The Louvre-Rivoli district is a little Parisian gem. Located right in the heart of the capital, it's an architectural masterpiece, a living postcard that never gets old. It represents the Paris of all fantasies, with its long Rue de Rivoli with its famous columns running alongside the Louvre Museum, its majestic churches, its many museums and its large parks and gardens that invite you to relax and unwind right in the center of Paris.
Follow the guide to make the most of this central, not-to-be-missed district of the capital! We'll tell you all about the must-see monuments, the museums you can visit to learn more, the lush gardens for a bucolic break near the Palais-Royal, as well as anecdotes about the history and heritage of these streets.
Good deals at Louvre-Rivoli!
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 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]
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]
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]
Ephemeris of October 21 in Paris: The birth of the Comédie-Française
On October 21, 1680, the Comédie-Française was founded by order of King Louis XIV, the result of a merger between Molière's troupe and that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne. The sovereign's idea was simple: to put an end to the quarrels between the two rival troupes, while reaffirming royalty by promoting classical French theater, at a time when the Comédie-Italienne was very much in vogue. [Read more]
Ephemeris of September 2 in Paris: The September Massacres
On September 2, 1792, the Sans-Culottes broke into Paris prisons and massacred a thousand inmates suspected of being counter-revolutionaries and in favor of the King's return. [Read more]
Ephemeris of August 28 in Paris: The Black Death epidemic
In August 1348, Paris faced a terrible disease that spared neither women, children, nobles nor the poor. Within 4 years, the Black Death epidemic would decimate a third of the Parisian population. [Read more]
Ephemeris of August 24 in Paris: The St Bartholomew's Day Massacre
On August 24, 1572, 4,000 Huguenots were brutally murdered in Paris during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, the culmination of the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants. [Read more]
Ephemeris for August 22 in Paris: The theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre Museum
On August 22, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa disappeared from the Musée du Louvre, under the noses of the guards. It was a shock. It would be another two years before Mona Lisa's smile could be seen again in sunny Florence. [Read more]
Ephemeris of August 10 in Paris: Sans-Culottes seize the Tuileries Palace
On August 10, 1792, the Sans-Culottes stormed the Tuileries Palace in a bloody day that sounded the death knell for royalty and monarchy in France. [Read more]
Did you know? What is the history of the Magnolias in the Jardin du Palais Royal?
It's magnolia season in the gardens of the Palais Royal! Over the past few days, the majestic trees have been decked out in beautiful shades of pink and purple, much to the delight of walkers, tourists and photographers alike. But do you know why there are magnolias in this garden? Back in history... [Read more]
Did you know? The Statue of Joan of Arc in Paris has been secretly replaced
The equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, which stands proudly on the Place des Pyramides in the 1st arrondissement, is one of Paris's most emblematic monuments. Since its creation in the 19th century, it has never ceased to be a political issue, although its history remains little-known. Did you know that the statue we admire today is not the original, but a replica secretly substituted by the artist himself? [Read more]
Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris and its fascinating history.
Do you know the oldest public clock in Paris, still in operation? Mounted on the walls of the Conciergerie in the heart of the Ïle de la Cité, this clock has been telling the time since 1371. Commissioned by Charles V, the clock marks the king's time. This public clock, still in operation today, embodies six centuries of history and impressive mechanics, we tell you. [Read more]
Did you know? This small cannon in the garden of the Palais-Royal was used as a clock in the 18th century.
The capital really is full of little curiosities, not least in the gardens of the Palais-Royal, where a small cannon takes pride of place. Between 1786 and 1911, it was used not as a weapon, but as a clock! Find out how. [Read more]
History of Paris: the Cemetery of the Innocents and what remains of it today
Did you know? In the Halles district of Paris, there was once a well-known cemetery in the capital: the Cimetière des Innocents (or Saint Innocents' Cemetery). Discover its fascinating history and the few remaining vestiges. [Read more]
Did you know? Discover 3 anecdotes about the Pont Neuf
Did you know? The Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris. But that's not all... [Read more]
Did you know? Where does the name Seine come from?
Have you ever wondered about the origins of the Seine's name? Originating from the commune of Sources-Seine in Burgundy, this river is named after a Celtic goddess, Sequana. We tell you all about its history and legend. [Read more]
Did you know? Châtelet-Les Halles is the world's largest underground station.
Who hasn't got lost in the Châtelet-Les Halles metro station? You've got a good excuse, because this underground station is the biggest in Europe, and even in the world - a real labyrinth! [Read more]
Did you know? 4 anecdotes about the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris
Do you know the Théâtre du Châtelet? Here are 4 anecdotes about this iconic Parisian theater! [Read more]
The Molière Fountain
At the corner of rue Molière and rue Richelieu stands the imposing Molière Fountain, built as a tribute to the famous French playwright. Louis Visconti was commissioned to create the fountain. The bronze statue of Molière was designed by Bernard-Gabriel Seurre. Two female marble allegories, entitled Comédie Légère and Comédie Sérieuse, hold scrolls engraved with Molière's works.
Discover Paris' most beautiful covered passageways
Maybe you didn't know it, but Paris is home to many covered passageways. Discover the 12 most beautiful covered passageways in Paris! [Read more]
80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris: popular ball, swing initiations and concert
2024 celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944. To mark the occasion, Paris is organizing a large-scale free public ball, with a wide range of entertainment on the program. [Read more]
JEMA 2024 in Paris: the Louvre Museum opens the doors to its art studios
For the 18th edition of the Journées européennes des métiers d'art, the Musée du Louvre is opening its doors to visitors free of charge, to discover the many craftsmen and craftswomen who bring the museum to life. To be experienced on April 6 and 7, 2024. [Read more]
Pont-Neuf restoration nears completion
When it was built, the Pont-Neuf was the bridge of innovations. After several months of renovation, the Pont-Neuf enters its final stage! [Read more]
The Palais-Royal gardens in Paris, a Parisian favorite
The gardens of the Palais-Royal are one of the most popular spots for Parisians when the sun shines on the capital. We explain why. [Read more]
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
The Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris! This 23-hectare green space runs alongside the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, linking the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Classified as a historic monument in 1914, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. It features magnificent historical statues, accompanied by works of art. [Read more]
The Louvois Fountain
Located in the middle of the tranquil Square Louvois, the Louvois Fountain is the work of Louis Visconti, the sculptor behind the Saint-Sulpice Fountain, to designs by Gabriel Davioud. It was Louis-Philippe 1st who wished to erect a fountain on this site, and in 1844, it was done. The Louvois fountain pays allegorical tribute to four great French rivers: the Seine, Garonne, Loire and Saône.
The Molière Fountain
At the corner of rue Molière and rue Richelieu stands the imposing Molière Fountain, built as a tribute to the famous French playwright. Louis Visconti was commissioned to create the fountain. The bronze statue of Molière was designed by Bernard-Gabriel Seurre. Two female marble allegories, entitled Comédie Légère and Comédie Sérieuse, hold scrolls engraved with Molière's works.
Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market returns to Paris 2024
The Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market awaits you from November 16, 2024 to January 1, 2025. It's the perfect opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts, enjoy rides galore and indulge in the many stalls and gourmet restaurants on site. [Read more]
Paris: the Ferris Wheel in the Tuileries Gardens is back! Opening times and prices
Moved because of the Olympic Games, the Giant Ferris Wheel is finally returning to its mythical location in the Tuileries Gardens, allowing tourists and Parisians alike to see the City of Light from a little higher up, starting this Friday, October 18, 2024. [Read more]
Carousel, trampoline, playground... 3 things to do with children in the Tuileries Gardens
Planning a trip to the Tuileries Gardens? With the whole family, even young children, it's the ideal place for a stroll or, better still, some really fun activities. [Read more]
Paris Boat Club, a tailor-made private cruise on the Seine in Paris
How about a private cruise on the Seine? Are you looking for an exceptional experience, a way to visit Paris without the crowds, to see the capital's most beautiful monuments and bridges in a privileged way? We've tested the Paris Boat Club and its tailor-made cruises for an enchanted interlude. [Read more]
Restaurants in the Louvre-Rivoli, Palais-Royal and Tuileries districts, our top addresses
Looking for a good restaurant in the Louvre-Rivoli district, near the Palais-Royal or the Tuileries? If so, you've come to the right place! [Read more]
Restaurants in Paris's covered passageways, our best addresses
A restaurant in a covered passage is the perfect place to be when the weather's bad. Paris's magnificent covered passageways offer a wealth of confidential restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Here are the best addresses! [Read more]
Hakuba: we tested the exclusive Omakase experience at Cheval Blanc Paris, the Japanese restaurant
Discover Hakuba, the Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of the prestigious Cheval Blanc Paris. The restaurant offers a unique immersion in the art of Japanese gastronomy, with Omakase menus carefully orchestrated by sushi master Takuya Watanabe, in collaboration with sauce master Arnaud Donckele and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric. A delicate experience that echoes Japanese tradition and the quest for authenticity. [Read more]
Nolinski Paris restaurant switches to French bourgeois cuisine
Le Nolinski, the restaurant a stone's throw from the Opéra, reinvents itself with a new menu by Michelin-starred chef Philip Chronopoulos, highlighting French bourgeois cuisine. We're off to rediscover the charm of this chic, cosy venue, which now celebrates culinary traditions while offering an experience worthy of the finest Parisian institutions. [Read more]
Gast, bakery and brunch during the day, bistronomy in the evening
A multi-faceted place, Gast is open non-stop, offering a choice of pastries, brunches or bistronomic toasts, depending on the time of day. [Read more]
Le Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc Paris
Le Tout-Paris, the sublime restaurant that rules the capital, wins its first Michelin star. Located on the 7ᵉ floor of the Cheval Blanc Paris, with a terrace boasting breathtaking views of the Seine and the capital's iconic monuments, you'll discover William Bequin's beautiful contemporary French cuisine, generous and well mastered. [Read more]
Au Piment de Sichuan, Opéra's spicy Chinese restaurant
Au Piment du Sichuan is the name of this new Chinese canteen that has opened on Avenue de l'Opéra, serving up delicately spiced dishes from the Sichuan region of China. How about waking up our sleeping taste buds? [Read more]
LV Dream: the Café "Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton" unveils its savoury menu
Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton, the Café at the heart of LV Dream, has added a new savory menu, emblazoned with the Maison's famous monogram. After discovering the free exhibition of emblematic and innovative Louis Vuitton creations, continue the experience upstairs by savoring a variety of dishes imagined by the Pastry Chef, not forgetting a visit to the chocolate shop and boutique! [Read more]
Langosteria at Cheval Blanc Paris: Italy invites itself with treasures from the sea
A Langosteria restaurant is set to open at Cheval Blanc Paris in September 2021, with the desire to offer the best of Italian fish, seafood and shellfish in one of Paris's finest hotels. [Read more]
Tracé, chef Clément Vergeat's deeply moving gourmet table
Once again, chef Clément Vergeat touches our hearts with his new gourmet table, Tracé, opened in place of his previous restaurant Tamara. [Read more]
César y Georgette, the La Dépendance hotel café in tribute to Peruvian poet César Vallejo
Hotel La Dépendance unveils its new coffee shop, César y Georgette, in homage to the Peruvian poet César Vallejo, who lived at this address. [Read more]
Maslow, comforting vegetarian cuisine on the banks of the Seine
On the banks of the Seine, Maslow makes vegetarian cuisine mouth-watering with melted cheese. [Read more]
Where to stay in Paris's 1st arrondissement? Hotels, inns and accommodation in the district
Looking for a place to stay in Paris's 1st arrondissement? Here are the addresses of hotels, youth hostels and accommodation in the district. [Read more]
Le Cheval Blanc Paris, the Samaritaine's luxury hotel
It has everything to make you dream: its address, the mythical Samaritaine, then 72 rooms and suites with palatial comfort, several restaurants with panoramic terraces "from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre and from Notre-Dame to the Georges Pompidou Centre" run by chef Arnaud Donckele and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric, but also a Dior Spa Cheval Blanc where happiness awaits you. Shall we take you away? [Read more]
Hôtel Molière gets a makeover
Head for the new Hôtel Molière, nestled in the capital's 1st arrondissement, to discover a resolutely contemporary and distinctly Parisian establishment, reinvented by architects Thierry Champalle, Jean-Louis Maussert and Olivier Torette of the A3+ agency. [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]
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 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]
Guillon Lethière, born in Guadeloupe: the Musée du Louvre retrospective exhibition
The Musée du Louvre honors an unjustly forgotten painter: from November 13, 2024 to February 17, 2025, discover Guillon Lethière, born in Guadeloupe. [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]
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]
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]
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]
Théâtre du Châtelet: a historic setting in the heart of Paris
The Théâtre du Chatelet is a historic venue in the heart of Paris, where the art of entertainment transcends the ages. We reveal its history and programming! [Read more]
UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles: the biggest movie theater in Paris
With 37 rooms and forty movies played, UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles is the biggest movie theater in the heart of Paris, and the biggest movie theater when it comes to rooms in France. [Read more]
L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt, the play about the actress' life - our review
L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt plays at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal from August 27 to December 22, 2024. The play tells the wild story of the French actress, painter and sculptor. [Read more]
Le Suicidé: La Comédie-Française's wacky comedy - our review
Le Suicidé is La Comédie Française's new production, on view from October 11 to February 2, 2025. Contrary to appearances, this new play is a slapstick comedy, denouncing society's postures. Here's our review. [Read more]
Les Misérables: a new production of the musical at the Théâtre du Châtelet
Discover the new French production of Les Misérables at the Théâtre du Châtelet from November 22 to December 31, 2024. This timeless musical has reached 130 million spectators. [Read more]
Mystery Game: a thrilling, immersive investigation at the Conciergerie
Strange phenomena have been observed at the Conciergerie... Ghost hunters, it's up to you! Come and investigate in the most gothic of atmospheres, with the Conciergerie Mystery Game in Paris. An adventure that plunges you into the monument's dark dungeons... [Read more]
Edmond by Alexis Michalik at the Théâtre du Palais Royal in October 2024: our review
Edmond, Alexis Michalik's third play, premiered at the Théâtre du Palais Royal in 2016, is still running at the Théâtre du Ier Arrondissement. After more than 5 Molières awards, the play returns from October 11 to December 22, 2024. [Read more]
Molière's L'Avare: the cult play at the Comédie-Française
L'Avare, one of Molière's best-known comedies, returns to the Comédie-Française for its third consecutive season. The play, directed by Lilo Baur, is a re-visited classic, set in the aftermath of the Second World War. [Read more]
The Palais-Royal, a historic theater in the heart of Paris
The Palais-Royal theater, located opposite the Palais-Royal gardens, has been in existence since the 17th century. Today, the magnificent hall, all velvet and gilding, is the setting for successful plays. [Read more]
The Comédie-Française, a theatrical institution in Paris
The Comédie Francaise, founded over three centuries ago, is a French cultural institution. Since 1799, it has been located in the heart of Paris, at the Palais-Royal station in the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]
Samaritaine Paris: the historic store's shopping and dining areas and events
La Samaritaine reopened its doors in 2021 after 16 years of renovation. Discover its shopping, beauty and restaurant areas. You'll love strolling around, enjoying the tea rooms and discovering the majestic staircase and window displays. [Read more]
Comptoir Sud Pacifique, the independent French perfume house that invites you to travel
Comptoir Sud Pacifique is an independent French niche perfumery. Its two Paris boutiques - located in the 1st and 6th arrondissements - bring together perfumes, scented candles and fashion accessories. [Read more]
Mind Runs: free sessions combining sport and well-being to stay healthy
Paris, bouge ton esprit is a program launched in the capital to encourage Parisians to take part in sports, to look after their bodies as well as their mental health. Every Thursday, take part in workshops to get you started! [Read more]
Stop the thief of the Orangery Museum: investigate with your family at the museum!
The Musée de l'Orangerie is easy to visit with the whole family: not only do children enjoy the young visitors' trail, with 15 short stories in the permanent collections, but families can now solve a real investigation on audioguide, with the brand new Musée de l'Orangerie game! [Read more]
Le Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde : geek and pop culture immersion in the heart of Paris
Discover Le Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde, a unique place in Paris where fans of pop culture, board games and fictional universes meet. Dive into this unusual space offering cultural events, eclectic decoration and a cocktail and restaurant menu that reflects its inspirations. [Read more]
Discover all these great addresses on the map below!
What to do in Paris's 1st arrondissement? Good places to go and what's on!
Located right in the historic heart of the capital, the 1st arrondissement of Paris is home to some of the finest jewels of the City of Light. Between the Louvre Museum, the banks of the Seine, the Place Vendôme, the Halles district, the Samaritaine and the emblematic Tuileries Gardens bordered by the Rue de Rivoli, it's time to conquer the good addresses and superb ideas for outings that currently await us in this sublime district of Paris. [Read more]
Enjoy your visit to Louvre Rivoli!
