If you are relocating to Paris, you will no doubt be wondering where the best area is for you. Paris is a huge city, covering over 100 square kilometres, 20 arrondissements (administrative districts) and a population over two million. There is, of course, no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of where the best place is for an individual to live. As with all our relocating assignees, the answer is a unique combination of every individual’s needs based on their office location, optimal travel times, neighbourhood preferences, school preferences, budget restrictions and a whole mix of other factors.
If you are relocating with us, your Icon Relocation point of contact will be your best source of advice, and will tailor location recommendations to you based on your exact mix of requirements. The below is, therefore, just a guide on some of the best places to live or rent in Paris for varying basic requirements.
The most vibrant places in Paris
Paris is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene and exciting atmosphere so it is not difficult to find neighbourhoods to live in if you are looking to live among culture. The following areas offer a unique blend of cultural attractions, dining and shopping options, and entertainment venues, making them some of the most exciting places to live in Paris. However, it is worth noting that living in lively and historic areas often comes with a higher rent.
Le Marais — a trendy neighbourhood known for its historical architecture, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés — an upscale neighbourhood known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and iconic cafes.
Bastille — a lively neighbourhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas, known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options.
Canal Saint-Martin — a trendy neighbourhood known for its picturesque canals, stylish cafes, and bohemian atmosphere.
Montmartre — an historic neighbourhood with stunning views of the city, known for its bohemian atmosphere, artistic heritage and vibrant nightlife.
The cheapest places to rent in Paris
Although Paris is one of the most expensive cities to rent in Europe, if you are entirely budget-focused there are some neighbourhoods that are more affordable. These are typically further away from the centre, with longer commute times and potentially higher levels of crime in places. Make sure you do your research and listen to the advice of our relocation team.
La Villette — a neighbourhood located in the 19th arrondissement, known for its parks and cultural institutions.
Saint-Denis — a suburban area located just north of Paris, known for its diverse population and affordable housing.
Pantin — a working-class neighbourhood located in the north-east of Paris, known for its affordable rents and good transportation connections.
Bagnolet — a quiet residential neighbourhood located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, known for its affordable rents and green spaces.
Bobigny — a suburban neighbourhood located in the north-eastern suburbs of Paris, known for its affordable rents and good transportation links to the city centre.
The safest places in Paris
Paris is generally considered to be a safe city. With any city, however, there are areas which have high crime rates, and others with low crime rates. The following is a list of places in Paris which have some of the lowest crime rates. These tend to be more affluent areas, and are therefore also some of the most expensive places to rent in Paris.
16th arrondissement — a wealthy neighbourhood known for its upscale residential areas and parks.
7th arrondissement — a chic neighbourhood known for its historic landmarks and government buildings.
Neuilly-sur-Seine — an affluent suburb located on the western edge of Paris, known for its low crime rates and spacious parks.
Levallois-Perret — a modern suburb located just northwest of Paris, known for its safe residential areas and good transportation links.
Boulogne-Billancourt — an upscale suburb located just west of Paris, known for its low crime rates and excellent transportation links.
Most well-connected places in Paris
Paris has a strong public transportation system which includes the metro, buses and trams to make it easy to get around the city. Naturally, though, there are some areas which are better-connected than others. If transport is a key priority for you, the following areas may be ones to consider for your relocation to Paris.
Châtelet — a central neighbourhood with excellent transportation links, including several metro and RER (regional express network) lines that provide quick access to other parts of the city.
La Défense — a modern business district located on the western edge of Paris, known for its excellent transportation links, including the RER and metro, as well as several major highways.
Opéra — a central neighbourhood known for its historic architecture and shopping, with excellent transportation links, including several metro lines and major bus routes.
Gare de l’Est — a neighbourhood located in the eastern part of Paris, known for its train station and excellent transportation links, including several metro and RER lines.
Gare du Nord — a neighbourhood located in the northern part of Paris, known for its train station and excellent transportation links, including several metro and RER lines, as well as regional trains that connect Paris to other parts of France and Europe.
