Definition: An arrondissement is a city district. Some major cities in France, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille, are divided into several administrative districts, or arrondissements. Paris has a total of 20 arrondissements, which start at the center of the city and spiral out counterclockwise. The 1st through fourth arrondissements make up the historic center of the city, while the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements are found at the western and eastern borders of the city.
Read all about what to see and do in each of Paris' arrondissements here.
Also see About.com French Guide Laura K. Lawless' explanation and pronunciation help for "arrondissement" by clicking here.
Pronunciation: [arɔ̃dismɑ̃] (ah-rohn-dees-mawn)Audio Link
Also Known As: (In French): "quartier" (but note: some "quartiers" take up more than one "arrondissement", and vice-versa).
