Spiraling out from its historical center, Paris is divided into 20 administrative districts, each of which contains distinctive neighborhoods that cater to a wide array of lifestyles, sensitivities, and aesthetic preferences.

• Plush, stately, and conservative: 7th, 8th, 9th, 16th, parts of 17th,

• ​Elite, chic, and overrun by tourists: 1-7, as well as Montmartre when it comes to tourists,

• ​Progressive,  shabby-chic charming-chic, eco-friendly: 11th, parts of the 13th (Butte aux Cailles), 18th (Lamarck/Caulaincourt), 20th

• The "village-feel": 12th-20th with such names as Bercy-village, Butte aux Cailles, Belleville, Charonne, Ménilmontant, Montmartre,  Batignolles, Passy, Autueil,

• Kosher: 4th, 12th, 16th, 19th (but with different traditions),​

• Intensely "ethnic": 10th, 13th, 18th, 19th,​

• Predominately residential: 12th-17th (and the southern part of the 7th)

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You'll notice that some may fit more than one tag because a single arrondissement covers different types of neighborhoods. In reality, the "arrondissement" is too big of a cut to be of much use, and it's a pity that people generalize on that basis alone. This is particularly the case for the largest arrondissements. 

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With extensive knowledge of the entire city acquired on the ground for over 20 years, we at Exquisite France will help you find the neighborhood that's right for you.

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Enjoy an initial exploration of the 20 Paris arrondissement based on our descriptions and photo albums below.