The first arrondissement of Paris is a magnificent district, where history resonates in every cobbled alley. This is where you’ll find the Louvre, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Place du Palais Royal. But the first arrondissement hides many other nuggets to discover! Here are the best things to see and do in this legendary Paris arrondissement.
Visit the Louvre, the world’s largest museum
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Recently, the Louvre hosted its first fashion exhibition! Whether you want to say hello to the Mona Lisa, photograph its amazing pyramids or simply learn a little more about the history of our world, there’s always a good reason to visit!
📍 Location: 99, rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Admire Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral, one of the jewels of the 1st arrondissement
Commissioned by Louis IX, this chapel is breathtakingly beautiful. It features 618 m² of glass surface (that’s a lot). The 15 stained-glass windows depict 1,113 scenes from the Bible, from Adam and Eve to the Apocalypse. A real jewel to be seen at least once in Paris.
📍 Location: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris
Spend the afternoon at the Bourse de Commerce
This historic building, now a benchmark for contemporary art, has benefited from several years of restoration. In fact, the 1,400 m² of paint adorning its dome have been restored by hand to their former splendor. It’s a magical place, where contemporary art blends perfectly with a setting listed as a Historic Monument.
📍 Location: 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris
Photograph Buren’s Columns
Designed by French artist Daniel Buren, these black-and-white striped columns in the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais Royal are sure to impress. Their different sizes bring dynamism and modernity to this place steeped in history. These columns sculpt the light according to the time of day, making each of your visits a unique moment.
📍 Location: Galerie de la Cour d’Honneur, 2 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
Stroll through Place Vendôme, the most chic square in the 1st arrondissement
📍 Location: Place Vendôme 75001 Paris
Enjoy a pastry at the Ritz Paris le Comptoir
Voted best patisserie in the world, the Ritz Paris is a source of national pride. Pastry chef François Perret offers a range of delights to enjoy on the premises or to take away: delicious madeleines, red fruit financiers, a sublimated schoolboy cookie… Each bite is an ode to our childhood.
📍 Location: 38 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
Window-shopping at La Samaritaine
For a little shopping, we like to window-shop at La Samaritaine. Firstly, because the Art Nouveau-style mall is absolutely magnificent. Renovated over the years until its reopening in 2021, it’s sure to be a sight to behold. Here, you’ll find luxury pieces by young designers. Not for everyone’s pocket, but definitely worth a visit!
📍 Location: 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris
Discover Saint-Eustache Church, one of the most astonishing in the 1st arrondissement
This Gothic gem nestled in the heart of the 1st arrondissement is one of Paris’ best-known places of worship. Inside, the Renaissance style lends a gentle touch to the choir and nave pillars, covered in thousands of details. It took almost… 100 years! A church to admire from every angle!
📍Location: 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Paris