Skip to Content

Paris 4th Arrondissement: Modern Art and Stylish Shops

Located on the right bank, the 4th arrondissement is known for areas and sites such as Hôtel-de-Ville (Paris’ city hall), Place des Vosges, the Centre Pompidou (Paris’ premier modern art center), and the southern section of the Marais district. In terms of ambiance, the 4th arrondissement is popular because of its quaint streets, cafés, and specialty shops. Because of its desirable location and Parisian charm, lodging in this area can be quite expensive.

Metro stops
The most commonly used metro stops in the 4th arrondissement are
Hôtel de Ville, Cité, St. Paul and Rambuteau.

What to do in the 4th Arrondissement in Paris

The 4th arrondissement is comprised of two of Paris’ most fascinating and beautiful neighborhoods: Beaubourg and the Marais. Both are great places to take a stroll, window shop, and stop for a bite to eat at a traditional Parisian café.

Known for its charming streets, eclectic boutiques, trendy restaurants (with lots of outside seating), and historic fountains, Beaubourg constantly teems with activity. The Marais is the oldest neighborhood in Paris and is known for its large Jewish and gay populations. Here you will find some of the oldest architecture in the city and loads of upscale shops and eateries. While you’re in the Marais, be sure to visit the famous Place des Vosges, the oldest public square in Paris. The layout of the square, fountains and surrounding architecture is indicative of the early 17th century French style.

The 4th arrondissement is home to the world renown Centre Pompidou . More than just a contemporary art museum, the Pompidou is a performance house and research facility. At the very least, stop by and gaze upon its impressive architecture or enjoy a meal at Chez Georges, the restaurant on the top floor of the museum (which offers great views of the city).

Centre Pompidou
Place Georges Pompidou, Metro: Rambuteau, Hôtel-de-Ville or Les Halles.
Tel: 33 (0)144 78 12 33

Where to shop in the 4th Arrondissement

The 4th arrondissement is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. The Marais is home to a variety  of specialty shops, upscale home goods, jewelry and clothing stores (including some excellent clothing boutiques for men). Papier Plus, for example,  is a lovely shop that only sells stationery, including custom work. The Red Wheelbarrel is a well-known English language bookstore specializing in rare and hard to find literary gems.

The Beaubourg neighborhood is known for its less expensive, eclectic shops (jewelry, clothing, home décor, etc.). There are also a number of souvenir shops in this area. Though it’s technically located in the 1st Arrondissement, Forum les Halles shopping structure is directly adjacent to Beaubourg. Open daily from 9am to 7pm, Les Halles is one of Paris’ largest shopping centers. Filled mostly with clothing, electronics and accessories shops, movies and fast-food restaurants, les Halles attracts a younger crowd (teens and twenty-somethings).

Where to Stay in the 4th Arrondissement

4-star Hotels

Hotel Villa Mazarin
Housed in a prestigious 1850’s Haussmann building, the Villa Mazarin is unique in its neo-imperial style, ambiance and warm welcome. You will enjoy the warm colors, superb black and white stone bathrooms, fine art in every room, air conditioning and large rooms. This is the first 4-star hotel  in Paris to be completely non-smoking. Facing the glorious Renaissance Hôtel de Ville and BHV, the famous “Bazaar” where shopping is an adventure, you are just a few steps away from cafés, terraces, chic boutiques and bars. This is a great central Paris hotel.

3-Star Hotels

Hotel de Lutece

23 rooms
Located on the Ile Ste. Louis, near Notre Dame, this mansion turned hotel is charming and traditional. Renovated in 2006, this 3-Star Paris hotel has all the modern conveniences including air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The lobby is warmed by a lovely fireplace complimented by wood and stone walls. Rooms on the upper floors are more romantic and cozy (smaller) The sister hotel, Des Deux Iles, is not quite on the level as the Lutece.
65 rue Saint Louis-en-l’ile
4th Arr
Tel: 33 1 43 26 23 52
Metro: Pont-Marie
Average Price : €170

Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais
18 rooms
Aristocratic 18th century style emanates from this delightful 3-star Paris hotel named for the author of The Marriage of Figaro. This hotel furnishes terry robes and fresh flowers in all guest rooms. Period décor includes upholstered walls, reproduction wallpapers and antique bathroom mirrors. First-edition copies of Caron de Beaumarchais’ books are displayed in the lobby and other public spaces of the hotel. Each room has soundproofing, a flat screened TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and hairdryers. You will love this hotel in Paris Marais!
12 rue Vieille du Temple
4th Arr
Tel: 01 42 72 34 12
Metro: Hotel de Ville
Average Price : €154

 

Budget Hotels in the 4th Arrondissement

Grand Hotel Jeanne D’Arc
This is a charming, Paris discount hotel. It is located around the corner from a beautiful square with good restaurants nearby. This is a budget hotel that we can thoroughly recommend. Great area and a cute little hotel.
3 rue de Jarente
4th ARR
Metro: Saint-Paul
Tel: 01 48 87 62 11
Average price for a double room: €92

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Paris Arrondissements: Where to Stay

Tuesday 22nd of July 2014

[…] The 4th Arrondissement is at the heart of Medieval Paris. Many prominent tourist sites such as Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, and the National Museum of Art in the Pompidou Center are all here. The Marais spills into the 4e arr. and contains the Place des Vosges, known as the most beautiful square in Europe. More information on the 4th Arrondissement […]

Follow Your Nose to These Food Streets in Paris | EuropeUpClose.com

Sunday 17th of February 2013

[...] des Rosiers, 4th Arrondissement [...]

Comments are closed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Europe Up Close

Share your love for Europe!

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!