Final Up to date on twenty third April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Residence to magnificent palaces, gigantic museums and vibrant gardens, the 1st arrondissement is the cultural core and really coronary heart of historic Paris. Right here’s your neighbourhood information to the first arrondissement of Paris (1er or le premier Arrondissement in French), together with prime journey suggestions and issues to do!
The place is the first arrondissement?
The primary arrondissement is understood in French as le premier arrondissement and is without doubt one of the 20 arrondissements of Paris. With a inhabitants of round 16,000 residents, it’s the least populated of town’s arrondissements and in addition one of many smallest by space.
Located on the proper financial institution of the River Seine, this space additionally contains the west finish of Île de la Cité, the tiny island of the Seine which is dwelling to Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral. The first arrondissement is considered one of many oldest inhabited areas of Paris and elements of it have been even inhabited by the Romans and their predecessors.
What’s the 1st arrondissement recognized for?
The first arrondissement is famed for its abundance of historic and cultural sights, procuring arcades, hidden gardens and public parks. Though it’s one of many smallest areas in Paris, there’s lots to see and fall in love with on this arrondissement!
In case you are questioning how one can spend a wet day in Paris, then look no additional than the first arrondissement as there are many indoor and coated sights scattered across the space.
Finest issues to do within the 1st arrondissement
Attributable to its central location, it ought to come as no shock that the 1er arrondissement is chock-full of issues to do! From free to go to gardens to world-leading museums, that is one space you gained’t wish to miss throughout your French capital journey.
Louvre Museum
With its standing as the biggest artwork museum on the earth, the Louvre is one in all Paris’ prime sights. Residence to the likes of the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, in addition to the long-lasting glittering central pyramid at its entrance.
Initially in-built 1190 as Château du Louvre, it was as soon as a defensive fortress. By 1793 it was based and reworked right into a cultural area, and in 1989 the long-lasting glass pyramid was constructed outdoors to rejoice the bicentenary 12 months of the French Revolution.
Right this moment, the Louvre stands as a preferred establishment. Welcoming an estimated 30,000 guests per day it’s some of the visited sights in all of Europe and is the primary attraction on many first time to Paris guests’ bucket lists.
The common time spent right here is 3 hours, however to be sincere for those who’re a historical past buff you would simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not be capable to see every little thing! In the event you plan to go to, I extremely advocate making a plan of what you wish to see beforehand to make issues easier. For extra tips about what to know earlier than you go to the Louvre, learn our information right here.
Additionally! Do you know that on the primary Sunday of every month between 6 PM – 9:45 PM, and all day on Bastille Day (July 14th) it’s free to go to the Louvre!
Cour Carrée
Translated as ‘sq. court docket’ this is without doubt one of the fundamental authentic courtyards of the Louvre. Development began between 1190 and 1215. Right this moment, as you stroll by you’ll be able to marvel on the magnificent Renaissance structure of French classicism. In contrast to the inside of the Louvre, this space is totally free to go to and wander round.
Jardin des Tuileries
This inexperienced expanse is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, a pleasant backyard so-called as a result of it was as soon as the positioning of a tile manufacturing unit.
Jardin des Tuileries was initially created by Catherine de’ Medici in 1564 to function a backyard for the now-demolished Tuileries Palace. Simply over a century later, in 1667, the backyard was opened to the general public. Following the French Revolution within the 18th-century, it was formally designated as a public park and free to go to for all Parisians.
That is the oldest and largest Parisian backyard! Named a World Heritage website by UNESCO for its excellent magnificence, located inside the park you’ll discover various issues together with:
- Orangerie – palms down among the finest museum in Paris, that is the place you’ll discover Monet’s famed waterlily work
- Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (presently present process intensive renovations)
- Jardin des Tuileries funfair – yearly from the start of July until the top of August.
It’s vital to notice: Free to go to, however like most parks in Paris, Jardin des Tuileries has a gap and shutting time, which usually mirrors the dawn and sundown occasions throughout the 12 months.
Additionally, the grass is off limits (you’ll perceive while you see how pristine it’s stored)! Nonetheless, picnics are inspired and there are a number of benches in addition to chairs which you’re welcome to maneuver round and sit on.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Nestled in between rows of Aircraft bushes within the coronary heart of the Jardin des Tuileries, the Musée de l’Orangerie is, like its identify suggests, housed in a former orangery.
Constructed within the 1850s, it was initially constructed to deal with the orange bushes of the Tuileries backyard. Throughout the Third Republic, the construction was then used for quite a lot of issues, together with as an examination room, and as a spot the place troopers may keep.
Right this moment, the museum is dwelling to Monet’s iconic waterlilies (which have been created particularly for the area and depict the waterlilies of his home in Giverny) in addition to different treasured impressionist and post-impressionist work, from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, and Rousseau.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle incorporates a few of the oldest and in depth items of stained glass within the World. It was initially constructed to deal with Louis IX’s assortment of non secular relics, together with the Crown of Thorns, and the ecclesiastical constructing could be discovered on Île de la Cité.
‘Sainte Chapelle’ interprets into English roughly as ‘Holy Chapel’. Development of the constructing started someday round 1242, although precise dates are unsure. The ecclesiastical constructing was lastly consecrated upon its completion in 1248.
What many individuals don’t realise is that there are literally two elements to Sainte-Chapelle; the decrease chapel and the higher chapel. In your go to I extremely advocate opting to buy an audio information, this provides you with an in depth detailed historical past on Saint-Chapelle and its significance in Paris.
High tip: In the event you’re trying to go to this magnificent instance of medieval Parisian structure for your self, make sure to go to within the early morning, when the chapel first opens. This manner, you’ll must queue for the least doable time because the crowds do are inclined to pile up afterward within the day. Sainte-Chapelle welcomes over 900,000 guests per 12 months.
Palais-Royal
Located throughout the road from the Louvre, the Palais-Royal advanced in the present day is “Paris in a nutshell”, dwelling to cosy French cafés, historical past, artwork, structure, outlets and gardens. That being mentioned, Palais Royal has seen centuries value of historical past unfold and performed a protracted function within the historical past of Paris ever since its inception in 1629, by the acclaimed architect, Jacques Lemercier.
As soon as the private residence of Cardinal Richelieu, it was initially named Palais Cardinal. Upon his dying, the constructing, courtyards and accompanying gardens have been handed into the king’s possession. From this level onwards, the palace was renamed ‘Palais Royal’.
Within the 1780s, the Palace and gardens have been drastically redeveloped. Further columns and passages have been added to the Gardens, which might nonetheless be seen in the present day. And, it was at this level that the Gardens of Palais Royal have been opened to the general public.
Arcades (consisting of 145 boutiques) have been added to the gardens. Varied outlets and cafés have been added, together with Paris’ first restaurant, the Grand Véfour, which is now some of the unique addresses within the metropolis (it may possibly take weeks and even months to get a reserving).
Though the palace constructing itself is closed to the general public, Palais Royal Backyard is a welcome respite from the crowds of Paris. It’s free to go to and usually open throughout daylight. Making for the proper place to meet up with pals, seize a espresso and absorb the historical past of this attractive area!
Colonnes de Buren/Les Deux Plateaux
Located inside Palais-Royal, and arguably one of many issues that make it so particular, and units it other than different public areas within the metropolis are the Colonnes de Buren.
Created by French artist Daniel Buren in 1985, the columns really stand on what was as soon as a parking zone, with the intention to hide a air flow shaft. The paintings could be discovered on the interior courtyard (Cour d’Honneur) of Palais-Royal.
Initially inflicting outcry on the time, this artwork set up sparked a debate as as to whether or not it was acceptable to impose a chunk of contemporary artwork on such an previous and historic website. They’ve since develop into an iconic artwork work within the metropolis and it’s thought-about good luck to toss cash into the swimming pools of water that kind on the base of the columns.
Free to go to, they’re a preferred spot for folks to hop alongside the small columns and snap a photograph or two inside the historic Palais-Royal advanced.
Palais de Justice
Situated on the Île de la Cité proper beside Sainte-Chapelle is the judicial centre and courthouse of Paris, Palais de Justice. Standing as some of the prestigious official buildings within the metropolis, it is usually one of many oldest and dates again to the tenth century, constructed on prime of the positioning of a former Roman palace.
Even when the sophisticated historical past of French legislation doesn’t curiosity you, the constructing itself is fascinating. Adorned with intricately carved partitions and gigantic marble floored corridors, it actually presents a singular expertise whereas wandering by!
The Palais de Justice is open to the general public and free to enter, however no images are allowed.
Discover the coated passageway, Galerie Véro-Dodat
Located within the 1st arrondissement of town, Galerie Veró-Dodat is near the Louvre and is an vintage lover’s haven within the coronary heart of Paris. All tile flooring, stained glass ceiling, and classic shops, the coated passage presents refuge from the weather and would most actually have been a welcome reprieve from the mud of the streets throughout the Nineteenth-century when the passage was initially put in…
Inbuilt 1826, Galerie Veró-Dodat was one of many first coated passages to obtain gasoline lighting, an extremely trendy know-how on the time. In 1997, the gallery was renovated, restoring Galerie Vero-Dodat to its Neo-Classical heyday.
All black and white tiling and moulded ceilings, the passage is best-known for its many vintage shops. Right this moment you’ll be able to stroll down and window store on the treasures which are inside, leaving you feeling as if you’ve stepped again in time to Nineteenth century Paris!
59 rue de Rivoli
59 Rue de Rivoli is an unassuming six-storey, Haussmann-style constructing located within the very coronary heart of the first arrondissement of Paris. A cross between a gallery, museum and a working studio, you don’t simply see a choice of the artist’s greatest works, but in addition their works in progress (with a chance of assembly the artist too!)
In 1999, a trio of artists managed to interrupt down the doorways of this deserted constructing and commenced cleansing the place up. They then began exhibiting their works to members of the general public and 59 rue de Rivoli, dwelling to artists, was born.
In 2000, the French state tried to evict the artists. Nonetheless, fortunately this failed because of the mixture of a superb lawyer and rising consideration from the media. ‘Squart’- a mix of squat and art- was the identify given to this distinctive atelier that was quickly rising in recognition.
Right this moment, there are as much as 30 artists in residence at any given time and each weekend, there are live shows. No two visits to 59 Rue de Rivoli is ever the identical!
One of many extra distinctive locations to go to whereas exploring Paris, the ateliers are free to go to (though there are donation factors dotted across the constructing) Plenty of the works can be found to buy. And all the works on show are extremely attention-grabbing. Open from 11:00 AM – 20:00 PM every day, closed Monday’s.
Fontaine des Innocents
Fairly actually translated into English because the ‘Fountain of the Innocents,’ this Parisian water characteristic was created throughout the Sixteenth-century and is the oldest public fountain in Paris.
The fountain was constructed as a memorial to town’s misplaced cemetery, it stands on the positioning which was as soon as dwelling to Paris’ largest cemetery. Mass burials commonly came about contained in the graveyard’s partitions, and only one month throughout the Plague noticed hundreds of burials.
Fontaine des Innocents was designed by Pierre Lescot (who labored on the Louvre), and is claimed to have been impressed by the Nymphaeum in Rome, whereas the sculptor Jean Goujon (who additionally labored on the Louvre) actually introduced the Renaissance piece to life.
In actual fact, the fountain was initially known as the ‘Fountain of Nymphs’, the construction is intricately carved and coated in foliate patterns and legendary sea creature designs, in addition to Nymphs.
Whereas different monuments have been misplaced in time, the fountain was effectively preserved because of the promise of the younger artists behind its design. In fact, over time, the monument has been modified a number of occasions and transferred into a number of completely different locations.
Right this moment, the fountain is free to go to and simply accessible! Although there are not any benches within the sq. the place the fountain is located, folks typically sit on the low partitions of the fountain as an alternative.
Eat at Trantranzai
Arms down one in all my favorite locations to go for a fast chew to eat in Paris is Trantranzai (as you’ll be able to see from the photographs beneath, I maintain going again!) There are three scattered throughout town, one in all which is within the 1st arrondissement on Rue St Denis.
Fast, environment friendly, and, most significantly, tasty! Trantranzai is a Chinese language restaurant that specialize in noodles. Their menu is fairly small, however they provide vegan and vegetarian pleasant dishes. When ordering noodles you’ll be requested what spice degree you like between 1 to six (with 6 being the spiciest). Nonetheless, after having been to the restaurant a number of occasions I’ve observed that the the spice ranges can change relying on the chef.
The place to remain within the 1st arrondissement
Situated proper within the coronary heart of a few of the largest cultural and historic sights of Paris, the first arrondissement makes for an incredible place within the metropolis to base your self; particularly when you have little time and wish to cram as a lot into your itinerary as doable.
That being mentioned, due to its prime location you might discover that locations to remain are on the extra pricey aspect than different choices within the metropolis. Listed here are a number of prime options of the place to remain, primarily based on web-reviews:
Resort Ducs de Bourgogne – This refined lodge is about inside a lovely 18th century constructing and is simply an 8 minute stroll from the Louvre museum and 15 by foot from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Facilities embrace: free Wifi, health club, lounge space and a buffet breakfast is obtainable for a surcharge. Verify costs and availability right here.
Hôtel de la Place du Louvre – Esprit de France – Mid-market, this 4-star lodge is a 7 minute stroll from the Louvre and a 5 minute stroll from Pont Neuf metro station. Spacious and ethereal rooms, there’s additionally a free breakfast possibility accessible. Verify costs and availability right here.
Le Burgundy Paris – In the event you’re up for splashing the money, why not go for this luxurious 5-star modern boutique lodge! Located a 14-minute stroll from the Musée du Louvre. The stylish rooms supply free Wi-Fi, there’s a restaurant, spa space and indoor pool with a fountain to take pleasure in. Verify costs and availability right here.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the couch along with her latest knitting mission (and Rico her cat!) you will discover her out and about on lengthy walks. At the moment residing within the magical metropolis of Edinburgh, she appears ahead to travelling and seeing extra of the world!