ProfileIn many ways, the 4th arrondissement competes with
the 1st Arrondissement for the title of
the most "central" district.
It comprises one of the islands
that sit between the Left and the Right banks (Île St-Louis)
and covers the eastern part of the Île de la Cité.
It is also the home of Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville).
The northern part of the district belongs to the loosely-defined
Marais neighborhood.
The Île Saint-Louis is arguably one of
the most romantic places in the city. It is connected by bridges to both
banks of the Seine as well as to Île de la Cité.
AttractionsIn terms of architectural landmarks, the 4th is certainly one of most
important districts of the city.
Notre Dame de Paris,
Centre Georges Pompidou,
Place des Vosges and
Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) are all located here.
» Our list of selected 4th Arrondissement Attractions
(2) HotelsThere aren't too many hotels in the 4th arrondissement, and most
of them are small establishments, typically under 50 rooms. This is certainly
a plus for those looking for unique charming accomodations, but if you prefer the comfort of a chain hotel, you'll be better off looking elsewhere.
If you stay on the mainland, keep in mind that the Marais is full of
bars and restaurants that stay open late. The neighborhood is quite active
late at night.
If you prefer the peaceful atmosphere of the Île St-Louis, you should look
into the following hotels:
Hôtel du Jeu de Paume (4 stars),
Hôtel de Lutèce (3 stars) or
Hôtel des Deux-Îles (3 stars).
» Our list of selected 4th Arrondissement Hotels
(5) Restaurants» Our list of selected 4th Arrondissement Restaurants
(5) TransitThe mainland portion of the district is well served by public transportation:
several lines of the métro pass through the district, with a handful of stations located here:
Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1,11),
Rambuteau (11),
Bastille (1,8,5),
St-Paul (1),
Pont-Marie (7) and
Sully Morand (7).
The Île Saint-Louis is only accessible on foot or by car. There are no métro stops on the island, but the Pt Marie station is right across the Seine.
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Renzo Piano's name sounds as harmonious and striking as his architectural works. The Italian architect is perhaps best known for his design of the Centre Georges Pompidou, the unmistakable cultural center in the heart of Paris, and thirty years after its construction, Piano uses similar techniques in the new New York Times Building, but to a different end...
