The 4th arrondissement of Paris is a captivating blend of history, culture, and quintessential Parisian charm. Nestled in the heart of the city, this area offers iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic river views. From exploring monumental sites like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Hôtel de Ville to strolling through charming squares and cultural hubs such as Place des Vosges and Le Marais, the 4th arrondissement promises an unforgettable Parisian experience. Here are 16 must-do activities that capture the spirit and beauty of this historic district.
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ToggleMonuments and Landmarks
1. Notre-Dame Cathedral

📍 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece of Gothic design, stands on Île de la Cité in central Paris. Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, its intricate facade, soaring spires, and famous gargoyles attract millions each year. The cathedral’s interior is equally breathtaking, with grand vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass rose windows that capture light in vibrant colors.
Over the centuries, Notre-Dame has been the site of major historical events, including royal coronations and Napoleon’s crowning as Emperor. While the 2019 fire damaged parts of the structure, the restoration underway continues to honor its legacy, making Notre-Dame a powerful symbol of resilience and an essential stop for history and architecture lovers visiting Paris.
2. Hôtel de Ville de Paris

📍 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris
The Hôtel de Ville de Paris, Paris’s city hall, is a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture located in the heart of the city. Originally built in the 16th century and reconstructed after a fire in the 19th century, it features an elaborate facade adorned with statues of notable Parisians, intricate carvings, and large arched windows.
Inside, the grand halls host official events, receptions, and exhibitions, while the building itself serves as the administrative center of Paris. The square in front, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, often hosts public events, from concerts to seasonal ice rinks, making it a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Its impressive exterior and cultural significance make it a must-see landmark.
3. Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais

📍 13 Rue des Barres, 75004 Paris
Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church, often simply called Église Saint-Gervais, is one of Paris’s oldest parish churches, located just behind the Hôtel de Ville. Its architectural style blends Gothic and Baroque elements, with a striking facade featuring Corinthian columns—one of the first examples of Baroque design in Paris. Inside, the vaulted ceilings, ornate altars, and beautiful stained-glass windows create a serene atmosphere.
Known for its connection to the Couperin family, prominent organists and composers, Saint-Gervais hosts regular organ concerts, making it a cultural as well as historical site. The church’s peaceful ambiance and rich history make it a hidden gem for those exploring the Marais district.
4. Mémorial de la Shoah

📍 17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 75004 Paris
Cultural and Entertainment
5. Centre Pompidou

📍 Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
The Centre Pompidou is a bold icon of modern art and architecture in Paris, instantly recognizable by its colorful exterior of exposed pipes and structural elements. Located in the Marais district, the building houses one of the world’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol.
The center also includes a public library, cinema, and performance spaces, making it a dynamic hub for creativity. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre visible in the distance. With its innovative design and diverse exhibitions, the Centre Pompidou is a must-see for art lovers and anyone interested in cutting-edge architecture.
6. Maison de Victor Hugo

📍6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Maison de Victor Hugo is the former Parisian home of the famous writer, located in the historic Place des Vosges. Now a museum, it offers an intimate glimpse into Hugo’s life and works, showcasing his manuscripts, artwork, and original furnishings. Spread across several rooms, the displays reveal his creativity, political engagement, and personal life, with items like sketches, letters, and rare editions of his novels. Each room is carefully decorated to reflect different periods and aspects of Hugo’s life, from his exile to his return to France. With its preserved interiors and unique artifacts, Maison de Victor Hugo provides a fascinating perspective on one of France’s most celebrated authors in the very space where he once lived and worked.
7. Maison Européenne de la Photographie

📍 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) is a premier photography museum located in Paris’s Marais district. Dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary photography, the MEP hosts rotating exhibitions featuring renowned photographers and emerging talents from around the world. Its collection spans thousands of works, from portraiture to experimental photography, offering a comprehensive view of the medium’s evolution.
The building itself, an elegant 18th-century mansion, provides a beautiful backdrop to the exhibits, with well-lit galleries and intimate spaces for viewing. In addition to exhibitions, the MEP offers a specialized library, workshops, and screenings, making it a vibrant cultural hub. For photography enthusiasts, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie is a must-visit in Paris.
Streets and Squares
8. Le Marais

📍 Le Marais, 75004 Paris
Le Marais is one of Paris’s most historic and trendy neighborhoods, blending old-world charm with a lively cultural scene. Known for its cobblestone streets, elegant mansions, and vibrant atmosphere, Le Marais offers visitors a mix of art galleries, chic boutiques, and a variety of cafés and restaurants.
The area is also home to important landmarks such as the Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest planned square, and the Musée Picasso. With its rich Jewish heritage, Le Marais is filled with historic synagogues and delicious falafel shops. The blend of medieval architecture and modern attractions makes Le Marais a favorite destination for those looking to experience both classic and contemporary Paris in one neighborhood.
9. Place des Vosges

📍 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Place des Vosges is Paris’s oldest planned square and one of its most beautiful, located in the heart of the Marais district. Built in the early 17th century under King Henri IV, it features a perfectly symmetrical design with red-brick facades, arcaded walkways, and lush gardens. The central park, with its well-maintained lawns, fountains, and benches, is a popular spot for relaxation among locals and visitors alike.
Surrounding the square are historic buildings that house art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafés, adding to its lively atmosphere. Place des Vosges is not only a peaceful retreat but also a historic landmark, offering a glimpse into Parisian elegance and architectural heritage.
10. Île de la Cité

📍 Île de la Cité, 75004 Paris
Île de la Cité is the historic heart of Paris, an island in the Seine River known as the birthplace of the medieval city. Home to iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie, this area offers a rich blend of architectural and cultural heritage.
The island’s narrow streets, charming bridges, and tree-lined quays invite visitors to explore its scenic surroundings and uncover centuries of Parisian history. The Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge, connects Île de la Cité to the rest of the city, offering stunning views along the Seine. With its mix of world-famous monuments and quiet spots, Île de la Cité is a must-visit for those interested in the roots of Paris.
11. Île Saint-Louis

📍 Île Saint-Louis, 75004 Paris
Île Saint-Louis is a quaint, picturesque island in the Seine, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Paris. Known for its charming 17th-century architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, the island is home to elegant townhouses, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. Famous for the iconic Berthillon ice cream shop, Île Saint-Louis attracts both locals and visitors seeking a taste of authentic Parisian life.
With small boutiques, art galleries, and views of the Seine along its quiet quays, the island invites leisurely strolls and quiet moments away from the city’s bustle. Connected to Île de la Cité by the Pont Saint-Louis, Île Saint-Louis embodies a timeless charm that feels worlds away from the busy Parisian streets.
12. Place de la Bastille

📍 Place de la Bastille, 75004 Paris
Place de la Bastille is a historic square in Paris, famously known as the site of the Bastille prison, whose storming in 1789 marked the start of the French Revolution. Today, a central column, the Colonne de Juillet, commemorates this revolutionary heritage, standing tall in the middle of the square.
Surrounding Place de la Bastille are bustling cafés, shops, and the modern Opéra Bastille, which hosts world-class opera and ballet performances. The area is lively and dynamic, with markets, street performances, and a vibrant nightlife. Located at the intersection of multiple neighborhoods, Place de la Bastille remains a powerful symbol of French history and a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
13. Quais de Seine

📍 Quais de Seine, 75004 Paris
The Quais de Seine are the picturesque riverbanks along the Seine, offering some of the best views in Paris. Stretching through central Paris, these quays are popular for leisurely walks, picnics, and soaking in iconic sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Eiffel Tower in the distance.
The quays are pedestrian-friendly, with some sections converted into car-free zones, creating peaceful areas for locals and visitors to relax by the water. During warmer months, the annual Paris Plages event transforms sections of the quays with sandy spots, lounge chairs, and outdoor games, giving a beach-like atmosphere. With their scenic beauty and lively vibe, the Quais de Seine are a favorite spot to enjoy the charm of Paris.
14. Saint-Paul District

📍 Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris
The Saint-Paul District in the Marais is a historic and charming area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and unique boutiques. Known for its vintage shops, artisan galleries, and small cafés, Saint-Paul attracts those looking to explore Parisian life beyond the main tourist spots.
The district’s centerpiece, Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, showcases stunning Baroque architecture and stands as a peaceful retreat. Nearby, Village Saint-Paul offers a maze of courtyards filled with antique shops and art studios. With its blend of history, shopping, and a cozy atmosphere, the Saint-Paul District invites visitors to slow down and discover the timeless charm of old Paris.
15. Gardens of Hôtel de Sully

📍 62 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris
The Gardens of Hôtel de Sully are a hidden oasis in the Marais district, tucked behind the grand 17th-century mansion of the same name. These elegant gardens, designed in classic French style, feature manicured lawns, symmetrical paths, and flowerbeds, offering a peaceful retreat from the lively streets nearby.
The garden’s stone archways and sculpted greenery create an atmosphere of old-world charm, while benches provide spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Visitors can also admire the architecture of the Hôtel de Sully, with its ornate facade and detailed stonework. Connected to Place des Vosges through a small passage, the gardens make for a perfect, quiet stop when exploring the Marais.
16. Village Saint-Paul

📍 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris
Village Saint-Paul is a charming hidden corner of the Marais, known for its cobbled courtyards, historic architecture, and collection of unique antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. This quaint area, set within interconnected courtyards and alleys, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Paris.
With a mix of vintage stores, artisan workshops, and small cafés, Village Saint-Paul invites visitors to leisurely explore and discover one-of-a-kind finds. The area’s history dates back to the 13th century, giving it an old-world charm that feels timeless. Tucked between the Seine and Rue Saint-Antoine, Village Saint-Paul is a favorite for locals and visitors looking to experience an authentic slice of Parisian culture.
How to get to the 4th Arrondissement of Paris?

Getting to the 4th arrondissement of Paris is easy, as it’s centrally located and well-connected by public transportation.
By Metro
- Lines 1, 4, 7, and 11: Several stations serve the area, including:
- Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11), ideal for reaching the Marais, Place des Vosges, and Hôtel de Ville.
- Saint-Paul (Line 1), perfect for the Saint-Paul district, Village Saint-Paul, and Place des Vosges.
- Pont Marie (Line 7), convenient for exploring Île Saint-Louis and the Seine riverbanks.
- Cité (Line 4), a quick walk to Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité.
By RER
- Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B and C): Just across the Seine, offering easy access to Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité in minutes.
By Bus
- Numerous bus lines cross the 4th arrondissement, including lines 67, 69, 72, 76, and 96.
By Bicycle or Walking
- Vélib’ bike stations are plentiful, allowing you to explore the Marais and nearby attractions on two wheels.
- The area is highly walkable, especially for exploring the narrow streets of the Marais, the islands, and scenic Seine riverbanks.
With these options, getting to and around the 4th arrondissement is straightforward and flexible for every type of visitor.
Where to stay in the 4th Arrondissement of Paris?

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4th arrondissement known for?
The 4th arrondissement is famous for its historic sites, vibrant Marais district, and landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place des Vosges, and Hôtel de Ville.
What are the best things to do in the 4th arrondissement?
Popular activities include exploring the Marais district, visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral, strolling through Place des Vosges, discovering the art at Centre Pompidou, and relaxing along the Seine.
Is the 4th arrondissement a good place to stay in Paris?
Yes, with its central location, lively atmosphere, and mix of historic and cultural attractions, the 4th arrondissement is a fantastic area for visitors looking to experience authentic Paris.
What is Le Marais, and is it part of the 4th arrondissement?
Yes, Le Marais is partly located in the 4th arrondissement. Known for its narrow medieval streets, trendy shops, galleries, and rich Jewish heritage, it’s a popular and historic neighborhood.
Is the 4th arrondissement safe for tourists?
Yes, the 4th arrondissement is generally safe and popular with both locals and visitors. However, as in any city, it’s wise to remain aware of your belongings.