Paris Opéra (9ème)

The 9th arrondissement is (surprise, surprise) best known for the Opéra National Garnier, a magnificent structure steeped in history that is difficult to top in terms of architectural triumph and OCD attention to detail. While the Opéra National is the 9ème's crown jewel, the area is more aptly characterized by a juxtaposition of opposing worlds. One of Paris's chic shopping districts on the Grands Boulevards and the anything-but-classy Pigalle, encompassing the red light district and a sickening amount of shops catering to tourists. A residential neighborhood is just a stone's throw away, with the St. Georges Metro at its center, as is the beautiful Moreau Museum, is housed in the famous painter's former home. A couple days in the Opéra will probably leave you thinking that it's among the most bizarre city neighborhoods in the world. One comes to learn that the comfortable co-existence of opposing worlds is très French.

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