Attractions in 1st Arrondissement (Paris)

Église Saint-Roch

This beautiful masterpiece of classic architecture was started in 1653 after French architect Jacques Lemercier's plans and is one of the largest in Paris. Lemercier had already designed the Palais Royal and the Sorbonne. The foundation stone was laid by King Louis XIV accompanied by his mother Ann of Austria. After Lemercier's died in the 18th Century, architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart oversaw the construction and added a few chapels to the main edifice. Among others, the chapel devoted to the Virgin Mary is of interest due to its size and ornaments. During the French Revolution, most of the church's masterpieces were stolen or devastated. Nonetheless, its patrimony was partly recovered and came from other churches and monasteries. As a result a lot of beautiful pieces of art from the 17th and 18th Century are still to be seen inside.

Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

Once set up in the palace of the Louvre, the royal family Valois (who ruled France between the 14th and 16th Century) chose Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois as the church of the monarchy. After the French Revolution, the building lost its prestige since it was used to store fodder. Today, visitors can admire its 12th Century roman tower and its stained-glass windows, which were restored in the 15th Century. The portal, choir and the Virgin's chapel date from the 13th Century.

Roue Libre

If you want to discover Paris on a bicycle using the power of your legs, turn to the city's métro system. The RATP (Paris regional railway network) offers several biking options, from guided tours by a professional tour guide to bike rentals for self guided tours. Follow the guide or rent a bike for an hour, a day, a week or a month.

Paris Tourist Information Centre

Do you know which hotel to check in when you are in the most romantic city on earth? Or, when you are backpacking, which accommodation is the cheapest. What transport do you take from the Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower? And if you are famished, which restaurant do you step in to eat! All your above tourist queries are answered by this official tourist information center. A detailed list of all the cafes, bars and nightclubs is listed. So make the most of it as long as you are in Paris or if you are planning a trip to gay "Paree!"

Open Top Bus Tour

Four tour routes throughout Paris offer sights including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Les Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe! A ticket includes two days of hop-on hop-off touring with commentary in English and French, to experience Paris at whatever pace you choose. Tickets may be purchased online, and visitors can join a tour at any stop along the four routes.

Square du Vert Galant

Square du Vert Galant is a little, green haven stuck out in the middle of the Seine. Tree-lined and set below the level of Pont Neuf, it has the feel of a hidden garden, a place to come to sit and read, to find some repose amongst the pigeons and sparrows. You can quite escape the fact that you are smack bang in the middle of Paris, especially with the pleasure boats trundling up and down. Certainly worth taking the time to find a shady spot and take stock.

Médiathèque Musicale de Paris

Formerly known as Disco Halles and set up in 1986, the Médiathèque Musicale de Paris has a diverse collection of authentic Parisian cinema, art, music and writing. Listening posts allow you to sample a CD before borrowing it and the entirely Wi-Fi enabled space proves convenient to students and researchers. The mammoth collection of old LP's and records which easily runs into 1000's, has come about mostly through magnanimous donations from an appreciative city. The Médiathèque also plays hosts to screenings, readings and the occasional dance festival like Festival Paris Banlieues Tango.

Palais-Royal

Built in 1629 for Cardinal de Richelieu, this palace was initially known as the Palais Cardinal. Later it acquired a reputation as a place of debauchery under Louis XIV's brother, Philippe d'Orléans, while in the 18th Century it became a meeting place where the Age of Enlightenment's great thinkers could exchange ideas. Meanwhile prostitutes and shady merchants touted for business in the arcades surrounding its garden, which was to witness the first stirrings of revolutionary passion. On the evening of July 13, 1789 (the night before the storming of the Bastille), revolutionary Camille Desmoulins chose the much frequented Palais arches as the spot in which to urge the crowd to rebellion: one of the greatest moments in history! Nowadays, its gardens are a delightful, peaceful place, and its buildings (closed to the public) house the Ministry for the Arts and the Council of State.

Place Dauphine

Commissioned by Henri IV in 1607 as part of the city's redevelopment, Place Dauphine was dedicated to his son and heir apparent, the future Louis XIII. In common with Place des Vosges (also one of Henri IV's creations), it is symmetrical in design and surrounded by stone-built, red-brick buildings. Tucked away to the east of the Pont-Neuf bridge, it's a delightful and very peaceful spot. In good weather, you can watch people playing pétanque here or sit down on a bench and bury yourself in a good book.

Le Pont des Arts

Among the 36 bridges spanning the Seine, the Pont des Arts is without doubt one of the most romantic, its all-metal structure providing a link between the Louvre and the French Institute. This delightful little footbridge built during the 18th Century has always been a pedestrian bridge. Originally, a tollgate was installed at each end, ensuring that access was only given to the upper classes.

Jardin des Tuileries

Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume.

Place Vendôme

Follow the Rues de Castiglione and de la Paix to one of the most famous squares in Paris. Intricately linked with the history of France, since its creation in 1685, this architectural jewel was commissioned by King Louis XIV and designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart. The arcades of the exquisitely fronted mansions that surround the square form a sort of intimate salon in the heart of the capital. Not surprisingly, it was adopted by Paris' aristocracy. Prestigious banks and the emblems of French elegance still cluster around the Austerlitz column that Napoléon erected. Labels of luxury such as Chaumet, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Guerlain, Chanel rule the roost. While you're here, stop at the Ritz hotel or the Palais de l'Élysée (the President's residence). Yes, this really is the home of luxury, elegance and power.