Which Paris districts are best for clubbing, food and art? 6 areas you should know

All eyes are now on the French capital for the 2024 Olympic Games. But when you’re not dashing from the Stade de France to Champ-de-Mars to watch rugby players and wrestlers tussle for gold, which neighbouthoods deserve your time? And more importantly, where should you stay if you’re in town for the Games (or enjoying a Paris city break at any time for that matter)?

The best way to get your head around the layout of Paris’s 20 central arrondissements, which looks as illogical as the French counting system, is to think of it as a snail’s shell. How typically French, to structure their capital city like an escargot. The first arrondissement is where you’ll find the Louvre, former home of the French royals, and from here, the spiral goes clockwise and outwards.

Each district has it’s own distinct character and may well appeal to a different type of traveller. Part of the beauty of Paris is that it has a heart and soul away from the main tourist attractions (and from the buzz of the Games). These are the six districts that will help you discover it.

Le Marais

Best for: Art and culture

3rd and 4th arrondissements

Meaning ‘the swamp’, Le Marais bears no resemblance to Shrek’s homeland. Until the 13th century, the population was largely Jewish, as antisemitic attitudes saw Parisians shunt their Jewish neighbours into the least desirable part of town (visit the Museum of Jewish Art and History, or book onto Emma Strangwayes-Booth’s walking tour of the Jewish history of Le Marais to learn more). By the 17th century, Le Marais had become fashionable with the French nobility. Now, it’s a delightful mash-up of some of the city’s best galleries (the Picasso Museum and Carnavalet Museum), jazz clubs, like the vaulted underground hidey hole 38Riv, and  damn good eating and drinking. Try La Belle Hortense, a restaurant and bar within a bookshop.

Where to stay

Hedonistic and seductive, a stay at five-star Sinner is an experience.