Have you ever wondered what makes the 1st arrondissement, famously known as the Louvre, the beating heart of Paris? Positioned strategically on the right bank of the Seine and embracing the west end of Île de la Cité, this guide is your compass to unlocking the essence of one of the city's oldest districts. What landmarks await, what culinary delights can you savour, and how can you make the most of your visit? Commence a journey as we answer these questions, providing you with the insights and knowledge to transform your experience in the 1st arrondissement into an unforgettable adventure.
Elegance, History, and Culture in the 1st Arrondissement
For an in-depth encounter with the distinct facets of Paris, consider honing in on the 1st arrondissement. This central district offers a concentrated dose of the city's historical, cultural, and luxurious offerings. By focusing on this area, whether you're exploring the Louvre, strolling through the regal gardens of Palais-Royal, or indulging in upscale shopping around Place Vendôme, you ensure a more thorough and immersive experience. Paris becomes a series of intimate discoveries when savoured one arrondissement at a time, and the 1st arrondissement provides a perfect starting point for such nuanced exploration.
Places of interest in the 1st arrondissement
HOTELS
GREEN SPACES
RESTAURANTS
Louvre
Start your journey at the Louvre, a monumental site that transitions from its origins as a royal palace to becoming the largest museum globally. This iconic landmark serves as the gateway to an incredible blend of history and art, offering a vast collection that spans centuries and continents.
When you go to the Louvre, a delightful surprise awaits between the Pyramid and the Tuileries Garden — the Carrousel Garden. Here, expansive green lawns and neatly aligned rows of hedges serve as the backdrop for an open-air sculpture museum. This tranquil outdoor space provides a sneak peek into the artistic treasures awaiting you inside the Louvre, offering a taste of the cultural richness that awaits. Consider it a teaser, enticing you with the promise of more extraordinary discoveries as you step into the renowned museum.
Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden, situated between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde, is a picturesque oasis in the heart of Paris. Commissioned by Catherine de Medici in the 16th century, the garden boasts a rich history and timeless charm. Its formal design, marked by alleys, sculptures, and geometric patterns, reflects the classical French style.
Visitors to Tuileries Garden can revel in its serene ambience, stroll along tree-lined pathways, and admire the meticulously manicured lawns. The central axis offers a captivating perspective, leading the gaze from the Louvre's majestic facade to the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.
Throughout the seasons, Tuileries Garden transforms, adorned with blooming flowers in spring and summer, while the fall foliage adds a warm palette in autumn. The garden's iconic ponds, statues, and fountains, including the famous "Water Lilies" by Claude Monet, enhance its artistic allure.
This urban retreat is not only a haven for relaxation but also a cultural space, hosting outdoor art exhibitions and events. Tuileries Garden seamlessly blends nature, art, and history, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking tranquillity and beauty in the heart of Paris
Comédie-Française
Established in 1680, this theatre company proudly holds the title of the world's oldest active troupe. Distinguishing itself as the sole state theatre in France with a dedicated ensemble of actors, the company finds its home in the renowned Salle Richelieu. Nestled within the Palais-Royal complex in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the Salle Richelieu was originally conceived as an opera house. Its architectural harmony with the Palais-Royal is a testament to the vision of the Duke of Chartres, who brought this cultural gem to life in collaboration with architect Victor Louis.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Established in 1882 following the Universal Exhibitions, Les Arts Décoratifs was conceived by a collective of passionate collectors. Their vision aimed to champion the applied arts and foster connections between industry, culture, design, and production. As a unique and diverse institution, Les Arts Décoratifs remains true to its original goals: preserving the cultural essence of the arts in France, where functionality meets aesthetics. Maintaining a symbiotic relationship with industry, the institution has cultivated numerous partnerships across various domains. Notably, all visitors to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs enter through the enchanting Carrousel Garden, setting the tone for an immersive and culturally rich experience.
Palais-Royal
Built at the behest of Cardinal Richelieu, the Palais-Royal stands as a former French royal palace on Rue Saint-Honoré in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. A symbolic landmark that witnessed the dawn of the Regency period, this architectural marvel was meticulously crafted by esteemed French architect Jacques Lemercier. However, the passage of time and the successive alterations by the Dukes of Orléans have transformed almost every aspect of Lemercier's original design. Today, the Palais-Royal functions as the seat of the Ministry of Culture, the Conseil d'État, and the Constitutional Council. Its central Palais-Royal Garden, known as Jardin du Palais-Royal, has been opened to the public, offering a serene escape as a public park while the surrounding arcade houses an array of shops.
Sainte-Chapelle
Situated within the medieval Palais de la Cité on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, Sainte-Chapelle is a remarkable Gothic-style royal chapel. Once the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, this chapel captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring design. Upon entering, a profound sense of lightness envelops you, as time appears suspended in the ethereal glow emanating from colossal stained glass windows. The chapel's atmosphere transforms with each visit, offering a unique spectacle that varies depending on the time of day and year, providing an ever-changing, enchanting experience for those who step inside.
Place Vendôme
Designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1699, Place Vendôme stands as a testament to the meticulous urban planning of that era. Notably, a significant portion of the facades enveloping the square holds the prestigious designation of a historical monument, underscoring its architectural importance. Positioned north of the Tuileries Garden, south of the Opéra Garnier, and east of the Church of the Madeleine, Place Vendôme serves as a focal point where two pivotal axes, Rue de la Paix to the north and Rue de Castiglione to the south, converge seamlessly.
This iconic square, pulsating with history and architectural grandeur, remains a captivating hub at the heart of Paris. it is also celebrated for its role as a hub of luxury and elegance in Paris. The square is notably associated with high-end jewellery and fashion, hosting renowned boutiques and the world-famous Ritz Paris Hotel. Additionally, Place Vendôme has historical significance, as it has witnessed various events, including the construction of the Vendôme Column and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. It stands as an iconic destination, blending history, luxury, and culture in the heart of the French capital.
Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf, translated as "New Bridge," is paradoxically the oldest standing bridge across the Seine River in Paris. Constructed between 1578 and 1607, during the reigns of Henry III and Henry IV, Pont Neuf is a testament to both architectural brilliance and historical endurance.
The bridge spans the western tip of the Île de la Cité, connecting the Right and Left Banks of the Seine. Its design, marked by a series of gracefully arched stone spans, reflects the transition from the medieval to the Renaissance style.
Pont Neuf stands adorned with numerous ornate features, including stone masks, sculpted heads, and equestrian statues. The central portion of the bridge hosts a small square, offering panoramic views of the river and the surrounding cityscape.
Despite its name ("New Bridge"), Pont Neuf is a symbol of enduring history. It survived wars, revolutions, and the passage of time, becoming a witness to the evolution of Paris. Today, it serves as a beloved pedestrian bridge, allowing locals and tourists to traverse the Seine while relishing the picturesque views of the city and its landmarks.
Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts, also known as the "Love Lock Bridge," is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Seine River in Paris, connecting the Louvre Museum to the Institut de France. This elegant bridge, initially constructed in the early 19th century, has become an emblematic symbol of romance and a unique cultural phenomenon.
What sets Pont des Arts apart is its history of love locks. For years, couples have affixed padlocks to the bridge's railings, symbolizing their eternal love. Although the weight of countless locks became a concern for the bridge's structural integrity, Parisians and visitors alike continued this tradition as a romantic gesture.
The bridge itself showcases a graceful design, with iron arches and wooden planks, offering an intimate setting for strolls and panoramic views of the Seine and iconic Parisian landmarks. It has been featured in numerous films, paintings, and literary works, contributing to its cultural significance.
In recent years, authorities removed the love locks to preserve the bridge, replacing the grills with transparent panels. Despite this change, Pont des Arts remains a cherished location, attracting both lovers and admirers seeking a moment of connection and contemplation against the backdrop of the Seine and the city's timeless beauty.
The 1st arrondissement of Paris stands as a captivating microcosm of the city's rich history, cultural vibrancy, and architectural grandeur. Established on the right bank of the Seine River, this central district boasts a myriad of landmarks, from the iconic Louvre Museum, a testament to art and history, to the regal Palais-Royal with its lush gardens. Established during medieval times, the 1st arrondissement has evolved into a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Ritz Paris
Nestled in the heart of central Paris and gracing the prestigious Place Vendôme in the city's 1st arrondissement, The Ritz Paris stands as an epitome of luxury in the global hospitality landscape. Earning its place among the most opulent hotels worldwide, this iconic establishment was established in 1898 through the visionary collaboration of Swiss hotelier César Ritz and renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier. The hotel's grandeur is housed behind the façade of an eighteenth-century townhouse, blending historic charm with the timeless elegance that defines The Ritz Paris.
Mandarin Oriental Paris
Renowned poet-urbanist and architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte was entrusted with the prestigious task of renovating the office building, which also happens to be an Art Deco gem, for the luxury Asian chain. The location is strategic: situated on Rue Saint-Honoré, the backbone of Parisian Haute Couture, with Place Vendôme, the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre, and the Tuileries Garden all within a five-minute walk. The hotel features an interior garden providing a true sanctuary away from the urban hustle and bustle.
Chef Thierry Marx showcases his culinary expertise at Sur Mesure, his gastronomic restaurant honoured with two Michelin stars, as well as at Camélia, which celebrates contemporary French cuisine. Guests are also invited to unwind in the sophisticated ambience of Bar 8.
Le Meurice
A luxurious five-star hotel in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, owned by Brunei, graces the prestigious Rue de Rivoli, directly opposite the Tuileries Garden and nestled between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum. Bestowed with the moniker "the Hotel of Kings," Le Meurice's reputation is well-earned. Since its inauguration in 1835, it has hosted illustrious names, including royalty like Queen Victoria and King George VI, and globally celebrated figures such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Coco Chanel. Today, as a proud member of the Dorchester Collection, it retains its unassailable prestige. Following its recent interior renovation by Charles Jouffre and the Lyon-based firm Lally & Berger, Le Meurice has reclaimed its status as a trendsetting Parisian palace, seamlessly blending historical grandeur with contemporary elegance.