Paris is composed of 20 districts, called arrondissements, which are numbered 1 through 20 and spiral out from the center in a clockwise manner. The Paris postal code provides an easy method of locating which arrondissement a particular address is located in. This postal code is five digits and takes the format 75xxx, with the last two digits being the arrondissement the address is located in (i.e. postal code 75001 is the first arrondissement).

Below the map is a listing of each arrondissement along with a brief description.

 

Map of Paris, France and it's Arrondisements

1ère arrondissement (1st district - Postal code 75001)
The geographical center of Paris. The Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Les Halles and the Palais Royal can all be found here.

2ème arrondissement (2nd district - Postal code 75002)
The business district. The Bourse (the Paris stock market ) and Bibliothèque Nationale are located here.

3ème arrondissement (3rd district - Postal code 75003)
Together with the 4ème arrondissement this neighborhood comprised the Marais, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Many 17th century mansions can be found in this quiet neighborhood.

4ème arrondissement (4th district - Postal code 75004)
This lively neighborhood is the heart of the Marais. Many trendy bars, shops, and restaurants can be found here. The old Jewish quarter in Paris can be found centered on the Rue des Rosiers. Also, the Ile St. Louis and the Ile de la Cité - the original and oldest section of Paris - are located here.

5ème arrondissement (5th district - Postal code 75005)
The world-famous Latin Quarter can be found here. The neighborhood derives its name from the Sorbonne, where students commonly spoke Latin during the Middle Ages. This neighborhood has many small, narrow winding streets where tourists mix freely with students and locals. Great for strolling. On the Rue Mouffetard are shops, restaurants featuring international cuisine and bars and cafés freuented by students.

Paris street signs include both the street name and the arrondissement or district, which makes it easier to find your location on a map.

6ème arrondissement (6th district - Postal code 75006)
This district includes St. Germain, which in past times was frequented by bohemians and intellectuals. Today this neighborhood has become chic and includes many upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

7ème arrondissement (7th district - Postal code 75007)
This district is home to the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Napoleon's Tomb and the Musée d'Orsay.

 

8ème arrondissement (8th district - Postal code 75008)
The Champs Elysèe runs through the middle of this arrondissement. Many shops and tourists can be found on this boulevard, which is also the finish line for the Tour de France every July. The French Presidential Palace is also located here.

9ème arrondissement (9th district - Postal code 75009)
The Paris Opera Garnier can be found here, along with the Pigalle district - known as an adult entertainment (Red Light) district and home to the famous Moulin Rouge. Includes many restaurants and some large department stores.

10ème arrondissement (10th district - Postal code 75010)
Two of Paris' main train stations - the Gare de l'Est and the Gare du Nord - are located here. A multi-cultural neighborhood containing a bohemian crowd.

11ème arrondissement (11th district) (Postal code 75011)
The new Paris Opera and the Place de la Bastille are located here. Other than that, it's primarily a residential area.

12ème arrondissement (12th district - Postal code 75012)
A residential neighborhood bordering the Bois de Vincennes.

13ème arrondissement (13th district - Postal code 75013)
Home of the Paris Chinatown, as well as a residential neighborhood.

14ème arrondissement (14th district - Postal code 75014)
The Montparnasse area and location of the Cité Universitaire. A residential district long known for lively cafés and restaurants around the Boulevard Montparnasse.

15ème arrondissement (15th district - Postal code 75015)
A primarily residential neighborhood ranging from very upscale to relatively safe and affordable in the outskirts.

16ème arrondissement (16th district - Postal code 75016)
Borders on the Bois de Boulogne and includes the Trocadero and the Palais de Chaillot. Widely regarded as home to many of Paris' most wealthy residents.

17ème arrondissement (17th district - Postal code 75017)
This district contains more than one neighborhood, with the area near the Arc de Triomph and Parc Monceau being very upscale.

18ème arrondissement (18th district - Postal code 75018)
Home to Sacre Coeur, Montmartre and Place du Tertre. Once known as a home to many famous artists, this residential neighborhood has the feel of a small village and plays host to hordes of tourists.

19ème arrondissement (19th district - Postal code 75019)
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont. A residential neighborhood with many ethnic restaurants and shops.

20ème arrondissement (20th district - Postal code 75020)
The working-class hilltop area of Belleville. Père-Lachaise cemetery can be found here, the resting place of celebrities such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and many other notables. A residential area on it's way to becoming very trendy.

Map of Central Paris Displaying Locations of Main Attractions