scenes.

If you’re a lover of luxury, you’ll no doubt have heard of Place Vendôme, home to some of the world’s most prestigious jewellers, including Cartier, Boucheron and Chaumet, as well as hotels such as the Ritz, Mandarin Oriental and Hotel Westminster. And if that’s not enough to convince you that the city is worth a visit, there’s the impressive Vendôme column right in the middle of the square, erected by Napoleon to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. 

And for more affordable shopping options, you can head to the Forum des Halles, an underground shopping complex that once housed the city’s central food market. Above this complex is the Canopée des Halles, an impressive glass roof that covers the complex. 

Nestled between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens (Jardin des Tuileries) in Paris offer a relaxing escape amidst the bustling city. Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, these historic gardens boast meticulously manicured lawns.

Here are a few more things you can see and do in Paris 1st arrondissement

2. Where to shop in the 1st arrondissement

As well as Place Vendôme and the Forum des Halles, there are many other places to go shopping in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. 

There is, of course, the famous Rue de Rivoli, which stretches from Place de la Concorde to the Marais district. Here you’ll find everything from high street brands to department stores and souvenir shops. And of course, you can visit the famous BHV Marais, a multi-level department store offering everything from fashion to homeware (as well as a rooftop bar called Le Perchoir). 

And if you can’t find anything to your taste on Place Vendôme, you can always take a stroll down Rue Saint-Honoré, which is packed with high-end boutiques, including Hermès, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. 

The Galerie Véro-Dodat, a charming 19th-century covered passageway, is home to antique shops, art galleries and the original Christian Louboutin boutique.

Finally, there are the Galeries du Palais Royal, the arcades surrounding the gardens of the Palais Royal. Here you’ll find art galleries, antique shops and vintage jewellers. 

3. Where to eat and drink in the 1st arrondissement

Located on the rue de Rivoli, Angelina is a belle époque-style tea room and is particularly famous for its thick hot chocolate. 

Then you’ve got Café Marly, located in the Louvre complex, which offers stunning views of the Louvre pyramid. Its menu offers a mix of French and international cuisine, so even the pickiest eaters should find something to their liking. 

Not far from the Louvre is Le Fumoir, a stylish restaurant and bar known for its contemporary French cuisine. This is the place to go if you like cocktails, as it has an extensive cocktail list as well as an impressive wine list. 

4. Insider tips for visiting the 1st arrondissement.

One of the great things about the 1st arrondissement (and Paris in general) is that it’s very easy to get around on foot, and most of the things you’ll want to see are within a short distance of each other. That said, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes as the streets tend to be cobbled. And if you’re too tired, you can always hop on a city bike, a Vélib’, to explore the area.

The 1st arrondissement is a popular destination, so if you want to avoid the crowds (especially at popular attractions like the Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle), go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and if you can go during the week rather than at the weekend, you may be able to avoid queuing too much. 

Tipping is not compulsory in France, but it is appreciated to leave a small amount (around 5-10%) if you have received good service. 

Where to Stay in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris

You can search for accommodation in the 1sr arrondissement of Paris using the interactive map below.

Final words on Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay

Paris’s 1st arrondissement is a must-see when visiting the City of Light. From world-famous museums to historic monuments, luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants and a multitude of hidden gems, this arrondissement invites you to discover the very best of Paris.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris, and don’t forget to check out our tips for navigating Paris during the Olympics (and at any other time), our favourite tranquil retreats and hidden gems in Paris and the best places for a day trip or weekend getaway that are just 2 hours from the French Capital.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,

 

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Article By Hannah Rees

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