31 Best Places to Stay in Paris by Arrondissement

So, you’re planning a trip to Paris? The first step is to find you some of the best places to stay in Paris.

With Paris hosting the Olympics this year, it poses an ever bigger challenge- availability and cost!

Thankfully I’m a pro at where to stay in Paris. I’ve been nine times, staying in a different arrondissement each time. That includes the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 14th arrondissements.

If you want to know the best area to stay in Paris, keep reading. If you want to stay in your very own pied-a-terre, keep reading.

What I like best about staying in a holiday rental is that you get to visit the markets, the cheese shops and boutique grocery stores and enjoy a picnic in the comfort of your own place. Sometimes we just need a quiet night in.

These Paris self-catering rental apartments offer you that home-away-from-home experience. It means you can live like a local even if it’s only for a few days.

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About the Different Areas to Stay in Paris

Step 1: How to Navigate Paris Arrondissements

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, known as the districts of Paris. Each has its own town hall (Mairie) and mayor (Maire).

The arrondissements of Paris are not to be confused with Parisian Quartiers or neighbourhoods. Those are smaller areas within an arrondissement.

For example, the Saint Germain neighbourhood is in the 6th arrondissement.

If you look at the map, the 1st arrondissement is in the centre of the city. Then the other arrondissements form a spiral turning clockwise finishing in the 20th arrondissement. Many compare this layout of Paris to a snail shell. Simple isn’t it?

As you explore the city, an easy way to figure out which arrondissement you are in, look for a street sign affixed to the side of the building, there’s one on every corner on the streets of Paris. It will tell you the name of the street and arrondissement. 

Also, when looking at the address of a place, such as Paris Catacombs is located at 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris France. The last 2 digits ’14’ indicate it is located in the 14th arrondissement.

Step 2: Use these Charts to Explore the Best Area to Stay in Paris

Right Bank

Left Bank

Best Places to Stay in Paris on the Right Bank

1st arrondissement Lourvre

The first arrondissement is the best area for sightseeing. Sitting on the right bank, this area has the fewest number of residents in Paris, but the highest number of tourist attractions.

There’s no denying that it’s one of the most beautiful areas of Paris. The elegant architecture of the Palais Royal and the Louvre, as well as, Jardin des Tuileries and Palais du Royal are the most popular attractions to see. And, a tiny portion of this arrondissement sits in the middle of the Seine River and is home to the beautiful Saint Chapelle.

1. Romantic Cacoon – a quintessential Parisian-styled studio with a separate kitchenette oozing with charm,  located steps from Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde  €€
2. Chez Vous – a cozy 1-bedroom with original floors and beamed ceiling close to Palais Royal  €€
3. My Mona Lisa – a light, bright 2-bedroom with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows Juliet balcony and modern furnishings located close to the Louvre  €€€   
4. Lady Louvre – a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom modern interior with original features of chevron floors, beamed ceiling, and stone wall located near the Louvre museum €€€ 

2nd arrondissement Bourse

The second arrondissement is the best area to explore secret passageways and pretty streets. Tucked away behind the 1st arrondissement sits the smallest arrondissement in Paris.

This quaint area is full of history. From its covered passageways from the 1800s to rue Montorgueil is known as one of the last remaining streets to operate as a permanent market since the 12th century.  

1. Chic Pink – a pretty pink and white studio filled with light from the windows with a Juliet balcony located in the Vivienne neighbourhood  €€
2. Ivory Butterfly – a light and bright 1-bedroom Scandi-modern styled apartment  €
3. Free as a Bird – a cozy 1-bedroom with a walkout to a tiny terrace close located in a quiet area  €€
4. Chocolatier – a gorgeous 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a balcony that has all the classic original French details with mid-century furnishings   €€€€

3rd & 4th arrondissements Le Marais

Le Marais, in the third and fourth arrondissements, is the best neighbourhood for old-world charm. The Marais is one of the most popular areas of Paris, both for locals and tourists.

It’s an area of must-see streets, hidden courtyards, quaint gardens and a vibrant Jewish community. Lots of cafés, restaurants and a thriving arts community add to the draw to this part of Paris. 

And don’t forget the islands in the middle of the Seine River – the quintessentially romantic Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cite.

1. Chapeau – a cool minimalist studio in a 17th-century building in the heart of the Marais has an artsy vibe €
2. Bonnard’s Place – a large 1-bedroom featuring a great mix of old and new stylings is located in a tiny Jewish area in the 4th arr  €
3. Beaming Green – an elegant 1-bedroom mezzanine studio in the 3rd arrondissement- a stylish apartment in a great location and where I stayed €€€ 

18th arrondissement Buttes Montmartre

The 18th arrondissement is home to the quintessential neighbourhood of Montmartre. This area of Paris feels like a village, away from the busyness of the city and is one of the most romantic places in Paris.

The romantic narrow hilly streets like Rue de l’Abreuvoir around the Sacré Cœur feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Musicians come to play, artists come to draw and unfortunately, tourists come in droves. But, it’s all part of the charm.  

1. The Boudoir – a playful, cheery, retro-styled 1-bedroom  €€
2. Monkey Business – a cozy 1-bedroom retreat in the trendy Pigalle neighbourhood €€
3. The Piano Factory – a hip 1-bedroom located in a former piano factory feels like a loft space with original features  €€€
4. Monochrome Games – a chic black and white 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom is in a boutique hotel with 24/7 concierge service  €€€
5. Pinot Noir – a large 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom open concept space featuring original wood floors and mouldings  €€€

Where to Stay in Paris on the Left Bank

5th arrondissement Panthéon

The fifth arrondissement is the best area for lively nightlife. Known as the Latin Quarter, this area on the left bank is home to the Sorbonne University, founded in 1257, as well as several other schools and colleges.

The Latin Quarter has a vibrant and bohemian vibe. Expect an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, cafés, and bars. The botanic gardens of Jardin des Plantes is a must to see the cherry blossoms in springtime and the domed Pantheon can be found here. 

1. Chez Gertrude – a large 1-bedroom is full of bright colours and design choices  €
2. The Muse – a 1-bedroom in the Latin quarter features a spiral staircase to a bedroom in the mezzanine  €€
3. The Remedy – an open concept 1-bedroom on Boulevard de Saint-Germain has old-world Paris features with modern furnishings  €€
4. L’Art du Plaisir – a cozy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom in La Sorbonne has a quintessential lived-in Parisian feel  €€€  

6th arrondissement Luxembourg

The sixth arrondissement is known as one of the prettiest and quintessential areas of Paris. Often referred to as Saint Germain, a popular neighbourhood in the 6th, where you will find some of the city’s best historic cafés and restaurants.

Boutique shops, the second oldest church, St-Germain-des-Prés, and the beautiful Luxembourg Garden are also the top sites to visit. 

1. Dragon’s Nest – a bright 1-bedroom with a full modern kitchen and furnishings  €€
2. Voyage of the Beagle – a cozy 1-bedroom with bold modern furnishings in the heart of Saint Germain  €€
3. Charming Tournon – a cozy 1-bedroom features original exposed beams located near Odeon  €€
4. The Grey Stripes – a comfortable 2-bedroom with classic Parisian details seen in exposed brick walls, beamed ceiling, and wood doors all with soft gray linens  €€
5. The Lodge – a gorgeous 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment close to Jardin du Luxembourg is stylized in modern Provencal décor  €€€
6. Assas II – a comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom family-friendly apartment close to Jardin du Luxembourg  €€€€

7th arrondissement Tour Eiffel

The seventh arrondissement is home to some of the most well-known landmarks of Paris. Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and Museum d’Orsay all can be found here.

This area of Paris also features the most elegant and chic tree-lined residential streets where the Eiffel Tower pops into view. One of the most famous food market streets in Paris, rue Cler, can also be found here. 

1. Purple Grape – tiny, yet pretty 1-bedroom with a view of the Eiffel Tower  €
2. Chouquettes – a trendy 1-bedroom makes great use of this tiny space is located near the Eiffel Tower  €€
3. The Leopard – a gorgeous 1-bedroom with a view of the Eiffel Tower from a tiny terrace  €€€
4. Pink Lady – a cozy, yet stylish 2-bedroom in a residential area off the street level €€€
5. Loops & Squares – a comfortable stylish 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom located on quiet elegant residential street  €€€
6. Tourville – a spacious and stylish 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment near the Eiffel Tower  €€€€

As a Holidaymaker

If your preference is to find the best Paris hotels or are curious to know where I’ve stayed most recently, check out my reviews of these recommended places.

• Wondering where to stay in Paris for the first time? I recommend this charming pied-a-terre in Saint Germain on the border of the 6th and 7th arrondissement
• My chic apartment in Le Marais is perfect for any solo or couple’s stay in Paris
• The luxury hotel Pavillon de la Reine on Places des Vosges in the 4th arrondissement

Paris has some incredible holiday rentals. Those high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and mouldings. Each one mixes the old with the new. Making it just…je ne sais pas…Parisian chic.

Hopefully, you found your next holiday rental in Paris. To help with your planning, check out these additional resources.

Read More

• What to do in Paris for a Week
• What to do in Paris for a Weekend
• Planning Tips for Your Paris Trip