The 1st arrondissement is a central part of the city, located on the right bank of the Seine. A hub for numerous public transport lines, it’s extremely busy. For example the Les Halles district is the shopping and outing destination for most Parisians during the weekend.
This place is very touristy and full of important monuments and must-see sights, such as the Louvre and its Tuileries Gardens, perfect activities to do with friends.
Here are some tips for a successful day out with friends in the 1st arrondissement of Paris !
A tourist morning in the 1st arrondissement…
To start your day with friends in the 1st arrondissement, enjoy an authentic breakfast at the venerable Maison Verlet, a counter serving coffee, tea, spices, and candied fruit since 1880. In a warm, wood-paneled setting, mingle the aromas of hot drinks and pastries.
At 256 rue Saint Honoré.
For a first-time visitor to Paris, a visit to the Louvre is, of course, a must. With its numerous departments covering the entire history of art, from ancient Egypt to the Revolutionary period, and its nearly 73,000 m² of space, it is the largest museum in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a little diversity from the usual tourist itinerary, you could explore the neighboring Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Opened in 1900, it challenges the classic museum concept to offer atypical collections of beautiful applied arts and design objects. He strives to reconcile creation and production, culture and industry, a project that couldn’t be more beneficial and in tune with the times. His original exhibition themes—teddy bears, one’s own room, department stores—will delight the curious.
At 107 rue de Rivoli.
While passing by, stop by the Comédie Française, a theatrical institution. It has been housed in the sumptuous Salle Richelieu of the Palais Royal since the 18th century.
At 1 Place Colette.
Then, if the weather is nice, it’s very pleasant to settle down for a picnic in the Tuileries Gardens.
If the weather isn’t conducive, opt for an excursion with a thousand exotic flavors: Le Zango, a huge restaurant with a very cozy atmosphere (lounges upstairs), offers tapas from the four corners of the planet and travel-inspired cocktails.
At 14 rue du Cygne.
A fun afternoon in the 1st arrondissement…
To explore the Île de la Cité while having fun, set aside an hour to complete the escape game offered by Playgreen. You’ll rediscover the Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, the flower and bird market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. You’ll also discover other, much lesser-known but equally interesting sites, which we’re keeping secret here.
Les Halles, the “Belly of Paris,” now relocated to Rungis. The Church of St. Eustache. The Forum des Halles.
Then, for a fun and unusual activity, visit the Museum of Illusions. Through its numerous rooms and installations, you’ll experience all possible vision disorders and their effect on your imagination. Laughter guaranteed!
At 98 rue de Saint Denis.
For those with a taste for alternative art, it’s impossible not to visit the legendary Parallèles bookstore. Established in the neighborhood since the 1970s, right in the middle of the hippie era, it has retained its countercultural, rock, and politically engaged spirit. It is undoubtedly the best music bookstore. But its political section is just as extensive, and it is also well-stocked with comics. Above all, the place also has a record section.
At 47 rue Saint Honoré.
You could finally round off your bibliophile shopping with a quick visit to the second-hand booksellers Book Off or Boulinier. You’ll always find some bibliophile gems there.
Respectively, at 9 rue Saint Martin and Place Joachim du Bellay.
Then, take a quick tour of 59 Rivoli, an entire building transformed into an artists’ squat with permission from the City of Paris. This visit (free of charge) will transport you elsewhere, each of the four floors reflecting the unique universe of its whimsical inhabitant.
At 59 rue de Rivoli.
An elegant evening in the 1st arrondissement…
But why not enjoy a drink under the glass roof of La Samaritaine?
In 1870, a simple clerk, Ernest Cognacq, founded this luxurious department store, which was destined to become the largest in the city. It recently reopened after a complete renovation. Its authentic mosaics and paintings, blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, and the superb 1900s ironwork, capture all the charm of Belle Époque Paris.
The Voyage restaurant, located on the top floor of the building, is perfect for a short break.
At 9 rue de la Monnaie.
Finally, to round off this day with friends in the 1st arrondissement, for a chic and typically French dinner, meet at the Petit Bouillon Pharamond (no reservation possible). You’ll delight in its traditional cuisine in a sublime setting, listed as a historic monument. Its specialty: snails in persillade (various variations, including gorgonzola and mustard), frogs’ eggs, and tripe! At 24 rue de la Grande Truanderie.
Enjoy your visit!
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