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!
Nuit Blanche 2025 in Paris: Philippe Katerine takes up residence at the QJ - Quartier Jeunes
For the Nuit Blanche 2025 in Paris, Quartier Jeunes welcomes an artist not to be missed: Philippe Katerine. Join us this Saturday, June 7, to discover the results of his creativity during this special nocturne. [Read more]
Nuit Blanche 2025: nocturnal performance at Saint-Eustache church in Paris
For Nuit Blanche 2025 in Paris, we're taking you on a tour of the church of Saint-Eustache, a stone's throw from Les Halles. See you on June 7! [Read more]
Nuit Blanche 2025 in Paris: 59 Rivoli celebrates contemporary art, discover the nightly program
On June 7, 2025, embark on a cultural Nuit Blanche in the capital. For an unusual experience that brings you into direct contact with the artists, head to 59 Rivoli, Paris' most famous squat. Discover the program for this artistic nocturne! [Read more]
Nuit Blanche 2025 in Paris: musical and dreamlike installation at the Bourse de Commerce
The Bourse de Commerce is taking part in the 2025 edition of the Nuit Blanche in Paris: on Saturday June 7, 2025, the museum will open its doors free of charge until midnight for a special artistic nocturne. [Read more]
Nuit Blanche 2025: a spellbinding immersive installation on the Fontaine des Innocents in Paris
The Fontaine des Innocents becomes a work of art during Nuit Blanche 2025: on Saturday June 7, the monument will host a contemporary art installation to be discovered free of charge. [Read more]
Place Dauphine, a haven of peace in the heart of Paris's Île de la Cité
In the heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité, the Place Dauphine is a peaceful place to relax. On sunny days, pétanque enthusiasts play their games under the watchful eyes of local residents and tourists seated on the terraces of the various nearby cafés. Discover the history of this royal square! [Read more]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
Louvre Couture: the Louvre's first fashion exhibition extended, see our photos
For the first time in its history, the Louvre is hosting an exhibition devoted entirely to fashion, from January 24 to August 24, 2025! The iconic Parisian museum will be showcasing its treasures of classical art alongside creations by the greatest couturiers and promising young talents. [Read more]
Une passion chinoise, the fascinating exhibition unveiled at the Musée du Louvre - photos
"Une passion chinoise, la collection de monsieur Thiers", the exhibition unveiled to us at the Musée du Louvre from May 14 to August 25, 2025, features more than 170 Chinese works from the collections of Adolphe Thiers. Installed on the Napoleon mezzanine, this retrospective highlights the richness of Chinese art from the XVIIIᵉ and XIXᵉ centuries, between porcelains, prints and imperial treasures. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: a free nocturne on Friday, June 6, 2025, 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: June 6, 2025. [Read more]
Dans le Flou: our photos from the exhibition dans le brouillard at the Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie presents the exhibition "Dans le flou" from April 30 to August 18, 2025. A journey to the heart of a singular aesthetic, between pictorial works, videos and installations, exploring the place of vagueness in art since 1945. [Read more]
Rosinski / Thorgal retrospective: the free exhibition at Daniel Maghen Gallery, our photos
Grzegorz Rosinski, a key figure in European comics and notably the creator of the "Thorgal" series, is being honored this spring in Paris. From April 23 to May 24, 2025, visit the Daniel Maghen gallery to discover the "ROSINSKI / THORGAL [1977 - 2022]" retrospective. This is an opportunity to admire some 300 major works conserved until now by the Polish artist's family, including around a hundred hanging on the gallery walls. [Read more]
Brazil-France 2025 season: photo exhibition on Brazil at the Canopée media library
On the occasion of the Brazil-France 2025 Season, the Canopée media library invites you to discover Brazil in all its cultural richness through a photographic exhibition by Dominique Stoenesco, from May 1 to 31, 2025. A free visual and cultural event not to be missed! [Read more]
Clinamen: an aquatic and musical installation at the Bourse de Commerce
This summer, the Rotonde de la Bourse de Commerce is transformed to welcome "clinamen", an aquatic and musical installation by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. From June 5 to September 21, 2025, discover an 18-meter-diameter pool filled with water and porcelain bowls, billed as a "space for contemplation". [Read more]
Corps et âmes: an original exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, our photos
For its new exhibition entitled "Corps et âmes" (Bodies and Souls), the Bourse de Commerce in Paris explores the significance of the body in contemporary thought. Works by some thirty artists, including Georg Baselitz, Michael Armitage, Duane Hanson, Niki de Saint Phalle and Arthur Jafa and Deana Lawson, can be admired at the sublime Parisian museum from March 5 to August 25, 2025. [Read more]
Ruhlmann, Decorator: the Art Deco centenary exhibition at MAD Paris
MAD Paris celebrates the centenary of Art Deco! From March 12 to June 1, 2025, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs invites you to discover an exhibition of works by the master of the decorative arts, Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann. Through drawings, wallpapers and photographs, discover the legacy of this visionary decorator who marked his era with his famous Collector's Pavilion. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: will there soon be a new admission fee?
New changes are afoot at the Musée du Louvre... And they won't be to everyone's taste. After announcing a rate increase for 2024, the famous Parisian institution is once again planning new rates for non-European visitors, potentially applicable from January 1, 2026. We take stock! [Read more]
Nuances de Bleu by Van Cleef & Arpels: the free jewelry exhibition at the Galerie du Patrimoine
The famous haute joaillerie house Van Cleef & Arpels makes us see life in blue, with its new exhibition to be discovered free of charge from January 17 to June 30, 2025 at the Galerie du Patrimoine. [Read more]
Experiencing nature: the Louvre Museum recounts the meeting of art and science in Prague
The court of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague attracted many scientists and artists. The Musée du Louvre revisits this fertile period with the exhibition The Experience of Nature, on view from March 19 to June 30, 2025. [Read more]
An exhibition on the Mamluks at the Musée du Louvre
The Musée du Louvre is devoting an exhibition to the Mamluk Sultanate, entitled "Mamlouks, 1250-1517", from April 30 to July 28, 2025. Through 260 works from international collections, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this medieval empire that left its mark on Near Eastern art and culture. [Read more]
My teddy bear: the adorable family exhibition at the Musée des Arts décoratifs - our photos
Every child has had a teddy bear! This timeless toy is the subject of an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, from December 4, 2024 to June 22, 2025, which is both family-friendly and nostalgic, for young and old alike! [Read more]
The Paris Museum of Illusion, a must-see family outing!
Sponsored - The Musée de l'illusion, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris in the Châtelet les Halles district, welcomes families and friends all year round. Come and cool off in its air-conditioned space, and get ready for a unique and exciting experience as you plunge into the fascinating world of illusion, where all your senses will be turned upside down... [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 Musée de l'Illusion, one of the best family outings on vacation in Paris
Sponsored - 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]
