French Property, Paris

Paris, districts (arrondissements) are simply numbered from 1 to 20. The first district is right in the middle of the city and the others are arranged around it in a clockwise spiral. This guide will highlight the main sites in each district so that you can make the most of your property finding trip to Paris.

1st: famous for the Louvre, one of the world's finest museums. Place Vendôme is home to Paris' jewellers (Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron.) and whilst haute couture creators such as Yves St-Laurent or Christian Dior can be found on rue Saint-Honoré. Real Estate here is at a premium.

2nd: West from Rue de Richelieu is the "theatre district": a good dozen can be found in this part of town. The 2nd district is also a great place to sample typical Parisian atmosphere. Property in this district can be very ornate and date back many hundreds of years.

3rd: The Marais boasts the most beautiful private property dating from the middle Ages, such as the Hotel de Rohan or de Sal in Rue de Sévigné.

4th: Opposite l'Hôtel de Ville (meaning town hall), are the two islands of Paris, l'Ile de la Cité and l'Ile St-Louis: don't miss Notre-Dame and Place Dauphine on the former, and a walk in the main street of the latter. Place des Vosges is one of Paris's most famous plazas.

5th: Known together with the 6th district as Quartier Latin (the Latin quarter), this is the student district, real estate here is alot cheaper though some property is not of such high quality.

6th: The Rues de Buci, de Seine, Dauphine and Mazarine, and the area between Boulevard St-Germain and the Seine provide perfect examples of Parisian charm.

7th: "the ministries district". Hosts some of Paris most famous monuments: the Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars and L'Ecole Militaire.

8th: The Champs-Elysées, the most popular avenue in the world, which starts from the Etoile Plaza and ends on the Place de la Concorde.

9th: The Opéra is the monument to visit in this district. Also the Musée Grévin (Paris's equivalent for Tussauds in London), a walk in New Athens, around the metro station St-Georges.

10th: Along the Canal St-Martin is the Quai de Valmy and Jemmapes.

11th: This district has some of the finest Parisian nightspots: Rue Oberkampf and the Rues de la Roquette and de Lappe.

12th: Paris's Marina, spreading from the River Seine to the Place de la Bastille and the Opera theatre. The Bois de Vincennes, a large park with a lake is also situated here.

13th: The eastern part of this district is often called "Chinatown". In the western part you will find Europe's biggest cinema screen.

14th: Rue d'Alésia renowned for clothes shopping.

15th: By the river and home to the beautiful Citroen gardens (parc André Citroen), after the car manufacturer who had his first factory there.

16th: The Trocadero offers a nice view of the city as well as two museums (Marine Museum and Museum of Mankind). Avenue Foch is to be seen, as is the Parc des Princes (Paris Stadium).

17th: Exclusive district. Place de Clichy metro station for easy access to all of Paris.