1st Arrondissement: The historic heart of Paris

Many people’s idealized image of Paris is embodied in this arrondissement. You can enjoy walking through the cobblestone streets that reveal secrets of a distant past, accompanied by the aroma of freshly baked croissants, or taking a boat trip on the Seine, observing the lights that are the hallmark of this city.

Just put on some comfortable shoes and grab a camera with plenty of memory because there’s a lot to see here.

If we talk about the first arrondissement, it is mandatory to mention the Louvre Museum. This cultural colossus is the largest and most visited museum in the world. Before its transformation into a museum, it was a royal palace in which monarchs and emperors moved with a ceremonial tone. Nowadays, millions of visitors cross its wide corridors to admire pieces such as the ‘Mona Lisa’, the ‘Venus de Milo’, or the ‘Victory of Samothrace’.

Here’s a tip: If your aim is to visit ‘La Gioconda’, you have to be patient. There are always a lot of people taking selfies with her. But the waiting is worth it as she never loses her smile.

Otherwise, if you are looking for a quieter route, take the less busy streets. There are so many impressive things that it just isn’t possible to see them all in one day.

Leaving the Louvre and heading straight for the Tuileries Garden is like going from the splendour of the palace to the tranquillity of nature. This 16th-century park has witnessed revolutions, love affairs and evenings out for lunch ever since. Today, its statue-lined pathways and tree-shaded benches make it the ideal place to relax after long hours visiting museums.

If you have a sweet tooth, there are several stands selling crepes. A hot coffee and a comfortable bench overlooking the obelisk on the Place de la Concorde make for a simple but memorable plan.

Just next door is the Palais Royal, a hidden treasure in the hustle and bustle of the heart of Paris. Although the palace has no internal access, its gardens and shopping arcades are a gem. On the main square, you’ll find the famous Buren columns, a place where Parisians and visitors alike sit and chat or enjoy the sunshine.

Fun fact: in the past, the Palais Royal’s galleries were distinguished not only for their shops, but also for their gambling salons and meeting places for the aristocracy and bohemians. Some of the most important businesses in French history may have been closed here.

If there is one place in Paris that shines with its own light, it is Place Vendôme. Here, luxury prevails jewellers with jewellery shops such as Cartier and Boucheron, which display diamonds and emeralds. However, the Vendôme Column is the real star of the show. We are talking about a 44-metre-high bronze tower built by Napoleon using the metal from the shells salvaged at the Battle of Austerlitz. A monument steeped in history and, of course, a great gala.

Situated on the Île de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic architecture that, upon entering, takes your breath away. Its stained-glass windows, which recount fragments of the Bible, enrich the interior with a range of vivid colors when the sunlight adorns them.

If you are in Paris on a sunny day, be sure to cross the chapel early in the morning. That’s when the light filters through in the most impressive way. And if you enjoy classical music performances, check the agenda: recitals are sometimes organized to further enhance the experience.

The name might be misleading, but the Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris. Built in 1607, it has witnessed centuries of historical trajectory. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset or just stand and watch the movement of the boats on the Seine.

The Comédie-Française is an iconic site for theatre-goers. Established in 1680, this is one of the oldest theatrical ensembles in the world and continues to present French classics at its Palais-Royal residence.

If you like shopping, Rue de Rivoli is the place to be. Here, fashionable boutiques are nestled among cafes and bookshops. A perfect combination for those who want to preserve a souvenir of the city while enjoying the charm of Paris.

The Hôtel Ritz, located on Place Vendôme, was inaugurated in 1898 by César Ritz, a Swiss hotelier. This luxury hotel has hosted prominent personalities such as Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway. Famous for its sophistication and impeccable service, the Ritz is an emblem of hospitality in Paris.

Fontaine des Innocents, located on Place Joachim-du-Bellay, is the oldest monumental fountain in Paris. It is an outstanding example of the French Renaissance and has witnessed centuries of Parisian history.

The Place du Louvre, located in the Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois neighborhood, is an ancient square that has evolved in parallel with the city. In the past, this place was the Viking encampment during the occupation of Paris in 885. Today, the square provides a spectacular view of the eastern facade of the Louvre and becomes a meeting place for residents and visitors alike.

The 1st arrondissement of Paris is a compendium of the city’s rich history and culture. Every street, square and monument tells a story, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Parisian heritage. It is essential to walk through this district to understand the spirit of Paris and to be captivated by its constant charm.

You may read: The arrondissements of Paris: get to know the city, step by step