The Essential Guide to the 1st Arrondissement

Bold, buzzy, and brimming with blockbuster attractions, including a certain museum you might just have heard of, the 1st arrondissement sits at the very heart of Paris. Lining the right bank of the Seine, but also taking in a wedge of the Île de la Cité, it’s one of the smaller of the capital’s 20 districts. What it lacks in size, however, it more than makes up for with its impressive hitlist of famous sites. 

Taking pride of place is the Louvre, the largest and most visited art museum in the world. Originally a medieval fortress and later a royal palace, it grew into its current incarnation in the late 18th century. With the iconic glass pyramid added in 1989, it remains one of the capital’s most emblematic buildings. The recent heist, which saw a daring raid on the museum, seems only to have added to its mythical status.

There’s no shortage of other bucket-list attractions in the hood, either. Among these is another former royal residence, the Palais-Royal, now home to tree-lined grounds, formal flowerbeds, and specialist shops tucked into its pillared arcades. Other must-sees include Monet’s magnificent water lilies in the Musée de l’Orangerie, the kaleidoscopic colors of the stained-glass at Sainte-Chapelle, and the fantastical fairy-tale turrets adorning the Conciergerie. The well-heeled walkways of the Jardin des Tuileries are a Parisian rite of passage in every sense.  

While the district wears its history proudly, it’s also undergoing something of a modern metamorphosis. On the Rue de Rivoli – the principal thoroughfare that traverses the area – the cacophony of cars has been replaced with a bonanza of bicycles. In the smaller surrounding streets, notably on the Rue Saint-Honoré, upscale brands and boutiques can be found – and then there’s the rarified surroundings of Place Vendôme with its heavily guarded jewelry stores and, not least, the Ritz. 

Just recently, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain – formerly in the 14th arrondissement – has moved into its new location just opposite the Louvre. Reimagined by architect Jean Nouvel, this landmark building showcases contemporary art in all its forms. This autumn, the celebrated chef Anne-Sophie Pic will also open a restaurant on the site, proving that, for all its history, the 1st arrondissement never stands still.

Places to visit 

The Louvre 

It’s one of the most visited museums in the world and for good reason. While many come here to snap a selfie with the Mona Lisa, there are some 35,000 works of art on display. From masterpieces in their genres to monumental sculptures and mesmerizing mummies, it would take more than a month to see everything, if local legend is to be believed. This helpful article on the Louvre website highlights some of the must-sees. New for 2025, the latest addition to the museum is the Gallery of Five Continents, which explores “a dialogue between global cultures”. And our own top tips? Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance for shorter queues; arrive first thing in the morning to beat the crowds at the Mona Lisa; and, to avoid overwhelm, decide on your hitlist beforehand. Just don’t expect to see the museum’s collection of crown jewels in their entirety. Several of the items were stolen – and are still missing at the time of writing – during the recent heist.  

Jardin des Tuileries 

A place to see and be seen, the Jardin des Tuileries is where well-heeled Parisians dust off their Veja sneakers for a relaxing stroll. Designed by the celebrated royal gardener André Le Nôtre, these elegant gardens offer shaded walkways, peaceful ponds, and fragrant flowerbeds. They also double as an open-air sculpture museum. Look out for works by Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti, among others. Once home to tile factories (hence the name) and then a palace (destroyed during the Paris Commune uprising), the site found new fame during the Paris 2024 Games when it hosted the “hot-air balloon” containing the Olympic cauldron. Finally, if rain stops play, there are two museums at hand: the Musée de l’Orangerie, where you can see Monet’s monumental water lilies, and the Jeu de Paume, dedicated to photography, cinema, and modern media.  

The Palais-Royal 

Located right in the center of Paris, yet still somewhat tucked away, the Palais-Royal hides a surprisingly peaceful oasis of manicured trees, flawless flowerbeds, and pillared arcades with high-end shops, galleries, and cafés. Oh, and whisper it… This is also where Emily first meets Mindy in her eponymously named series (you know, that series…). Built for Cardinal de Richelieu in 1633, this impressive estate went on to become a royal residence and later a focal point of the French Revolution. These days, it provides the setting for government institutions, such as the Ministry of Culture, and two renowned theaters: the Comédie-Française, one of the most famous in France, and the Théâtre du Palais-Royal. Finally, look out for Daniel Buren’s art installation with its stripey black-and-white columns – a favorite with Instagrammers – and the striking metal spheres of Pol Bury. 

Musée des Arts Décoratifs 

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a titan of a museum in its own right. Showcasing French savoir- faire through the ages, it offers a journey through one of the world’s finest collections of the decorative arts – from glassware, wallpaper, and furniture to advertising materials, graphic design, and even toys. Also not to be missed is the fashion and textiles collection, which includes creations by Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Lacroix, among others, or the glittering gallery dedicated to the history of jewelry. Alongside the permanent collections, landmark exhibitions continue to make waves on the international stage. The latest one, at the time of writing, celebrates a century of Art Deco.  

Sainte-Chapelle 

With more than a thousand stained-glass windows creating a kaleidoscope of colored light, this one-time royal chapel is a sight to behold. Commissioned by King Louis IX in the 13th century, it was originally built to house the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the cross (now located in the nearby cathedral of Notre-Dame just a few steps away). Today, people come from far and wide to admire this Gothic masterpiece with its wondrous windowpanes. Featuring scenes from the Old and New Testaments, two-thirds of the stained glass has survived from the Middle Ages. For the full dazzling effect, try to time your visit for a sunny day. Alternatively, for an entirely different but equally memorable experience, the classical concerts here have become almost as acclaimed as the windows themselves.

The Conciergerie 

Straight out of a storybook, the Conciergerie looks like a fairytale palace that has magically appeared on the side of the Seine. In reality, however, its history is rather darker. While it’s true that it was originally a royal palace – the seat of power for the French kings in the Middle Ages – it went on to become a prison from the 14th century. During the French Revolution, the Revolutionary Court was located here, too, and it became an important place for detention. One of the most famous prisoners incarcerated on the site was Marie Antoinette who spent her last hours in one of its cells. Today, the building is well worth a visit for any history lover. For those who watched the Olympic Opening Ceremony, this is also the spot where French metal band Gojira famously took over the turrets alongside opera singer Marina Viotti. 

59 Rivoli 

If you’ve ever walked down Rue de Rivoli and noticed a Haussmannian building that looks more like an artists’ squat than one of the ubiquitous shop fronts, well, you’d be right. Or at least kind of anyway. Back in 1999, after the building had been abandoned for several years, a bunch of artists moved in. To cut a long story short, when the threat of eviction loomed, the then mayor of Paris bought back the premises to secure its future as an alternative arts center. Today, some 30 artists are based here, spread over six floors of studios all freely accessible to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. A chance to see art in the making, right before your eyes, there’s no better way to get a feel for the artistic pulse of Paris. In addition to the ateliers, there is an exhibition space with regularly changing shows, and the building often hosts other events such as DJ sets.  

Best of the rest 

While there’s not enough space to cover all the special things to see and do in the 1st arrondissement, we couldn’t finish without mentioning three others – all of which happen to be on the theme of contemporary art. Firstly, installed at its new home just opposite the Louvre, the aforementioned Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain showcases the current era through exhibitions, events, and more. Elsewhere, in the striking building of the historic stock exchange, the Bourse de Commerce, you’ll find a changing selection of artworks from the exceptional collection of François Pinault. Finally, just nearby, there’s the monumental outdoor sculpture by Henri de Miller, Écoute, depicting a giant stone head and hand. Located beside the church of Saint-Eustache, which is itself well worth a visit, it makes for a very different kind of Paris pic. 

Where to eat 

Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse 

Glinting with golden decor, crystal chandeliers, and antique mirrors, the restaurant of five-star “palace” hotel Le Meurice is the epitome of French finery. Inspired by the Salon de la Paix at Versailles, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine Louis XIV sauntering past. Certainly, he wouldn’t have had any complaints about the food. Awarded two Michelin stars for its exceptional offering, here any guest can eat like a king. Led by Alain Ducasse, with Amaury Bouhours as executive chef, they deliver the finest haute cuisine but without over-complicating things. In short, each ingredient is allowed to shine. Add in the views over the Jardin des Tuileries and it’s a dreamy combo. 

Au Pied de Cochon 

Something of an institution, Au Pied de Cochon opened its doors in 1947 – and has barely closed them since. Offering continuous service day and night, except from 5 am until 8 am, this legendary brasserie has long been the place of choice for a late dinner. In fact, a host of famous names are rumored to have visited over the years – from actors and musicians to politicians. Just recently, the chart-topping star Ed Sheeran was reportedly spotted there after performing a show in Paris. Famed for its traditional French fare, the menu is dominated by meat and seafood dishes, so not one for the vegans. The French onion soup also comes highly recommended. 

 

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Végét’Halles 

If Au Pied de Cochon is one for the meat and seafood lovers, then Végét’Halles is the place for those of a more plant-based persuasion. Celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, this neighborhood mainstay offers an entirely vegetarian and vegan menu, with the latter very much to the fore. From luscious linguini dishes and a simmering vegetable curry to smoky seitan burgers with home-made fries, not to mention poke bowls and salads in every color of the rainbow, this is herbivore heaven. Another veggie and vegan address that is well worth a visit is Maslow. Think fried cauliflower wings, sweet-potato maafe, loaded tacos, Portobello katsu, and falafel patties with hibiscus mayo… 

 

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Angelina 

It would be impossible to talk about the 1st arrondissement and not mention the Angelina tearoom – once a favorite with Coco Chanel, no less. Yes, it’s tourist central these days; yes, there’s usually a ludicrously long line outside… However, the exquisite pastries here, such as the signature Mont-Blanc, and the famed hot chocolate remain the stuff of legend. With more than 30 outlets around the world now, this address is the original and the best. Established in 1903, by Austrian confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer and his son René, the tearoom is a beguiling blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and once you’re past the queue, it all feels worth the wait.  

Maisie Café 

We’ve included this particular address not only because it’s beloved by vegans but also because it’s just a great spot to enjoy a healthy, high-quality lunch. At this bright and breezy café, you’ll find delicious dishes that are not only plant-based but also organic and nearly all gluten-free. Devised using seasonal ingredients, the menu changes according to the time of year, but recent examples include avocado toast, falafel bowls, Thai salad, vegetable couscous, and pumpkin pie. Like the cuisine, the cold-pressed juices are made fresh every morning, and the coffee comes highly recommended. Just be aware that it’s only open during the day.  

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L’Escargot Montorgueil  

If the clue wasn’t already in the name, the huge golden snail above the doorway might be a bit of a giveaway. Famous for its signature Burgundy snails, L’Escargot Montorgueil has been serving this old-school French favorite since 1832. Not a fan of snails? There are plenty of other classic dishes on the menu, too, along with a vegetarian option. Cuisine aside, the restaurant offers an atmospheric setting, with its sumptuous Second Empire décor. Then, of course, there’s the fact that it’s located in the famous foodie street of Rue Montorgueil, where you’ll find any number of places to pick up some delicious treats to take home.  

Sanukiya 

Tucked away in the 1st arrondissement is a mini-Japanese district centered around the Rue Sainte-Anne. Here can be found some excellent restaurants, as well as specialist grocery stores and shops, but we’ve gone for Sanukiya. Widely acclaimed for its udon noodles, which they confidently profess to be the best in Paris, this popular spot offers a multitude of ways to enjoy this hearty Japanese staple. Given that there are no reservations, it’s best to avoid peak times, especially as there can be a queue outside. Once inside, do as the fashionistas do during Fashion Week and perch on one of the barstools along the narrow wooden counter. 

 

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Best of the bars 

Bar Hemingway 

As one of the most legendary cocktail bars in the city – if not the world – Bar Hemingway at the Ritz needs little introduction. Named after the man who frequented it from the 1920s, it feels like a fitting tribute to the celebrated writer. All wood paneling, leather upholstery, and soft lighting, there’s also a host of associated paraphernalia adorning the walls. While beloved bartender Colin Peter Field, who was almost part of the furniture himself, has embarked on a new chapter, mixologist extraordinaire Anne-Sophie Prestail is a worthy replacement. One word of warning: there are only 25 seats, so aim to arrive early. Oh, and bring the credit card; alcoholic cocktails start at €39 each. 

Rehab 

Speakeasies with a social-media presence can seem like a bit of an anomaly, but for one in that category with a very seductive vibe, Rehab is the place. Hidden away under the Normandy Le Chantier hotel, and accessed via a secret spiral staircase, it offers low lighting, lush décor, and a loungey vibe that draws its influence from the opium dens of the 1900s. Conversely, the cocktails are inspired by childhood treats, from chocolate brownies and lollipops to caramelized sweets. Also, every one of them is 100% plant-based with an emphasis on eco-friendly credentials and zero waste. For something extra-special, keep an eye on their Instagram for the occasional live-music event.

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Le Nemours 

It’s one of the classics for a reason. Occupying a prestigious spot between the Palais-Royal, the Comédie-Française, and the Louvre, Le Nemours is blessed with a beautiful terrace that is always buzzing. With the tables sandwiched between the giant stone columns of Place Colette, this place has an atmosphere all of its own. Time your visit right and you might just be treated to some live music, or even tango, swing or salsa dancing, on the square outside. Given its proximity to the famed Comédie-Française, which is home to the world’s oldest active theater company, it’s not unusual to spot the odd actor here, too. N.B. The terrace is reserved for dining from 12 noon to 2 pm. 

ROOF 

We had to include at least one rooftop bar in the mix and this scenic spot came out on top. Perched upon the five-star hotel of Madame Rêve, which now inhabits the Grande Poste de Paris building, this lofty sanctuary offers a striking view over the church of Saint-Eustache and beyond. With its covered, heated patio, as well as a 1,000m² suspended garden, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy one of the signature cocktails accompanied by the shareable plates of Japanese-inspired cuisine. Handily, reservations for up to eight people can be made three weeks in advance, ensuring your seats are secured as the sun sets over the city. 

 

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Bar 228  

With its distinctive dark-wood paneling, sky-painted ceiling, and Carrara marble bar added by Philippe Starck, Bar 228 is one of the chicest addresses in town for an apéro. Add in some of the finest mixologists, the nightly live jazz, and the impressive backdrop of five-star “palace” hotel Le Meurice, and it’s an alluring proposition. So, why not sit back, soak up the rarified atmosphere, and sample one of the signature cocktails – such as the Take it Easy, for instance, a mix of amber rum, lime juice, barley syrup, apple juice, pineapple juice, and ginger. The prices are not for the faint of heart, but for a special occasion, this one is well worth splashing out on. 

Le Fumoir  

Okay, so it’s also well-known as a restaurant, popular for its Scandi-influenced sustenance, but we had to include this one because the story of the beautiful bar counter is worth it alone. The proprietors were looking, they say, for a “bar with a soul”. Well, in the end, they finally found it all the way over in Philadelphia, a forgotten relic of the Prohibition era when it was used in a local speakeasy. That aside, the décor is stylish and modern, the cocktails are delightful, with a mix of classics and original creations, and the extensive wine list spans all the French regions, with plenty available by the glass. Oh, and there’s also a library here, should you fancy a novel with your Negroni. 

Rue des Lombards  

For a drink with a difference, Rue des Lombards is something of a jazz haven in the capital, home to a small cluster of renowned clubs. Arguably the best known of these is Le Duc des Lombards, which has hosted some of the finest artists in the genre, staging more than 300 concerts a year. Then there’s Le Baiser Salé, which is a hotbed for emerging talent, and also much-loved for its horseshoe-shaped bar. Another special spot here is Sunset Sunside, two jazz clubs in one, with its atmospheric vaulted basement. Legend has it that even Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock dropped by there one time. So, all in all, Rue des Lombards is any jazz-lover’s dream. 

Pick of the shopping spots 

Westfield Forum des Halles  

Love it or hate it, the shopping mall at the heart of the Les Halles district, the Westfield Forum des Halles, is a consumer paradise. Filled with well-known French names, from Sephora and Fnac to Comptoir des Cotonniers, along with various international brands, this is where hardcore shoppers come to satisfy their retail itch. As well as around 120 stores, there’s a multi-screen cinema plus plenty of places to refuel. At one time, the site was occupied by the main fresh-food market for Paris, which is where the name comes from, but there is little evidence of that era today. Fun fact: Beneath the shopping center, you will find one of the largest underground stations in the world. 

The Samaritaine  

One of the classic Parisian department stores, the Samaritaine has a history dating back more than 150 years. Long beloved by locals, the iconic building – with its mix of Art Deco and Art Nouveau – eventually closed in 2005 after being deemed unsafe. Reopened to much fanfare in 2021, following an extensive renovation, the store today offers a luxury shopping experience spanning everything from cutting-edge fashion and high-end watches and jewelry to exclusive pop-ups – not to mention one of the largest beauty departments in Europe. It’s worth a visit for the building alone; look out for the spectacular central staircase, the peacock-adorned fresco, and the striking glass roof.

Smith & Son 

It may not be WH Smith any more, but Smith & Son, as it is now known, remains the largest English-language bookstore in the city. Founded in 1870 by two British brothers, who also installed a tearoom upstairs, it was sold to WH Smith in 1903. Following a major refurbishment in the “Old English” style, it became a hangout of choice for expats. Today, independently owned once again, it attracts locals and tourists alike who come to peruse the wide range of books, visit the extensive international-press section, and enjoy a traditional cream tea and a scone. Nearby is the city’s oldest English-language bookshop, Galignani, founded in 1801 and at its current address since 1856. 

E. Dehillerin

A veritable institution, E. Dehillerin has been a go-to for gastronomy lovers since the 1800s. Offering a delectable range of the finest cookware and kitchenware, this is the place to come for that special copper saucepan, the perfect pastry roller, or that elusive mold for your madeleines. Back in 1912, the store even supplied some of the utensils used on board the Titanic. Among its current clients is the Élysée Palace, no less, as well as many Parisian luxury hotels. Still run today by the same family who founded the store, with the fourth generation now at the helm, it remains a Parisian icon beloved by the city’s chefs and foodie fans alike. 

 

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Antoine 

Founded in 1745, and settled in its current location since 1886, Antoine specializes in exceptional umbrellas, parasols, and walking canes, in every conceivable design. It all began when the original owners started renting out umbrellas for crossing the famous bridge of Pont-Neuf and later went on to manufacture their own. Today, they also sell a range of other accessories, including a selection of exquisite fans, as well as hats, gloves, and even bow ties. For a special gift for that person who has everything, it really doesn’t get any better than this. Also, straight out of another era, the store itself is a delight. 

Galerie Véro-Dodat  

One of the historic shopping arcades that crisscross the city, Galerie Véro-Dodat is arguably one of the lesser-known but nonetheless utterly charming. Dating from 1826, it features a black-and-white marble floor that complements perfectly the stone and glass roof and traditional wooden shop fronts. Among these can be found everything from art, tapestries, and homeware to perfume, cosmetics, and even musical instruments. Notably, the famed fashion-shoe designer Christian Louboutin also has two boutiques here. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the smallest of the covered passages, Passage des Deux-Pavillons. 

Rue Saint-Honoré 

A must for any self-respecting fashionista with money to splurge and an outfit to find, Rue Saint-Honoré and its surrounds are home to a plethora of luxury brands. Several of the most celebrated French fashion houses have flagship stores in and around this area, including Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, and there’s no end of other enticing shops to tempt the eye. Notably, one of the city’s oldest pharmacies, Pharmacie Saint-Honoré, founded in 1715, is also located here. In addition, the street is dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels, so plenty of places to enjoy a post-shopping-spree cocktail or a bite to eat.