Find your new life
Paris, with its cultural and architectural diversity, offers unique neighborhoods that adapt to all lifestyles, and all budgets. From the elegance of the Faubourg du Roule to the bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre, from the effervescence of the Marais to the peaceful neighborhood life of the fifteenth or sixteenth, each arrondissement has its own character, its own style... and its own prizes!
Here is an overview of the best neighborhoods to live in Paris.
Le Marais, located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is one of the most historic districts of Paris. Known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries and trendy boutiques, it is a popular place to live for culture and history lovers. The Marais is also renowned for its mansions, museums (such as the Picasso Museum), and its dynamic atmosphere.
Living in the Marais means being in the heart of the city, culture and entertainment. Close to Châtelet, it is one of the best served places in the capital. The area is full of life, restaurants and bars, shops, delicatessens, and all the latest trends.
This also means that the neighborhood is often full, especially on weekends, and quite noisy! You have to love the crowds and the effervescence to appreciate all its aspects!
An emblematic hill, an artist's landmark, bohemian and picturesque, Montmartre is one of the most famous districts of Paris. Its narrow streets, its colorful houses, witnesses to the passage of the greatest artists of the 20th century, continue to seduce anyone who comes to walk there, along the steep streets, endless staircases, up to the panoramic view of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Montmartre has an undeniable charm, and the real estate offer is special: the apartments are often charming, with small terraces, balconies, or large bay windows like painters' studios.
Montmartre is also a tourist hotspot and, from one street to another, we can find ourselves drowning among groups of visitors!
The Latin Quarter, located in the 5th arrondissement, is the intellectual and academic heart of Paris. With its many bookstores, universities (such as the Sorbonne) and art cinemas, the district is mainly frequented by students, professors, and those looking for a lively atmosphere.
It's a lively, charming neighborhood, with apartments that are often old but full of history.
Located in the 10th and 11th arrondissements, the Canal Saint-Martin district has become one of the trendiest places in Paris. With its independent cafes, bars and shops, it attracts a young and creative population. The perpendicular streets are full of trendy restaurants and trendy bars.
At weekends, the pedestrian banks offer a pleasant setting for walking or cycling, a walk that goes very high, along the Canal de l'Ourcq, from the Parc de la Villette to Pantin and beyond! Be careful, however, these same banks are a very popular place to stay in the summer, especially for those who like to have a drink by the water. The neighborhood can then quickly become noisy. Choosing an apartment in a street parallel to the canal will appeal more to those looking for a little calm.
Less known than Montmartre, the 15th arrondissement has also been a great gathering point for artists and intellectuals! Located in the southwest of Paris, the 15th is one of the largest arrondissements, but also, today, one of the most residential in the capital. Divided into several districts, including Vaugirard, Grenelle and Commerce, this arrondissement attracts families and young couples thanks to its tranquility, its parks, and its proximity to the Seine.
The area offers a lively neighbourhood life, with many shops, markets and schools, while remaining relatively quiet.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and more generally the 6th arrondissement, are chic, elegant, and expensive districts. Famous for its historic cafés (Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots) where philosophers and writers used to meet, Saint-Germain-des-Prés now attracts a posh and cosmopolitan population. French and wealthy internationals find an exceptional, quiet and magnificent living environment, in the heart of the city.
It is also close to the Luxembourg Gardens and offers a very privileged living environment. The apartments, often majestic, are particularly expensive.
The 16th arrondissement is synonymous with calm, greenery and prestige. Very residential, it attracts families and expatriates looking for tranquility and security. Its wide, tree-lined avenues, Haussmannian buildings, and green spaces (such as the Bois de Boulogne) offer a remarkable quality of life.
Very vast, the arrondissement has different atmospheres: a shopping area, where Parisians flock on weekends, very quiet sloping streets, leading to pretty views of the city, art deco and art nouveau buildings, superb jewels that contrast with the Haussmanian sobriety, large green spaces, perfect for outdoor activities...
A very beautiful arrondissement, at the price of a very high square meter and a rather expensive life!
The bottom of the 14th arrondissement, around the Parc Montsouris is a peaceful and green area where, to the greatest of surprises, there are many townhouses! The Parc Montsouris, one of the largest parks in Paris, offers a pleasant living environment for families, students and retirees. The Cité Universitaire, located just below, welcomes many international students, giving a cosmopolitan atmosphere to the district. This area is appreciated for its large avenues, its luxury buildings, and its green spaces while remaining close to the effervescence of the capital thanks to the line RER B.
Direction the north-east of the city, with the 19th and 20th arrondissements which, long forgotten, are experiencing a real revival of interest. The 19th is a cosmopolitan, diverse and lively district, which has two key places in Paris: the Parc de la Villette, with, among others, the Cité des Sciences and the Philharmonie de Paris, and the Buttes Chaumont park, by far one of the most beautiful green spaces in the capital.
With a lively neighbourhood life, a friendly atmosphere and real local shops, the 19th century is an ideal neighbourhood for families and young professionals looking for more affordable housing.
A multicultural and rapidly transforming district, Belleville attracts a young and family-friendly population. With its many restaurants, markets and galleries, there is a village atmosphere, a lot of conviviality, without losing dynamism! While the 20th is much more popular than the 15th or 16th, it's a great neighborhood for those looking for an alternative vibe at more affordable prices.
Neuilly, located just west of Paris, is one of the most desirable and chic neighborhoods in the Paris region. This residential area is renowned for its wide tree-lined avenues, its private mansions, its direct proximity to the Parc de Boulogne and its luxury buildings. Both quiet and elegant, Neuilly offers an exceptional living environment just a few minutes from the heart of Paris.
Living in Neuilly means enjoying a peaceful environment while being close to amenities. The area is home to many high-end shops, fine restaurants, and local markets, offering a village atmosphere just a stone's throw from the capital. In addition, its proximity to La Défense makes it a prime location for professionals.
However, this exceptional living environment comes at a cost. Neuilly-sur-Seine is one of the most expensive districts in Île-de-France. Plus, its rather residential vibe may lack animation for those looking for a vibrant nightlife.
Located west of Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt is one of the most popular cities in the inner suburbs. Close to the Bois de Boulogne and La Défense, this area is particularly popular with families and professionals looking for peace and quiet without sacrificing proximity to the capital. Boulogne offers a green living environment, with many parks, schools, and sports facilities, as well as a dynamic economic fabric.
To the east of Paris, Vincennes is a town that combines the charm of a small town with direct access to the capital thanks to metro line 1. The Bois de Vincennes, one of the largest green spaces in the Paris region, offers a real oasis of greenery to the inhabitants.
The town centre, with its cobbled streets, markets and shops, gives Vincennes a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. It is a district appreciated by families and those looking for a balanced living environment, with schools and quality services.
Whether you're drawn to the cultural effervescence of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the bohemian charm of Montmartre or the tranquility of 16th arrondissement, Paris offers a diversity of lifestyles to suit all expectations. The choice of a neighborhood will depend on your priorities: proximity to the city center, residential atmosphere, dynamism or real estate price. In any case, each arrondissement has its own identity, allowing everyone to find their corner of paradise in the City of Light.
