1st Arrondissement

Also known as the "Louvre arrondissement", the 1st arrondissement boasts some of the most famous monuments that contribute to the rich heritage of the capital and France: the Comédie Française, the Palais de Justice, the Louvre, and the famous Place Vendôme.

It includes, in particular, one of the oldest districts of the city, the district of Les Halles, which dates from the very beginning of the Middle Ages. Thanks in part to the Jardin des Tuileries and the Carrousel garden, the 1st arrondissement has the largest area of public green spaces, covering 46 hectares.

NOTABLE AREAS

Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois

The most central quarters in Paris, most of this district is occupied by the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden. Very little of this sector is inhabited, with most residents clustered around the gorgeous Place Dauphine.

Les Halles

Taking its name from the Les Halles market, this quartier is home to the largest urban metro station in Europe, the Châtelet-Les Halles station. The history of the market dates back to 1137, when Louis VI ordered the transfer of two markets to the area.

Palais-Royal

Formed for the first time during the French Revolution, this sector is organized around the eponymous Palais-Royal and its garden, which is free and open to the public.

Place Vendôme

This quarter is known not only for the square Vendôme but also for the renowned couturiers, hatters, shoemakers, and perfumers that have settled in the district. Prestigious brands such as Cartier, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Bulgari, and others comprise this renowned section.

SIGHTS TO SEE

PLACE DAUPHINE

I adore this little, triangular park, hidden at the west end of Île de la Cité. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the space, sipping on drinks from restaurant terraces or playing petanque under the horse chestnut trees. The geographical center of Paris is located here, and the square was named in honor of the Dauphin, the future King Louis XIII.

If you are walking along the river Seine and in need of a quick, calm, and quiet respite, this park is perfect for you.

SQUARE VERT-GALANT

The square owes its name to Henri IV, nicknamed the “Vert-Galant” because of his many mistresses despite his advanced age. Look for the equestrian statue of Henri IV, itself very green (in bronze) resting on the Pont Neuf. Right behind the statue is a staircase leading down - this is how you access the park.

Dog-friendly, this park also features my favorite willow tree in Paris. During the summer, her branches lazily dip into the river. The perfect photo op spot!

PALAIS-ROYAL

Built by Richelieu in 1628, the gorgeous Palais-Royal is one of my favorite spots in Paris. If you are near the Louvre, do not make the mistake of missing out on this gem. Free and open to the public, this hidden garden is breathtaking, surrounded by iconic architecture, cafés, and restaurants with terraces. Sit amongst the huge collection of roses (or magnolia blossoms in the spring!) and relax next to the fountain. Locals love this park, and I find it less on the radar for tourists.

PLACE VENDOME

One of the most famous squares in Paris, and considered one of the most luxurious in the world, Place Vendôme is known today where many famous jewelers have taken up residence. Of course, one of my favorite locations on this square is the Ritz Hotel, where Coco Chanel lived for some time.

Dress up a bit and head over to this area to spend a day shopping - window or otherwise!

HOTEL RITZ

I couldn't mention the Hotel Ritz without diving a bit deeper into this gorgeous property. This five-star hotel is considered to be one of the most beautiful, grand, and luxurious hotels in the world. Coco Chanel lived here until her death, and Ernest Hemingway frequented the property. There is now a themed bar bearing his name. While there is a dress code at the hotel, and I suggest an RDV for the restaurants, you can enter the property and wander the ground floor spaces, which are open to the public.

LA SAMARITAINE

Just reopened this summer 2021, the building was originally constructed at the height of the Art Nouveau period. Its stunning exterior is a combination of glass and intricate floral ceramic panels. The department store was first inaugurated in 1869 but took on major financial losses starting in the 1970s. It closed permanently in 2005. It took over seven years to renovate the building, but the Samaritaine is once again open for business.

ORANGERIE

Opposite the Seine river and tucked into a corner of the Tuileries garden, this must-see museum is home to the famous Water Lillies series by Claude Monet. You can purchase bundled tickets when you go to the Musée d'Orsay, which is right across the river from this space. I suggest that you go during the morning, when the light filters in through glass roofs, under the will of the painter who wanted to plunge the visitor into a “state of grace.” It is a truly meditative experience.

BOURSE

The Syndicat Général de la Bourse de commerce de Paris (General Union of the Paris Commodities Exchange) was created in 1854. Market trading was held here until 1998. In 2016, the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, offered François Pinault a 50-year lease on the Bourse de Commerce for a lump sum of €15 million, plus yearly fees.

Shortly after, the Paris City Council approved the project to transform the building into an exhibition space for contemporary art, including pieces from his private collection of more than 3,500 works valued at around €1.25 billion. The Pinault Collection just opened May 2021.