Paris Neighborhoods
Paris consists of many different "villages", small cities within the big city. These districts are called Arrondissements. Each arrondissement has a distinct and unique feel, it's surprising how different one is from the other. Put on your walking shoes and start exploring and you can decide for yourself which is your favorite. Here are a few of mine.
5th Arrondissement: The Latin Quarter is the center of French intellectual life in Paris. The area is full of students from the universities in the area; the Sorbonne, the College de France, and the Ecole Polytechnique.
This Quarter is the spot where the politically inclined gather for street demonstrations and rallys. Saint-Michel Boulevard is one of the main streets and you can always count on excellent people-watching. Many of the side cobblestone streets wind every which way. The Musee-National de moyen-Age is a must-see as well as the Institut de Monde Arab
6th Arrondissement: St-Germain-des-pres is another favorite. Tres chic with famous cafes and smart boutiques. Home to the church of St-Germain-des Pres, the oldest church in Paris. Stoll around and you will find little bookshops about every subject you can think of, art galleries, and antique shops to suit every taste. In the south part of this district you will find the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens - a fantastic place to spend a few hours.
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