Neighborhood Guide
Paris
Curated by Carin Olsson
Parisian neighborhoods can be a hot topic, especially if you’re talking to Parisians. While each neighborhood has its own individual charm, everyone has their favorites and are convinced that theirs are the absolute best. It’s taken me several months (and soon to be years) to fully explore all the wonders of this city and I am happy to share with you my favorite places to return to over and over again.
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Saint Germain
Saint Germain is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris, especially if you love shopping and irresistible sweets. The city’s best patisseries such as Hugo & Victor, Pierre Hermé, Sadaharu Aoki, Des Gâteaux et du Pain, Ladurée and La Pâtisserie des Rêves have all set up shop in the streets of Saint Germain. This picturesque neighborhood is also a shopping mecca, filled with little shops along the streets and one of Paris’ best department stores, Le Bon Marché. You will also find La Grande Epicerie, the most extravagant grocery store in all of Paris and a haven for foodies. Also situated in Saint Germain is Jardin Du Luxembourg, and whether you visit in the summer, fall or winter, the park is absolutely beautiful. Another favorite spot is Place Saint Sulpice and the lively Rue de Buci. Saint Germain is located in the 6th arrondissement of and continues into the 7th arrondissement as well.
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Le Marais
Le Marais is another vibrant area in Paris and remains one of my favorite. As one of the city’s oldest and most fascinating areas, the Marias is filled with historic charm and architectural importance. The lower part of this neighborhood is perfect for shopping and stopping for tasty pastries as you walk along the winding cobblestoned streets. If you stroll further north in the Marias, you'll hit one of my favorite areas, simply for the amazing restaurants and bars located in these parts of town (Nanashi, Rose Bakery, La Briciola, Le Mary Celeste, Little Red door – yes the list goes on forever) and because it’s a wonderful little area to stroll around in. Le Marais begins by St.Paul in the 4th arrondissement and then continues up into the 3rd arrondissement.
Place des Vosges is one of the prettiest parks in Paris, especially during the summer.
The lower part of the Marais, close to St Paul and Place des Vosges is filled shops.
Place de Thorigny, a tiny little square in the Marias, is just too cute for words
I love passing ”secret” little gardens in this neighbourhood. There’s so many!
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Île Saint-Louis
This little island is a tourist hotspot– but don’t let that steer you away! Yes, coming here during a Saturday on a sunny day might not seem like the best idea since you’ll probably drown in a sea of visitors, but strolling along the river with a Berthillon ice cream in your hand is one of the best things to do in Paris. From this little gem, standing literally in the middle of Paris, you get to see the city from a different perspective and you’ll easily forget the crowds as you take in some of the most breathtaking views. There is no better place in Paris than Île Saint-Louis to enjoy summer picnics by the river with loved ones while watching the sun set behind the Notre Dame. Île Saint-Louis is located in the 4th arrondissement and is the smaller island compared to Île de la Cité, where the Notre Dame is situated.
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5th Arr
I personally don’t like to call this neighborhood “the Latin Quarter,” as it is often referred to, simply because I think there is so much more to it. The 5th arrondissement is a place I would love to call home someday. It feels “homey” and has that quintessential Parisian charm, tucked away from the big shopping streets and department stores. There is no better place to start your day than browsing the market at Place Maubert picking up freshly baked baguettes, fruits and flowers. A visit is not complete without strolling through the beautiful park Jardin Des Plantes with its stunning 17th century royal garden and a visit to the Panthéon for its magnificent architecture and history. End your day by watching the sunset over the city at Institut du Monde Arabe, a museum with a rooftop that allows for breathtaking views of northern Paris. The 5th arrondissement is located on the left bank and connects with the 6th, 13th and 14th arrondissement.
Rue Mouffetard is another popular street that you’ll find in this neighbourhood.
Marché Maubert, the market at Place Maubert, is one of my favourites in Paris.
As many people know the famous Sorbonne is also located in the 5th arrondissement.
On a beautiful day you can see all the way to the Eiffel Tower from the Panthéon.
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Canal Saint-Martin
In recent years, the area around Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement has been buzzing with many exciting openings and welcome additions to the neighborhood. It is safe to say that this part of the city has the most coffee shops and some of the best, I should add. Ten Belles, Holybelly, Café Craft and Tuck Shop, just take your pick! Not only is this the best neighborhood to be in if you’re a coffee lover, foodies will flock here to try the new and interesting restaurants that have made the 10th arrondissement their new home. This is also where you’ll find the famous Canal Saint-Martin, of course. This canal is a favorite among young Parisians during warm spring and summer evenings. The Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood is nestled between Gare du Nord and Republique in northeastern Paris, in the 10th arrondissement.
I personally prefer to stroll around the streets on the right to Boulevard Magenta.
Around these streets near the canal you’ll find a bunch of great coffee shops and restaurants
This side to Paris is a little bit different, a tad more unpolished but incredibly charming.
The canal always look beautiful but perhaps it’s the most lovely during the fall.
