24 Things To Do & Places to See in Chatelet (Paris)

In recent years, thanks to its central location and many activities, Châtelet – les Halles has established itself as one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Paris. Here are a few ideas about what to do and places to see in the area.

But first, let’s pinpoint our destinations on a map:

 

Place du Châtelet

This emblematic tree-lined square is a bustling crossing point in the capital.

Every day, many pedestrians hurriedly cross paths before the beautiful Palm Tree Fountain at its center, under the stony gaze of the four sphinxes carved into its basin.

Still, the more eye-catching sight remains the fountain’s towering central column and the angel who stands proudly atop it, 22m above the ground.

We love: 

• The splendid Palm Tree Fountain and its eye-catching column.
• The shaded square.

 

Westfield Forum des Halles – Mall

101 Porte Berger, 75001 Paris

 

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Westfield Forum des Halles is one of the most emblematic malls in the capital, housing more than 150 retailers. There is something for everyone here.

More than a simple shopping center, with its various movie theaters, dining spots, and terraces, it is a hub of activities full of entertainment opportunities.

 We love: 

• There is an impressive glass canopy suspended above the mall.
• The Multiplex.

Read more here

 

Nelson Mandela Garden

All. Jules Supervielle, 75001 Paris

The Nelson Mandela Garden is a little green oasis above Forum des Halles.

Its vast lawns provide a soothing touch of greenery amid the neighborhood’s urban bustle.

The place is also kid-friendly, with plenty of playgrounds and activities for children.

It even features ping-pong tables!

We love:

• The charming music pavilion
• The beloved adventure playground

 

Châtelet Theater

2 Rue Edouard Colonne, 75001 Paris

This prestigious theater is renowned for its remarkable architecture and eclectic programming, ranging from opera to dance or musical theater.

With its refined premises, the Châtelet Theater offers a unique cultural experience. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed!

We love: 

• The excellent programming
• The splendid gilded façade of the theater adds to its mystique

Read more here

 

Pompidou Center

Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris

With its innovative and modern design, the Pompidou Center stands out. You can hardly miss the web of multicolored pipes making up its façade.

Home to the National Museum of Modern Art, the center contains an extensive collection of 20th-century artwork.

If you plan to visit the place for the first time, all the necessary information is in this guide.

We love: 

• The stunning view over Paris from the gigantic escalator
• The vast collection of more than 7,000 works

Information and booking

 

Saint-Jacques Tower and Square

Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, 75004 Paris

Nestled at the feet of the gothic marvel that is Saint-Jacques Tower, this beautiful square dotted with benches and shaded spots is the perfect place to be in case of high temperatures.

A true urban oasis!

The icing on the cake: from mid-May to mid-November, visitors can enjoy an exceptional view of the neighborhood from the top of the tower.

We love:

• The picturesque Saint-Jacques Tower with its 54 meters.
• The pretty and perfectly maintained flower beds

 

Rue Montorgueil

Rue Montorgueil is one of Châtelet’s most famous and lively streets.

This pedestrian street comes alive every morning to the sound of bustling cafés, bakeries, bars, and restaurants. In short, things never slow down here!

Montorgueil is also a market street full of thrift stores and clothes retailers, making it an unmissable stop for fashionistas in the neighborhood.

We love: 

• The provincial charm of the cobblestone streets
• The always welcoming atmosphere

 

The Grand-Cerf Arcade

145 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris

Welcome to the “Passage du Grand Cerf.” With its ten-meter-high ceiling and stately 19th-century architecture, it is one of the most picturesque shopping arcades in the capital.

It is a welcoming place, best known for its charming stores, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to interior design and artisanal crafts outlets.

We love:

• The immense glass ceiling and the flood of light that pours from it.
• Le Pas Sage: The restaurant cleverly tucked in the passage.

 

Protocole Hawaï – Escape Game

15 rue Quincampoix, 75004 Paris

Did you always dream of entering the CIA or the MI5?

The Prizoners escape room awaits you in Châtelet-les-Halles for a 1h10 game session centered on spycraft. Groups of four to six only.

Your adventure begins with a staple of the genre. A man gives you a mission and leaves a mysterious briefcase in your care.

Now, you have to escape this room. It’s time to be a spy! 

We love:

• The highly detailed scenario for a unique gaming experience
• The retro sets and the ultra-immersive atmosphere

Information and booking. (French website).

 

Bourse du Commerce – Collection Pinault Museum

 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris

The old building of the Bourse du Commerce has become an emblematic part of the neighborhood since its transformation into a cultural exhibition center.

Around 10,000 artworks from the Pinault Collection are displayed there, with many other modern art pieces.

The place is also renowned for its beautiful architecture, notably the glass dome capping the building.

We love:

• The splendor of the place
• The extensive art collection

Read more here

 

Saint-Eustache Church

2 Imp. Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris

This gothic church is an architectural marvel that distinguishes itself with its arresting façade and sumptuous halls.

Inside, visitors flock to admire the superb stained-glass windows. They also enjoy the excellent acoustics, so valuable for the various concerts and musical events regularly hosted there.

In short, Saint-Eustache Church is a one-of-a-kind cultural landmark sure to delight visitors.

We love: 

• The imposing organ overlooking the interior hall
• The regular choral and philharmonic concerts hosted here

Read more here (French website)

 

Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond

24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001 Paris

 

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This classic French Bistro in the center of Les Halles is very popular with the locals.

What is a “bouillon”? It’s pretty simple: a budget-friendly restaurant serving traditional dishes.

So, you know where to go if you want to eat a genuine Burgundy beef stew for €10,50 or a € 4,50 “tarte tatin” (a caramelized apple pie cooked upside down).

The old-school design also gives it quite a unique atmosphere.

We love:

• The affordable prices
• The variety of dishes offered.

Instagram

 

Le Carlie

177 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris

 

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Une publication partagée par Le Carlie (@le_carlie)

Care for a drink in one of the neighborhood’s best bars to end the day on a high note?

Go to the Carlie and taste their delicious homemade appetizer boards and generous cocktails (starting from €8).

Heads up: The Happy Hour runs from 4 p.m. to midnight, with beer costing only €5.

If you are looking for other stylish watering holes in the area, look at this article.

We love: 

• The variety of the ingredients in the appetizer boards.
• The Happy hour runs all evening from 4 p.m.

Read more here (French website)

 

The Bustling Rue Saint-Denis

 

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When passers-by enter this long pedestrian street steeped in history near Chatelet, they follow the path France’s kings took during ceremonial events.

Perfect for leisure strolls, this narrow street (which widens near Place du Châtelet) is also a hub of activities.

Everything can be found here, from dining spots, cafés, clubs, and theaters to tattoo parlors and sex shops.

We love: 

• The impressive arch of Porte-Saint Denis at the end of the street.
• The unique atmosphere and the cosmopolitan side of this street.

 

Paris’s Bouquinistes

There is plenty to discover in this vast open-air bookstore.

Hundreds of stalls filled with books stretch along more than 3 km on both sides of the Seine.

This treasure trove of books has more than 300,000 second-hand volumes.

We love: 

• The wide selection of books and magazines
• The quirky atmosphere

 

Saint-Merri Church

76 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris

If there’s one thing to see in the neighborhood, it’s Saint-Merri Church’s façade and the playful gargoyles hanging from it.

This charming church hosts unique and compelling concerts and exhibitions all year long. Give it a try!

We love :

• The Church’s weekly piano and flute recitals.
• The unique atmosphere

Read more here (French website.)

 

59 Rivoli

59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

A stone’s throw from Place du Châtelet, this versatile cultural center is an all-in-one creative space serving as a workshop, an art gallery, and a concert hall.

It is a true temple of street art characterized by a vibrant urban style drawing from many sources of inspiration.

We love:

• The free admission
• The workshop’s many colored rooms, perfect for taking some pictures.

Read more here (French website)

 

La Samaritaine

9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris

A five-minute walk from Place du Châtelet, this department store is a must-see destination, if only for the Art-Nouveau design of the building’s façade.

With its fashion boutiques and perfumeries, this iconic venue embodies Parisian luxury.

It is also a perfect stopover to discover a part of the capital’s history.

We love:

• The impressive glass roof overlooking the stores
• The open-access photo studio. Ideal for a keepsake.

Read more here

 

Restaurant Dans le Noir

51 R. Quincampoix, 75004 Paris

 

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Une publication partagée par Dans le Noir ? (@danslenoirgroup)

How about treating yourself to a gourmet meal in total darkness?

That’s precisely what the restaurant Dans le Noir offers, just a five-minute walk from the Châtelet – Les Halles metro exit.

Are you ready to eat without relying on your sight but on your other senses for the duration of a meal?

This unique dinner has everything to ensure you an unforgettable evening.

We love:

• The unique experience of being plunged into the dark.
• The very attentive service from the blind or partially sighted servers.

Information and booking

 

Glacier Bachir

58 Rue Rambuteau, 75003 Paris

 

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Get a taste of the surprising but delicious flavor of this traditional Lebanese ice cream topped with pistachio. 

The cherry on top: its stretchy and creamy texture makes it the perfect snack for sunny afternoons.

We love:

• The traditional recipe, 100% organic
• The unique texture

More to read (French website)

 

Bubbolitas Paris

17 R. Quincampoix, 75004 Paris

 

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Head to Bubbolitas Paris, a 5-minute walk from Châtelet – Les Halles metro station, for a refreshing afternoon snack break.

There is something for everyone here: bubble teas, milkshakes, or smoothies.

We love

• The delicious pastries as side dishes
• The place offers the possibility to customize your drink, choosing the quantity of ice, bubbles, and sugar levels.

Information and booking. (French website).

 

BAM Karaoke Box Sentier

50 rue d’Aboukir, 75002 Paris

Fancy a karaoke night? Bam Karaoke Box Sentier has a soundproof room ready for you. Be ready to belt out your favorite hits!

The place is a 10-minute walk from the Châtelet – Les Halles metro station.

Come with your friends or family to discover the futuristic look of their rooms.

Book one to share an unforgettable moment in private with your loved ones.

We love: 

• The Asian-style karaoke right in the heart of Paris
• The bar has a wide selection of cocktails and appetizers
• The unique decor is perfect for taking some keepsake photos

Information and booking (French website)

 

Le Louchebem

10 Rue des Prouvaires, 75001 Paris

 

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Une publication partagée par LE LOUCHEBEM (@louchebemofficiel)

Attention meat lovers: this historical brasserie near Châtelet – Les Halles was made for you.

Indulge in an all-you-can-eat roaster’s plate with hip beef, lamb leg, and roasted ham.

We love:

• The delicious vegetable side dish
• The wide variety of meats

Information and booking. (French website)

 

McBrides Irish Pub

54 Rue Saint-Denis, 75001 Paris

 

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Une publication partagée par McBrides (@mcbrides_paris)

McBrides is the must-see Irish pub in the neighborhood.

So, if you’re looking for a genuinely unique watering hole, look no further.

Drop by McBrides to enjoy a traditional beer and have a good time with your friends right in the heart of the Halles district.

We love:

• The homey feeling of the place and its warm and festive atmosphere.
• The bar’s regularly hosted themed nights and quizzes.

Information and booking. (French website).