1st Arrondissement

The Basics

Though it’s one of Paris’ least-populated areas, there’s plenty to do in the 1st arrondissement. The Louvre and the Tuileries Garden are naturally the biggest attractions, but the area is also home to a number of beautiful old churches, including Gothic 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stained-glass windows. Most visitors to Paris end up in this area at some point during their visit, and most general city tours stop here.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The 1st arrondissement is a must-visit for art lovers; after all, the Louvre is here.

• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as this area is made for walking.

• Note that while the neighborhood is generally wheelchair-accessible, overall accessibility in Paris is poor, and only line 14 of the metro is fully accessible.

How to Get There

Right in the heart of the city, the 1st arrondissement is situated on the Right Bank of the River Seine and also includes half of the Île de la Cité. It's directly across from the Orsay Museum, and a number of pedestrian-friendly bridges connect the two banks. The most useful metro stop here is Châtelet, which serves lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 of the Paris Metro and RER lines A, B, and D.

When to Get There

Like all of Paris, the 1st arrondissement is truly a year-round attraction, with different times of year offering different charms. Sunset is a good time to visit, particularly if you want to join the masses of picnickers who descend upon the Pont des Arts. Note that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

The Louvre Pyramids

One of the best-known architectural features in the 1st arrondissement, the Louvre pyramid is a giant metal-and-glass pyramid surrounded by three smaller pyramids; it made headlines in 2019 when Airbnb and the Louvre partnered to run a contest in which one winner could sleep inside the structure for a night. There's also another pyramid, this one upside down, inside the nearby Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall.

Ways to explore

Visitors to Paris will almost certainly find themselves in the 1st arrondissement at some point, and most sightseeing tours, River Seine cruises, and hop-on, hop-off buses pass through the central district. Snag a skip-the-line ticket to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, stroll along the Seine and cross the Pont des Arts, or join a walking tour of Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie on the Île de la Cité to trace Paris’ Roman roots.

Other attractions include the Tuileries Garden and Orangerie Museum, the Palais-Royal with its picturesque gardens, the grand architecture of Place Vendôme, and the upmarket shopping quarter around Les Halles and Châtelet.

Accessibility

Most attractions are accessible, but getting around the cobbled streets may be tricky for wheelchair users. Châtelet–Les Halles metro station is fully accessible, as are Paris buses.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, photo ID (required by law in France), reusable water bottle, scarf (to cover up when visiting churches)

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes (heels and cobblestones do not pair well!), layered clothing (Paris weather is notoriously changeable)

Not allowed

Rental e-scooters, non-resident cars (the arrondissement is within Paris’ Limited Traffic Zone)

Amenities

Restaurants, hotels, cafés, public restrooms, drinking water fountains, free Wi-Fi hotspots

Address

The 1st arrondissement is located along the Right Bank in central Paris, and runs from the eastern edge of Place de la Concorde to Boulevard de Sebastopol. It is accessible on foot or by public transport from anywhere in Paris.

Driving

Driving in the 1st arrondissement is prohibited for visitors, and fines apply, as it falls within Paris’ Limited Traffic Zone. It’s still possible to take a licensed taxi to the district, but the use of public transport is highly encouraged.

Public transportation

Several metro stations serve the 1st arrondissement, including Les Halles (4), Pont Neuf (7), Louvre-Rivoli (1), Pyramides (7, 14), and Concorde (1, 8, 12). RER trains (A, B, D) also alight at Châtelet les Halles and bus lines 39, 68, and 95 stop outside the Louvre.

Best times to visit

Beating the crowds in central Paris is near impossible, but an early morning stroll is your best chance. However, it’s most atmospheric after dark, especially along the illuminated riverside.

Best days to visit

There are fewer crowds midweek, but some museums are closed on Tuesdays, including the Louvre and the Orangerie Museum. Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free museum entry.

Best months to visit

Avoid the crowds of July and August, and plan a trip for April or May, when the Tuileries Garden blooms with spring flowers.

Special events

The Louvre and the River Seine feature in Paris’ Bastille Day celebrations (July 14) and Christmas festivities. Other popular events include the Fête de la Musique (June), the European Heritage Days (September), and Paris Fashion Week (February and September).