When you head to Paris, hearing “I’ll meet you in the 4th” or “I’m staying on the left bank” can be a bit confusing. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the left bank and right bank of Paris, plus the history of Paris’ arrondissements. You’ll fit in with the locals in no time!
Paris Right Bank, Left Banks, And Arrondissements: What & Where They Are
If you’re wondering where the left and right banks of Paris are and what an arrondissement is, here’s the quick answer.
The right bank, or Rive Droite in French, refers to the north side of the Seine River. It’s called the right bank because when you stand facing west (towards the ocean), it’s on the right side of the Seine River.
The left bank, or Rive Gauche in French, refers to the south side of the Seine River. It’s called the left bank because when you stand facing west, it’s on the left side of the Seine River.
There are 20 arrondissements or districts in Paris. They spiral out from the center in a clockwise direction, starting with the area where you’ll find the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens. The central arrondissements are small, and they get larger as you spiral out.
What Is an Arrondissement?
Paris is divided into 20 administrative districts called arrondissements, which spiral out from the city center in a clockwise pattern. The original 12 were created in 1795, and the current 20 took shape in 1860 under Napoleon III during a major city expansion.
Locals refer to them by number, like “the 7th” or “the 11th”, instead of using the full word. You’ll also see it shortened to “arr.” in books, maps, and travel guides.
Quick Look at Paris Arrondissements: The Popular 8
These eight arrondissements are home to the city’s most famous art, architecture, shopping, and nightlife. R = Right Bank (north side), L = Left Bank (south side).
1st (R): Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal
8th (R): Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, luxury shopping
9th (R): Palais Garnier (Opera), Galeries Lafayette, Grands Boulevards
18th (R): Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, artists’ studios and bohemian streets
Paris’ Right Bank (Rive Droite): Where It Is & Things to Do
North of the Seine, the Right Bank is Paris’ showpiece: stately avenues lined with flagship boutiques, Belle‑Époque cafés, and the city’s most photographed monuments.
Things to Do on the Right Bank of Paris
So, what’s there to see and do on the Right Bank of Paris? Here’s our favorites:
Tuileries Garden
Louvre Museum: Stand face‑to‑face with the Mona Lisa, then roam palace halls packed with 35,000 masterpieces.
Tuileries Garden: Stroll formal alleys, lounge on green chairs by the pond, and watch life flow between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur: Wander steep cobbled lanes, browse artists’ easels at Place du Tertre, and soak up skyline views from the basilica steps.
Le Marais: Shop indie boutiques, grab a falafel to‑go, and picnic beneath the arcades of Place des Vosges.
Champs‑Élysées: Window‑shop glitzy flagships, sip a café crème on a terrace, and stride up to the Arc de Triomphe.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Immerse yourself in Monet’s panoramic Water Lilies and explore pocket‑size Impressionist galleries.
Where to Eat on the Right Bank of Paris
Expect a mix of classic French dining, elegant patisseries, and modern international cuisine. Here’s our favorites:
Photo courtesy of Le Grand Vefour
Le Grand Vefour| €€€€ | French Upscale | Historic Enjoy fresh fish, quality French cheese, and decadent desserts at this flashy 1700s brasserie near the Louvre.
Le Moulin de la Galette | €€€ | Traditional | Outdoor Seating Dine where Renoir once painted, with outdoor tables, rich French flavors, and a little Montmartre magic in the air.
La Régalade Saint-Honoré | €€€ | Elevated Bistro | Great Atmosphere Squeeze in beside locals for duck hearts with oyster mushrooms or rabbit hachis Parmentier at this reservation‑only foodie favorite on Rue Saint‑Honoré.
For more ideas, check out the best restaurants near the Louvre and in Montmartre.
Where to Stay on the Right Bank of Paris
Think palace hotels near Place Vendôme, chic boutiques in Le Marais, and larger chains by Gare du Nord.
Hôtel Le Relais des Halles ⭐⭐⭐⭐
1st Arr. • Antique Charm • Central
This antique‑styled boutique is family‑friendly and quiet, with in‑room tea sets and the metro 100 m away.
Paris’ Left Bank (Rive Gauche): Where It Is & Things to Do
South of the Seine, the Left Bank has long been the home of scholars, scribblers, rebellious ideas, and café debates. Today, it balances that intellectual edge with blockbuster sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and the leafy Luxembourg Gardens.
Things to Do on the Left Bank of Paris
So, what’s there to see and do on the Right Bank of Paris? Here’s our favorites:
Musee d’Orsay
Eiffel Tower: Ride the elevators (or brave the stairs) for sweeping skyline views.
Musée d’Orsay: Stroll past Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas beneath the museum’s soaring station clock.
Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés: Linger over coffee in storied cafés before browsing chic boutiques and art galleries.
Latin Quarter & Panthéon: Meander through book‑lined lanes, then step inside the Panthéon to pay respects to France’s great minds.
Luxembourg Gardens: Sail toy boats on the pond, picnic under chestnut trees, or people‑watch from classic green chairs.
Where to Eat on the Left Bank of Paris
On the left bank, you’ll find historic cafés, seafood bistros, and unfussy brasseries teeming with locals. Here’s our favorites:
Photo courtesy of Les Antiquaires
Les Antiquaires | €€ | French Bistro | Welcoming Feel Tucked near the Orsay, this cozy spot serves bistro favorites with charm.
La Palette | €€ | Artistic Café | Historic Favorite Century‑old spot with rustic interiors and a lovely outdoor terrace.
Huguette, Bistro de la Mar | €€ | Seafood | Casual and Fresh Casual seafood restaurant—don’t miss the grilled octopus and creamy mash.
Where to Stay on the Left Bank of Paris
The left bank is a mixed bag of guesthouses, luxury apartments with Eiffel Tower views, and elegant boutique hotels.
Hôtel de Seine ⭐⭐⭐
Saint-Germain-des-Prés • Period Décor
Surprisingly affordable for its beauty, plus optional breakfast buffet and amenities for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris’ Arrondissements
What is the difference between the Left Bank and Right Bank in Paris?
The Left Bank (Rive Gauche) is south of the Seine and known for its historic universities, artistic culture, and literary cafés. The Right Bank (Rive Droite) is north of the river and famous for grand boulevards, luxury shopping, and world-class museums.
Which side of the Seine is the Eiffel Tower on?
The Eiffel Tower is located on the Left Bank of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement.
What are the arrondissements in Paris?
Arrondissements are the 20 numbered administrative districts of Paris that spiral out from the city center in a clockwise direction.
What is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements offer easy access to major sights, central locations, and plenty of restaurants and cafés.
Is the Left Bank or Right Bank better to stay in Paris?
The Right Bank is ideal for luxury shopping, iconic museums, and nightlife, while the Left Bank offers a more laid-back vibe with literary history, gardens, and quiet neighborhoods.
Where is the Latin Quarter in Paris?
The Latin Quarter is on the Left Bank in the 5th arrondissement, near the Sorbonne, Panthéon, and Rue Mouffetard.
What arrondissement is the Louvre Museum in?
The Louvre Museum is located in the 1st arrondissement on the Right Bank of Paris.
Which side of Paris is Montmartre on?
Montmartre is on the Right Bank, in the 18th arrondissement, known for its bohemian past and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
What arrondissements are on the Right Bank of Paris?
The Right Bank includes the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements.
What arrondissements are on the Left Bank of Paris?
The Left Bank includes the 5th, 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements.
Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
Reader Interactions
Comments (4)
Maria B
St Germain de Pres is on the left bank of Paris, not the right bank!
The “Lights of Paris” were the philosophers of the Age of Reason, early 1685 to 1815. Most of them met in the Cafe de La Regency, half way between the Palais Royal and what is now the Louvre. It was torn down in the 1850’s.
Benjamin Franklin frequently Lyons stopped to
Play chess in the evenings.
St Germain de Pres is on the left bank of Paris, not the right bank!
Hi! yea, I don’t think what we intended to say was explained well enough. Just updated it!
Bonjour!
Please let me know the best way to get your recommendations. Merci, Deborah
The “Lights of Paris” were the philosophers of the Age of Reason, early 1685 to 1815. Most of them met in the Cafe de La Regency, half way between the Palais Royal and what is now the Louvre. It was torn down in the 1850’s.
Benjamin Franklin frequently Lyons stopped to
Play chess in the evenings.