7 Gems of... The 1er Arrondissement in Paris

Paris’ 1st district has some wonderful touristic attractions such as The Louvre and Les Jardins des Tuileries. However, there are even more gems inside this arrondissement that may pique your interest!

1. Angelina

Angelina is a Belle-Époque style tea house and patisserie shop in Paris founded in 1903. It’s most famous creations are the Mont-Blanc and it’s hot chocolate.

Both of those treats are incredibly decadent, and well-worth the price tag & line-up to get in.

If you don’t feel like waiting in line, order take-out, but do be sure to sneak your head into the main room to look at the beautiful interior!

Location:
226 Rue de Rivoli

2. 59 Rivoli

Rivoli 59 is a multi-level gallery and studio space situated in Châtelet that is an oasis for inspiring and established artists alike to showcase and continue to cultivate their work. There is always a new reason to visit this unique and innovative space. Out of the 30 studios available, 15 are permanent, and the other 15 are reserved for 3-6 month residencies.

Best of all, it’s completely free to visit!

Expect to take lot’s of very, very instagram friendly photos!

Location:
59 Rue de Rivoli

3. WHSmith

Although the brand began in the U.K., Paris’ WHSmith is probably the most posh and upscale branch of the chain you will ever find.

The two-story location has an English bookstore + British candy store downstairs, and a Twinning’s tearoom upstairs. The tearoom has an array of British inspired treats (think scones and shortbread) and many, many varieties of tea (N.B. There are gluten-free options).

If you don’t feel like spending money on a Eurostar ticket to London, WHSmith can give you a bit of British flavour in London.

Location
248 Rue de Rivoli

4. Les Colonnes de Buren

Near the Jardins du Palais Royal and La Comédie-Française are the modern and contemporary The Colonnes de Buren/ Les Deux Plateaux. These columns are a fascinatingly divise art work created in 1985 to help conceal the ventilation shafts below. You either love them, or you hate them.

I find them very intriguing amongst the classical columns and architecture of the original 17th century palace. There is certainly no shortage of tourists vying to take arty shots with them most hours of the day. I do suggest arriving either early, or before sunset in order to beat the crowds!

Location:
2 Rue de Montpensier

5. Sainte-Chapelle + La Conciergerie

Sainte-Chapelle is among my top 5 favourite things to visit in Paris. I always feel like I’m entering a dreamworld when I enter this church as the light streaming through it’s 1,113 stained glass windows bask the entire space in a slew of cold-toned colours.

It will astound you that this phenomenal structure only took 7 years to build (at least, that astounded me). It really, really shouldn’t be missed when in the 1st arrondissement (or simply on any trip to Paris).

La Conciergerie is a former prison that housed many famous prisoners, such as Marie-Antoinette and Madame du Barry. Many of its prisoners were sent to the guillotine during the French Revolution. It’s an interesting piece of history that has fascinating descriptions and historical facts throughout.

Location:
8 Boulevard du Palais (Sainte-Chapelle)
2 Boulevard du Palais (La Conciergerie)

6. Musée de l’Orangerie

Situated near the Tuileries Gardens, Le Musée de l’Orangerie is a small impressionist and post-impressionist museum with an impressive selection of art. It features paintings by the likes of many talented artists such as Paul Cézanne, Pierre-August Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Marie Laurencin, Paul Gaugin, Chaïm Soutine, as well as many more.

The real draw of this museum and the reason for which I don’t believe it should be missed are the eight Nymphéas (Water Lilies) paintings by Claude Monet. They are curved and housed in an oval room, which gives the viewer an impression of being surrounded by the flowers.

These photos do not properly express how magnificent and moving it is to be surrounded by Les Nymphéas. If you enjoy impressionist art, this museum should really be on your list!

Location:
Jardin des Tuileries

7. Baguett’s Café

Any of my trips to the Louvre or the Palais Royal were accompanied by a visit to Baguett’s café. With plenty of yummy gluten free options (and vegan and vegetarian ones, as well), I always had a scrumptious breakfast accompanied by a nice cup of coffee.

The place is very cozy, with wooden tables and fairy lights all around. There are tons of sandwiches and desserts that you can take-out to eat while strolling pictroesque side streets.

I highly recommend their muffins and brownies, as well as their hot chocolate. SO MUCH WHIPPED CREAM!

Location:
33 Rue de Richelieu