The real names of Paris's arrondissements

Louvre

The 1st arrondissement, known as "Louvre" derives its name from the famous Louvre Palace, which was originally built as a fortress in the medieval period and later became a royal palace and then a museum. The Louvre Museum, housed in the former palace, is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world.

Bourse

The 2nd arrondissement, called "Bourse," takes its name from the Paris Bourse, the historical stock exchange of Paris. The Paris Bourse was originally located in this district before moving to its current location in the 8th arrondissement.

Temple

The 3rd arrondissement, known as "Temple," is named after the Knights Templar, who had their fortress, the Temple, in this area during the medieval period.

Hôtel de Ville

The 4th arrondissement, referred to as "Hôtel de Ville," is named after the Paris City Hall, which is located in this district. The Hôtel de Ville has been the administrative center of Paris since the 14th century.

Panthéon

The 5th arrondissement, called "Panthéon," derives its name from the Panthéon, a neoclassical mausoleum located in this district. Originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, it now serves as a burial place for notable French citizens.

Luxembourg

The 6th arrondissement, known as "Luxembourg," is named after the Luxembourg Palace, which was built in the 17th century for Marie de' Medici, the mother of King Louis XIII. The palace now houses the French Senate.

Palais Bourbon

The 7th arrondissement, referred to as "Palais Bourbon," is named after the Palais Bourbon, which houses the French National Assembly, the lower house of the French Parliament.

Élysée

The 8th arrondissement, called "Élysée," derives its name from the Élysée Palace, which is the official residence of the President of France

Opéra

The 9th arrondissement, known as "Opéra," is named after the Opéra Garnier, a grand opera house located in this district. It was originally called the Salle des Capucines and later renamed the Opéra Garnier in honor of its architect, Charles Garnier.

Entrepôt

The 10th arrondissement, referred to as "Entrepôt," is named after the former Entrepôt de la Villette, a warehouse complex that was once located in this area.

Popincourt

The 11th arrondissement, known as "Popincourt," is named after the former village of Popincourt, which was merged into Paris in the 18th century. The district was historically known for its artisan workshops.

Reuilly

The 12th arrondissement, called "Reuilly," takes its name from the former commune of Reuilly, which was annexed by Paris in the 19th century.

Gobelins

The 13th arrondissement, known as "Gobelins," is named after the Gobelins Manufactory, a famous tapestry factory that was established in this area in the 17th century.

Observatoire

The 14th arrondissement, referred to as "Observatoire," is named after the Paris Observatory, which was founded in this district in the 17th century.

Vaugirard

The 15th arrondissement, called "Vaugirard," takes its name from the former commune of Vaugirard, which was annexed by Paris in the 19th century.

Passy

The 16th arrondissement, known as "Passy," is named after the former village of Passy, which was merged into Paris in the 19th century. It is known for its upscale residential areas.

Batignolles-Monceaux

The 17th arrondissement, referred to as "Batignolles-Monceaux," is named after the former communes of Batignolles and Monceaux, which were merged into Paris in the 19th century.

Buttes-Montmartre

The 18th arrondissement, known as "Buttes-Montmartre," takes its name from the Buttes-Chaumont park and the famous neighborhood of Montmartre, both located within its boundaries.

Buttes-Chaumont

The 19th arrondissement, referred to as "Buttes-Chaumont," is named after the Buttes-Chaumont park, a large public park located in this district.

Ménilmontant

The 20th arrondissement, called "Ménilmontant," is named after the former village of Ménilmontant, which was annexed by Paris in the 19th century.


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