Best Neighbourhoods in Paris

Looking to visit the city of love but not sure where to spend your time? While it may be one of the world’s smaller capitals, spanning only 11 miles in width, there are plenty of charming pockets to explore when staying in one of our luxury holiday apartments in Paris. To help you plan out your time, we’ve broken down the best neighbourhoods in Paris to visit on your next trip, and key attractions to see in each one as well.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

If you’re looking for maximum charm with ample photo ops to boot, head to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood on the left bank of the river. It’s home to Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which is the oldest church in Paris, as well as the iconic Café de Flore – previous diners of note include Ernest Hemingway and Simone de Beauvoir, but it was also featured in hit Netflix series Emily in Paris!

It’s also one of the most expensive areas to stay in, so we suggest simply stopping by to take a leisurely stroll along the Seine. Then, head to the famous Pont des Arts love lock bridge at sunset – the ultimate romantic spot for couples visiting Paris.

Le Marais

While historically this was known as the Jewish quarter of Paris, today the trendy district is filled with museums and private mansions alike. The Picasso National Museum here is a must-visit for anyone with even a slight interest in art, while the Place des Vosges is another essential stop during summer – its beautiful white stone facades and slate roofs were actually commissioned by King Henry IV back in the early 1600s.

This area is also home to the Breizh Café – one of Paris’ most popular crepe and galette cafes. Want to learn more about the best foods to try in Paris? Check out our dedicated blog.

Palais-Bourbon

No trip to Paris is complete without exploring its 7th arrondissement. This is where you’ll find notable sights like the Hôtel des Invalides (the final resting place of Napoleon), the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. It’s also home to the French upper class, so expect to see many beautiful townhouses and exclusive bistros as you wander its streets.

Be sure to visit during both the day and night, as it’s only after dark that the city’s most famous landmark truly comes to life, twinkling in a fabulous array of choreographed lights. Just don’t spend too long here – it won’t be kind to your pocket!

Latin Quarter

Narrow, winding streets wiggling away from the river define the iconic Latin Quarter of Paris. Managing to maintain a distinctly old-world medieval feel, the bustling area is alive with restaurants and jazz clubs that spill out onto the cobbled pathways.

It’s also home to several of France’s most prestigious universities, explaining the area’s name – students from around the world once came here and spoke Latin to each other, being their only common language. Bask in the lingering academic feel by heading to Shakespeare & Company, perusing its literary-stacked walls before sipping on a cup of espresso at the attached café.

Want to soak up some history with a side of sunshine in the warmer months? The Arènes de Lutèce are among France’s most famous Roman remains, and once held up to 15,000 people. You’ll also find the Jardin du Luxembourg here – a great spot for a picnic.

Montmartre

The crown jewel of the hilly Montmartre area is undoubtedly the Sacre Coeur. This dome-like structure is impossible to miss, with doe-eyed couples flocking here from far and wide to place their locks around its nearby fences.

Once you’ve soaked up the panoramic views, head to the nearby Artists’ Square to see painters day and night creating their latest masterpiece. Then, take some time to visit the former homes of Van Gogh and Picasso, before heading downhill to the Moulin Rouge come evening – there’s a reason this cabaret show is still the hottest ticket in town.

Champs-Élysées

Home to the Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe, and the world’s most luxurious boutiques, this is the top destination in Paris for doing some (window) shopping. There are many quintessential cafes and restaurants here too, but keep in mind that their offerings will be far pricier than you’d find in many other neighbourhoods.

Prefer browsing markets to upscale stores? The Marché Président Wilson is brimming with fresh flowers and food to explore too.

So, there you have it – Oliver’s Travels‘ pick of the best neighbourhoods in Paris for your next visit. Still need a little help deciding which of our luxury holiday apartments in Paris to stay in while you’re there? Our concierge team are happy to help answer any questions you may have.