4th Arrondissement of Paris: Best Hotels & Neighborhood Guide

👉 Jump to: Meet the 4th Arrondissement | Best 4th Arrondissement Hotels | Areas | Tips | FAQs

After living in the 8th, 11th, and 3rd arrondissements, I’m happy to call Paris’s 4th arrondissement home! I’ve spent seven years in this arrondissement, and I highly recommend it to visitors.

A lively yet charming area, the 4th is home to everything from historic monuments to cutting-edge art museums. It’s incredibly central without being overwhelming. In short? It’s a great neighborhood for your next Parisian stay!

If you’re looking for a quick summary of where to stay, my favorite hotel in the 4th is the chic Hôtel JOBO. Meanwhile, Hôtel Le Presbytère is a haven with its charm, peaceful rooms, and reasonable rates. And then there’s the Hotel des Deux-Îles, which tends to be more budget-friendly.

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Meet the 4th Arrondissement: Paris’s Most Historic Neighborhood

❤️ Why We Love the 4th: The 4th arrondissement is a cultural and historic powerhouse. Museums and cultural institutions line the streets here. Meanwhile, historical monuments and famous sites are around almost every corner!

The 4th is the perfect mixture of big and small. Sure, you’ll find the enormous Bastille interchange and Notre Dame Cathedral in this area. But you’ll also find charming boutiques and tiny squares, sidewalk cafés and cobblestone passages. 

In the center of Paris, the 4th includes the areas along the Right Bank between (approximately) Châtelet and Bastille. It also includes the oldest parts of the city, Paris’s islands (the Île Saint Louis and most of the Île de la Cité).

This is a great place to stay if you want to mix lesser-known sites with the “classic” things to do in Paris. For example, the moving Shoah memorial is here. But there’s also the whimsical magic museum (Musée de la Magie). Meanwhile, one of Paris’s biggest department stores, BHV, is in the center of the district.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who This Neighborhood Is For: If you want Parisian charm with central access, the 4th arrondissement is for you. From this area, almost every other Paris neighborhood is within walking distance. Meanwhile, you’ll find a mixture of wide boulevards and smaller, charming streets. 

History lovers will love the 4th for its old buildings and important sites. There are sites like the Bastille, home to the Revolution’s famous prison, which is on the eastern edge of the quarter. But you’ll also find many historic plaques. Keep an eye out for the important historic residences, mansions, and even convents in the district.

And if you love the writer Victor Hugo? This is your Parisian neighborhood! You’ll find both his Parisian home as well as Notre Dame Cathedral, where he put his hunchback.

📍 Areas in the 4th: The 4th arrondissement is made up of four quarters. The vibes of each are very different! From the northwest going clockwise, these are: 

• Saint-Merri
• Saint-Gervais
• L’Arsenal
• Notre Dame

🚲 Getting Around the 4th: Like Paris transportation more generally, getting around the 4th is easiest on foot. However, there is excellent access to the subway and buses on the edges. Go to Bastille, Saint-Paul, and Rambuteau for easy connections. As a central place to stay in Paris, the 4th is also a great base to use to walk or bike to other areas of the city.

In short, if you’re charmed by history, boutique hotels, and lots of cobblestones, the 4th is the Parisian district for you!

Best Places to Stay in the 4th Arrondissement

If you’re short on time, these are my top picks:

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hôtel JOBO (Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE), Saint-Gervais
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel Du Jeu De Paume, Notre Dame
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Cour des Vosges, L’Arsenal
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Hotel Dupond-Smith, Saint-Gervais
• 💻 Best for Business – SO/ Paris Hotel, L’Arsenal
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Hôtel Le Presbytère, Saint-Merri
• 💆🏻‍♀️ Best Hotel with Spa – Le Grand Mazarin, Saint-Merri
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Hotel des Deux-Îles, Notre Dame

Because the 4th’s quarters are very different in terms of energy and location, you may want to pick one before you pick a hotel. Here’s what you should know about each quarter of the 4th!

Areas to Stay in the 4th Arrondissement

Though the 4th arrondissement has a rich history throughout, its quarters are unique. Here’s what you should know about each one before deciding where to stay! 

Saint-Merri

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Saint-Merri Hotels: Hôtel Le Presbytère • Le Grand Mazarin

The Saint-Merri district, on the western edge of the 4th, is lively and colorful. It’s home to the Centre Pompidou, Paris’s contemporary art museum. But Saint-Merri also features vibrant nightlife. Bars surround the museum and its plaza. On a warm night, the terraces are excellent sites for people-watching!

You don’t have to be a partier to enjoy Saint-Merri, though. Closer to the river, you’ll find the Tour Saint-Jacques, the remains of a centuries-old church. You’ll also find the town hall, Hôtel de Ville. Holiday decorations and ice skating make this lovely building a great winter destination.

Though the area is bustling, my favorite boutique hotel, Hôtel Le Presbytère, is a haven. It used to be a presbytery, as the name implies! It’s everything that a boutique hotel should be. It has charming, peaceful rooms, a great location, and reasonable rates. 

Pros of Staying in the Saint-Merri Neighborhood:

• Centrally located
• Lots of nightlife choices
• Many, varied amenities 

Cons of Staying in the Saint-Merri Neighborhood:

• Streets can be loud
• Not as much charm as other Marais districts
• Area near the Pompidou is crowded

Saint-Gervais

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best Saint-Gervais Hotels: Hôtel JOBO • Hotel Dupond-Smith

If you’re looking for typical Marais charm, Saint-Gervais is your neighborhood. It has lovely architecture and narrow streets, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Meanwhile, you can check out the art at local museums like the Maison Europénne de la Photographie.

This is also the best quarter for those interested in shopping. Saint-Merri features many chain stores, but you’ll find higher-end shops and unique boutiques in Saint-Gervais.

My favorite hotel in the 4th arrondissement, the Hôtel JOBO (listed as Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE) is also in Saint-Gervais. Named after Napoléon I’s wife, Joséphine, this chic hotel pays homage to the icon in ways big and small. You’ll find everything from her favorite roses and leopard print to images of the black swans she introduced in France! Meanwhile, the salon and courtyard are the perfect place for an intimate breakfast or cocktail.

Pros of Staying in the Saint-Gervais Neighborhood:

• Huge variety of amenities
• Lots of cultural attractions
• Unique boutiques and services 
• Charming streets and hidden parks

Cons of Staying in Saint-Gervais Neighborhood:

• Driving can be difficult and slow
• Public transportation is limited

L’Arsenal

👉 Best Area For History | ✨ Best L’Arsenal Hotels: Cour des Vosges • SO/ Paris Hotel

L’Arsenal quarter is perfect for lovers of history. On the eastern edge of the 4th, it contains everything from Paris’s oldest residential square to the Bastille. For a more typical Marais stay, keep west of the Boulevard Henri IV. To the east of this street, you’ll find fewer amenities.

One of the big benefits when you stay in L’Arsenal is the transportation connections. Bastille is a major hub, connecting you to three subway lines and many buses. Meanwhile, you can access more parts of the city at the Sully-Morland stop. The islands are also easily walkable from here.

The Cour des Vosges hotel gives you a first-hand view of history. Its enormous rooms overlook the Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest residential square. Its impeccable service and gorgeous tea room are particular highlights.

Pros of Staying in the L’Arsenal Neighborhood:

• Wonderful historic buildings
• Fascinating monuments and sites
• Beautiful architecture
• Many art galleries

Cons of Staying in the L’Arsenal Neighborhood:

• The southeastern edge is less well-connected than other parts
• Can be crowded in high seasons

Notre Dame

👉 Best Area For Parisian Views | ✨ Best Notre Dame Hotels: Hotel des Deux-Iles • Hotel Du Jeu De Paume

For top views of Paris, you can’t beat the Notre Dame quarter of the 4th. While the buildings aren’t tall here, many offer river views, as the islands are fairly narrow. The rooftops they look out on are also beautiful. Before it expanded, Paris was once limited to these two islands, making them the oldest section of the official city.

Today, the architecture and layout of the islands is still beautiful. You won’t find tons of amenities or transportation options on them. However, it’s easy to walk to other parts of the 4th from here. You can also walk to the Left Bank from here easily, providing extra benefits!

The islands are very popular with visitors but scarce on lodging. If you plan to rent an apartment here, prepare to pay a bit extra.

Hotels are limited on the islands, but the Hotel des Deux-Iles blows me away. Its vibrant decor and perfect location ensure a charming stay. Meanwhile, its reasonable prices for the area make it my favorite budget pick for the 4th. 

Pros of Staying in the Notre Dame Neighborhood:

• Oldest area of Paris
• Beautiful river views
• Excellent for walking
• Charming architecture and streets

Cons of Staying in Notre Dame Neighborhood:

• Can be crowded in high season
• Streets are small and hard to drive
• Few amenities on the islands themselves

Tips & Things to Know about the 4th Arrondissement

#1 – Leave the Car Behind

It’s hard to drive in almost every part of the 4th arrondissement. If you’re driving into Paris, consider getting a parking space on the edge of the arrondissement, and then walking to your accommodations. Not all streets allow cars. Meanwhile, streets that do allow cars may turn pedestrian-only on certain days. Others are so crowded that any other form of transport is faster. 

If you do plan on having a car, see my guide to driving in Paris.

#2 – Plan to Pay Slightly More

As Paris’s historic center, the 4th arrondissement has drawn visitors for centuries. And visitors are willing to pay for the charm! Food and accommodations can be slightly pricier here than in other comparable districts. 

For similar charm at a lower price point, check out the 3rd arrondissement instead. You can also read my budget guide to Paris.

#3 – Wear Good Walking Shoes

Narrow, uneven streets are the norm in the 4th. These have their charm, but I’ve seen visitors fall more than once. Save dress shoes for when you really need them and go with sneakers for sightseeing. Keep this in mind when you start packing for Paris. 

#4 – Beware of Scams

As an area that draws many travelers, the 4th is also an area where travelers should be on high alert. The area around the Centre Pompidou in Saint-Merri, for example, is known for its scammers. Keep your belongings close, and don’t talk to anyone who approaches you. 

#5 – Keep Your Camera Ready

The 4th arrondissement is full of hidden charm. Be ready to take photos in unexpected places! You can find the most beautiful sites nestled behind huge boulevards. Don’t be afraid to explore–and to capture what you see.

FAQs

Is the 4th arrondissement safe for tourists?

The 4th arrondissement, like Paris overall, is generally safe for tourists. However, it is popular with visitors. This also makes it popular with pickpockets and scammers. Avoid strangers and carry your belongings in a closed, crossbody bag for safety.

Where should I stay in the 4th arrondissement?

The best place to stay in the 4th arrondissement is the Saint-Gervais area. You’ll have good transportation connections and many interesting sites in the area. This also gives you access to the nightlife and amenities of nearby Saint-Merri. Similarly, you’ll be close to the Notre Dame area for pleasant walks.

Is the 4th arrondissement good to stay in?

The 4th arrondissement is excellent to stay in if you’re interested in Paris’s history. It contains the oldest parts of Paris: the islands. It also has numerous historical monuments, including the Bastille. 

What is the 4th arrondissement known for?

The 4th arrondissement is known for its history and its culture. It features museums of all sizes, from the Centre Pompidou to the Musée de la Magie. It is also known for its boutiques, such as those found on the rue Francs-Bourgeois. 

Is the 4th arrondissement expensive?

The 4th arrondissement is fairly expensive to stay in. Both accommodation and restaurants are priced higher here than in most other parts of Paris. However, staying here can be worth it for the charm and easy access to the area’s monuments and the rest of the city.

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Thanks for reading! If you’re curious about why else you might want to stay in the 4th, check out why I think the Marais is the ideal neighborhood for visitors. And for more information to help you plan your trip, take a look at my other Paris guides!