Paris's 1st arrondissement is probably one of the capital's most iconic locations. Here, you'll find yourself in the heart of the capital, as the eras intertwine, testifying to the City of Light's rich history. Paris's 1st arrondissement is home to some of the capital's most emblematic monuments: between the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Gardens, the Rue de Rivoli and theÎle de la Cité, you can step back in time and cross the centuries as you stroll around.
Unsurprisingly, Paris's 1st arrondissement is home to a rich heritage that takes you back in time to the events and historical figures that have left their mark on the capital. Today, curious visitors who enjoy a cultural outing can admire the various monuments that tell the story of French history, and enjoy a wide range of exhibitions to suit all tastes.
To help you prepare for your trip to the heart of Paris' heritage, we've put together a selection of places to visit and exhibitions to discover in Paris' 1st arrondissement. As an added bonus, this guide is updated regularly to reflect our latest announcements and discoveries, so keep checking back for more and more things to do in the capital's 1st arrondissement!
And for more ideas on what to do in the 1st arrondissement, click here!
Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
The Musée du Louvre, one of the capital's must-see museums, promotes French and European culture through its many masterpieces on display, as evidenced by the 8 million visitors a year who come to contemplate the smile of the Mona Lisa or the fervor of Liberty Guiding the People. A place steeped in history, where art has been flourishing for two centuries already, to discover if you're staying in Paris! [Read more]
Did you know? Why is it called the Fountain of the Innocents?
The Fontaine des Innocents, the jewel in the crown of Paris's Les Halles district, is back in full view and freshly restored, just ahead of the Olympic Games. Do you know the history of this emblematic monument, witness to Parisian history since the 16th century, and why it bears its name? We tell you. [Read more]
59 Rivoli, the free artists' squat on rue de Rivoli in Paris
As you walk up the Rue de Rivoli, one building stands out for its colorful decorations, which stand out among the ashlar buildings. Welcome to 59 Rivoli, an artistic squat with free exhibitions. [Read more]
Bourse de Commerce in Paris: discover this contemporary art center and the Pinault collection
Located in the heart of the capital, in the Halles district, the Bourse de Commerce and the Pinault Collection offer a wonderful stroll through contemporary works of art. Here's everything you need to know before visiting this art center. [Read more]
Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris: programming, opening hours, history... All you need to know
The Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for Monet's Water Lilies. But the museum holds many other treasures... Here's everything you need to know to visit. [Read more]
The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution
The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
La Conciergerie, the former royal residence and revolutionary prison on the Île de la Cité
Right in the heart of Paris, not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Sainte-Chapelle with its magnificent stained glass windows, the Conciergerie is an imposing building with a rich history: this palace, which was also a prison, is one of our national monuments and a must-see if you want to find out more about the history of Paris. [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the Rohan and Marsan wings of the Palais du Louvre, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are a must-see for all Paris design enthusiasts. [Read more]
The Musée en Herbe, a child-sized cultural venue in the Marais district of Paris
In the Marais district of Paris, the Musée en Herbe offers the youngest visitors a chance to discover art, through fun, interactive exhibitions for young and old alike, aged 3 to 103. [Read more]
The Galerie Véro-Dodat, a little-known covered passage with the charm of Paris 1826
Discover the Galerie Véro-Dodat in Paris, a jewel of the XIXᵉ century, one of the most beautiful yet little-known covered passageways, nestled between rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau and rue du Bouloi. We tell you all about its history and what you can find there... [Read more]
The Musée de l'Illusion in Paris: a multi-sensory journey that will make you lose your head!
The Musée de l'Illusion awaits you in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, in the Châtelet les Halles district. Come with friends or family for a unique and exciting experience! Immerse yourself in a fascinating world, where all your senses will be turned upside down... A multi-sensory visit that's a must. [Read more]
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
The Saint-Eustache Church, at Les Halles
It is impossible to walk around Les Halles without visiting the Saint-Eustache church, which overlooks the district. [Read more]
Eglise Saint-Roch, a rich church in the 1st arrondissement
During the French Revolution, the Church of Saint-Roch was caught in the crossfire. Centuries later, it has once again become a beautiful, imposing church, containing real treasures, such as the divinely painted choir vault and the relief-like Chapelle de la Vierge. A must-see in Paris's 1st arrondissement! [Read more]
Eglise Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, opposite the Louvre
Just outside the Louvre, why not take a look at the Eglise Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, a beautiful church in the 1st arrondissement of Paris? [Read more]
All Saints' Day vacation 2024 at the Louvre: activities and tours for children
This All Saints' Day, the Louvre is the place to be with the whole family! Here's the program of activities scheduled from October 19 to November 2, 2024. [Read more]
L'intime, de la chambre aux réseaux sociaux: the exhibition that questions our secret gardens at MAD
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs invites us into our most personal, intimate spaces, in a major exhibition presented from October 15, 2024 to March 30, 2025. Come and visit "L'intime, de la chambre aux réseaux sociaux". [Read more]
Art Basel Paris 2024: a free sculpture exhibition at the Domaine du Palais-Royal - photos
The Domaine du Palais-Royal, in the center of Paris, welcomes monumental works of contemporary art for the Art Basel Paris fair. Come and admire them free of charge from October 15 to 26, 2024. [Read more]
Art Basel Paris 2024: giant mushrooms decorate Place Vendôme - our photos
Art is everywhere in Paris, even on Place Vendôme! For the Art Basel Paris fair, from October 11 to November 24, 2024, artist Carsten Höller is transforming the landscape with an original installation, to be discovered free of charge in the open air. [Read more]
Figures du fou at the Musée du Louvre: a zany exhibition to discover - our photos
Are you crazy? Yes, we are! Everyone's crazy in the Louvre Museum's new exhibition, Figures du Fou: du Moyen-Âge aux Romantiques, on view from October 16, 2024 to February 3, 2025. A plunge into the history of the madman and his representation through the ages. [Read more]
Exhibition event Revoir Watteau at the Musée du Louvre, around the figure of Pierrot - our photos
Following restoration of the work, art lovers are invited to rediscover Antoine Watteau's masterpiece "Le Pierrot, dit Le Gilles" in a new exhibition at the Musée du Louvre, from October 16, 2024 to February 3, 2025. A character who has been the subject of much ink... And a lot of paint! [Read more]
Ito Meikyū, Boris Labbé's virtual reality exhibition at Drawing Lab in Paris - our photos
Attention exhibition and virtual reality fans! The Drawing Lab invites you to discover its VR exhibition, imagined by Boris Labbé, "Ito Meikyū", from October 11, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Inspired by Japanese art and literature, this interactive work invites you to wander freely through a digital labyrinth where drawings, fractal architectures and animated scenes intersect. [Read more]
Arte Povera: the exhibition dedicated to the Italian art movement at the Bourse de Commerce, our photos
Arte Povera is on show at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris from October 9, 2024 to January 20, 2025. An opportunity to learn more about this Italian artistic movement, thanks to an impressive collection of works by thirteen leading Arte Povera figures. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: a free nocturne on November 1st, the first Friday of the month
It's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of every month, without exception: the Musée du Louvre opens its doors to all visitors free of charge on the first Friday of each month, after 6pm. Next date to remember: November 1, 2024. [Read more]
The exhibition Révélation ! Contemporary art from Benin, unveiled at the Conciergerie
La Conciergerie welcomes contemporary artists from Benin, from October 4 2024 to January 5 2025, for an original exhibition entitled "Révélation ! Contemporary art from Benin". Discover the images of this exhibition-event! [Read more]
Les visages des jeux, Jo Di Bona's free street-art exhibition, unveils at Place du Louvre
As of October 1, 2024, Jo Di Bona, a leading figure in Parisian street art, is exhibiting "Les Visages des Jeux" on the railings of the Quartier Jeune, Place du Louvre. This free exhibition, on view for one month, showcases 24 unique works created in collaboration with Paris 2024 volunteers. A great opportunity to discover his Pop Graffiti and explore the diversity of the faces of the Olympic Games. [Read more]
The free street-art festival at the Poste du Louvre returns for 2024!
Alert friends, the Poste du Louvre in Paris is once again hosting a giant free urban art festival from November 16 to 24, 2024. Over 1,500 m2 of indoor and outdoor space, more than fifteen artists will be letting loose with paintings, sculptures and live performances. Jo Di Bona, Ardif, Astro, Kaldea and Jérôme Mesnager will be on hand... [Read more]
Free nocturne at the Bourse de Commerce this Saturday, November 2, 2024
Would you like to visit the collections at the Bourse de Commerce? Take advantage of the free nocturne, this Saturday November 2, 2024, to discover this must-see art venue in Paris. [Read more]
Photo Days 2024: the contemporary photo festival celebrates its 5th edition in Paris
Photo Days is the artsy event not to be missed this autumn in Paris. We look forward to seeing you from November 2 to 30, 2024, to discover the various exhibitions and events organized in Parisian institutions and galleries. [Read more]
La Mode en Modèles: the 1920-1930 photo exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris
On the occasion of Paris Photo, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs unveils the exhibition "La Mode en Modèles. Photographs from the 1920s-1930s", from November 6, 2024 to January 26, 2025. Much more than just fashion clichés, these photographs were formidable weapons against counterfeiting at a time when Haute Couture was booming. [Read more]
Christofle: Une Brillante Histoire, the goldsmith's house's sublime exhibition at MAD Paris
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is preparing to light up your autumn with the exhibition "Christofle: A Brilliant History", from November 14, 2024 to April 20, 2025. Discover how this legendary house has reinvented the art of goldsmithing since the 1830s, through 100 dazzling pieces - from cutlery to jewelry to contemporary art - deployed in a magical immersive scenography. [Read more]
35 years of ANDAM: the avant-garde and audacious fashion exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The avant-garde of fashion is on show at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs from October 1, 2024 to March 30, 2025. To mark the anniversary of ANDAM (Association nationale pour le développement des arts de la mode), the exhibition "Mode - Nouvelles Générations: 35 ans de l'ANDAM" (Fashion - New Generations: 35 years of ANDAM) takes you on a journey of discovery of 30 silhouettes and accessories that have redrawn the boundaries of fashion, featuring Martin Margiela, Marine Serre, Y/Project and many others. [Read more]
Heinz Berggruen, a dealer and his collection: modern art at the Musée de l'Orangerie exhibition
The Musée de l'Orangerie invites us to discover Heinz Berggruen and his rich collection of modern art, in a new exhibition on view from October 2, 2024 to January 27, 2025. [Read more]
Masterpieces from the Torlonia Collection: a magnificent sculpture exhibition at the Musée du Louvre
Come and admire the treasures of ancient Rome, with a visit to the "Masterpieces from the Torlonia Collection" exhibition, at the Musée du Louvre, from June 26 to November 11, 2024. [Read more]
Oh my Gods, Wenna's exhibition that plunges us into wonderful worlds at the Musée en Herbe
Chinese artist Wenna introduces us to her poetic, mythological world in a new exhibition at the Musée en Herbe from June 6, 2024 to January 5, 2025. [Read more]
House of Dreamers: the immersive dream experience at the Carrousel du Louvre - our photos
Looking for an immersive, dream-like experience? The Carrousel du Louvre is decked out with artistic installations until October 31, 2024, for a visual and aural journey into a world that promises to be magical! [Read more]
The Louvre by night: two evenings of art every Wednesday and Friday!
In your busy week, treat yourself to a moment of magic: the Musée du Louvre opens at night every Wednesday and Friday evening. The permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the world's most beautiful museum await you! [Read more]
The birth of department stores, a double exhibition at the heart of these mythical Parisian landmarks
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cité de l'Architecture take us to the heart of the legendary addresses of Parisian art de vivre with "The Birth of Department Stores", a two-part exhibition. Visit the MAD from April 10 to October 13, 2024, then from October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, to discover the history of these temples to fashion right up to the present day. [Read more]
Fashion, design and jewelry: the exhibition for fashion lovers at the Musée des Arts Déco
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs pays tribute to couturiers and designers, and unveils several masterpieces from its collections, in a never-before-seen exhibition. From April 3 to November 10, 2024, come and admire Parcours mode, design, bijoux. [Read more]
The Musée de l'Illusion, one of the best family outings on vacation in Paris
The famous Musée de l'Illusion awaits you during the Christmas vacations for a unique and exciting experience, with family or friends! You'll plunge into a fascinating world, where all your senses will be turned upside down thanks to 70 illusions, each more intriguing and amusing than the last... A multi-sensory visit that's a must! [Read more]
Louvre Museum: Must-see masterpieces
The Louvre Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world, and houses some of the most famous works. Here are the must-sees on your next visit. [Read more]
