Paris’s Eclectic 9th Arrondissement

Located on the Right Bank, the eclectic 9th Arrondissement includes the Grands Boulevards shopping area, the affluent neighborhood located near the Palais Garnier Opera House (in fact, the 9th arrondissement is often called Opéra), and, to the north, the infamously seedy Pigalle district (a red light /cheap shopping area).

Metro stops:
Barbès-Rochechouart, Grands Boulevards and Pigalle are the largest and mostly commonly used metro stops in the 9th arrondissement.

What to do in Paris’s 9th Arrondissement

It’s easy to spend an entire day strolling and window-shopping (or picking up a few souvenirs) along the Grands Boulevards, home to some of the best boutiques and department stores in Paris. Check out the Galeries-Lafayette and Printemps (see below), two of Paris’s largest department stores along the Boulevard Haussmann. Other notable sites include:

Palais Garnier
Paris’s oldest opera house is the Palais Garnier, the perfect example of opulent neo-Baroque architecture. Whether or not you decide to take in a performance by the Paris Opera Company or Paris Ballet, you should at least take a peek at this amazing building.

Musee Grevin
Musée Grevin, an impressive wax museum provides visitors with the opportunity to “meet” such celebrities as Céline Dion, Monica Bellucci and Tony Parker (to name just a few!).

Fragonard Perfume Museum
Located in a Napoleonic-era mansion, the Musée du Parfum Fragonard is full of paraphernalia related to perfume fabrication and culture—and admission is free!

Where to shop in Paris’s 9th Arrondissement

The 9th arrondissement is one of the best-known shopping districts in Paris. If you’re a shopping fanatic, I suggest reserving an entire day for the Grands Boulevards. You can start with the two large department stores, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, and (if you still have energy when you’re done) then peek in some of the smaller shops located in this area.

Printemps
Printemps is one of Paris’s oldest and premier department stores. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, Printemps is the perfect example of elegant Art Nouveau architecture. The “coupole” (large glass dome) on the top was constructed in the 1930s for the World Exhibition.
64, Blvd. Haussmann
Metro: Chaussée d’Antin, Opéra, or Trinité

Galeries-Lafayette
Also located on the Boulevard Haussman, the luxurious Galeries- Lafayette (a great example of Belle Epoque architecture) carries a variety of products, including the latest trends in jewelry and accessories and home furnishings. Make sure you head downstairs to the gourmet food market, Lafayette Gourmet.
40, Blvd. Haussmann
Metro: Chaussée d’Antin, Opéra, or Trinité

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com