Where to stay in Paris | Eurostar (2024)

Paris is divided up into 20 districts, called arrondissem*nts. You can always tell which arrondissem*nt you're in by looking at the street signs. Above the name of the street, you'll see a number, followed by Arrt., this is the number of the district you're in.

The districts are numbered from 1, starting on the Île de la Cité in the centre of the town and spiralling out clockwise to 20.

The south side of Paris is called the Rive Gauche (left bank) and the north, the Rive Droite (right bank).

The Rive Gauche was historically considered the more arty, bohemian part of the city, but some of the outer northern districts, once a bit rough and rundown, are seeing regeneration and have become quite cool and edgy.

In the 1styou'll find theLouvre, theJeu de Paumeand theMusée de l'Orangerieclustered around theJardin des Tuileries.

It's a short walk from there to theJardin du Palais Royalfor coffee and to browse the shops under the arcades.

When you're ready for a sugar break to boost your energy, pop in to Angelina onrue de Rivolifor the best hot chocolate in town, or treat yourself to an extravagant afternoon tea in the spectacularLe Meurice hotel.

This district is just next to the 1st, and across the stunningly ornate Pont Alexandre III from the 7th. Don't misstheGrand Palaisand thePetit Palais.

Spend a couple of hours visiting the exhibitions, then, for a bit of fresh air, walk the 1.2 miles up theChamps-Élysées and do some window shopping, or 'lèche-vitrines' (literally 'lick the windows') as the locals say.

At the far end, pay a visit to theArc de Triompheto see the flame of the unknown soldier and take in the fabulous views from the top.

Just across the river, the 7th is a lovely area to base yourself in to enjoy Paris.

The small characterful streets are full of bars, cafés and restaurants and there's no shortage of wonderful things to see.

Don't miss the fabulousMusée d'Orsayor theMusée Rodin, set in an elegant 18th-century mansion. Just around the corner you'll come toLes Invalides, site of Napoleon's tomb and theMusée de l'Armée.

In the distance you'll see theEiffel tower. Walk along rue de Grenelle towards it and you'll seerue Clermarketon your left. It's a great place to stop and buy everything you need for a picnic on theChamps de Marswhile you're taking selfies in front of the world's most famous tower.

Le Marais, meaning marsh or swamp, is an historic area of Paris extending over the 3rd and 4th arrondissem*nts. In the 16th and17th centuries, wealthy Parisians built their mansions here, then in the 19th century itbecame the Jewish quarter.

Today, it's a glorious mix of narrow streets and imposing mansions, many of which have been turned into museums and hotels.

If you like to multi-task, Le Maraiswill suit you down to the ground.

There's great shopping around therue des Francs-Bourgeoisandrue des Rosiers, fabulous bars and restaurants and plenty of culture withPlace des Vosges, thePompidou Centreand thePicasso Museumall waiting to be explored.

For high-end boutiques and the super-chicBon Marchédepartment store (don't miss the food hall), the 7tharound Sèvres–Babylone Métro stationis a good starting point.

If that's a bit out of your budget, head towardsSaint-Germain-des-Présin the 6th, just a few streets away, where you'll finda good mix of familiar high street names and smaller boutiques alongrue du Fourand the streets aroundSt Sulpice.

You can shop till you drop – into a seat on a café terrace, and watch the world go by until you're ready to go back for more.

When the weather is bad, or you just want everything under one roof, head for the 'Grands Boulevards' in the 9th. Paris's biggest department stores,Galeries LafayetteandPrintemps, can be found on Boulevard Haussman, just behindPalais Garnier, the Opera house.

Then, if you're feeling flush, take a stroll uprue TronchettoMadeleinein the 8thand give your credit card a bashing in the high-end shops ofrue Royaleandrue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.