The 1ᵉʳ Arrondissement — The “Louvre” District

THE "PREMIER"

Also called the "Louvre arrondissement", the 1st éme boasts some of the most famous monuments contributing 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 1 st district has the largest area of public green spaces with 46 hectares.

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.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites - Food, Drink & Shops

BOULANGERIE
Boulangerie De Belles Manières - 5 Rue de Turbigo, 75001 Paris
Gorgeous breads, including gluten-free options. Everything is made in-house. Bring cash for small purchases. The almond-croissants are a favorite.
PATISSERIE
Gosselin - 123-125, Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Another great choice for breads & desserts. Their baguette is award-winning. Try the tarte aux framboise. Open every day 7 AM to 7 PM - a rare treat in Paris!
BOUCHERIE
Boucherie Barone - 6 Rue du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001
Prepared with finesse & heart by professional craftsmen, Barone provides top quality meat to locals in the Saint-Honoré district, once known for the Les Halles.
CRÈMERIE
Salon du fromage Hisada - 47 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
A quaint little shop operated by Japanese ladies, there is a wide variety of cheese downstairs, and a small sitting area upstairs for wine and cheese tasting.
MARCHÉ
Marché St-Honoré - Pl. du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001
Wednesday PM & Saturday AM. Fruit & vegetable plus a meat vendor with roasted chicken and potatoes (must try); an excellent burger truck called Cantine. MORE INFO.
CAFÉ
Café Kitsune Palais Royal - 51 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
A perfect spot to enjoy a matcha in the garden, or grab a coffee to-go as you wander through the Tuileries. If you're in the mood for avocado toast, this is the place.
WINE SHOP
La Cave des Tuileries - Paris - 232 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
This wine shop is known for their excellent and friendly customer service in all price ranges. You don't need to be familiar with French wine to visit!
PHARMACY
Pharmacie du Coq Heron - 7 Rue Coq Héron, 75001 Paris
Listed as a LGTBQ-friendly location. Known for their extremely helpful service. View this video on how to confidently visit a pharmacy in France.