Areas and suburbs in Paris

The best places to live in Paris

Choosing an area in the best places to live in Paris is one of the most difficult parts of your expat housing search. This can be a stressful process, but if you’re persistent, you’ll find that there are plenty of options available to suit nearly every taste and budget.

Paris is made up of 20 neighbourhoods or arrondissements that spiral out in a snail-shell pattern from the Île de la Cité, the city’s historic centre. Parisians routinely refer to the arrondissement numbers, so you should familiarise yourself with these.

Before spending time searching for accommodation, it’s important that you consider exactly what you want from your Parisian neighbourhood, as the housing available in each arrondissement can differ tremendously.

Renting Accommodation in Paris 

City living in Paris

City living in Paris appeals to young professionals or those who move to the capital for a short period. They often choose to make the most of their time by finding accommodation in central areas. The advantage of living close to the city centre is that you can be close to major attractions and entertainment venues, and also avoid a long commute to work. The downside of living in these sought-after parts is that accommodation is rather costly, small and not always easy to find. These are some of the most popular neighbourhoods for expats.

Paris Islands: Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis (1st and 4th arrondissements)

The Paris Islands serve as the epicentre of Paris, with the 4th arrondissement being home to the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral, which reopened in December 2024 after extensive restoration following the 2019 fire. The lifestyle in these neighbourhoods is more laidback and less prone to the hustle and bustle characteristic of the rest of Paris. A lot of older people live here, attracted by the peacefulness and picturesque scenery along the Seine. Prices may be high, but it’s often worth the expense.

Bourse (2nd arrondissement)

The Bourse district, widely thought of as the financial district, offers good value for money in central Paris. Prices for apartments are reasonable, and it’s less touristy than other areas, but it’s still busy and crowded with workers travelling back and forth during peak hours. The 2nd arrondissement boasts plenty of stacked buildings, meaning more top-floor apartments and fantastic views over the city.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a little gem on the left bank of the Seine, is home to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. Apartments here are expensive due to their central location, views of the river, parks, famous cafés, and proximity to the popular 7th arrondissement. Haussmann-style architecture reigns in the district, whereas quirkier apartments can be found in the Germain area.

Suburban life in Paris

Suburban life in Paris offers a quieter pace and a more authentic Parisian experience. You’ll find a greater range of suburban accommodation options that are more spacious and generally better value for money. Areas further away from the city centre also tend to be more suitable for families because of the proximity to schools and outdoor spaces. Luckily, if you choose to live in the suburbs, you won’t need to miss out on the fun of city living. Paris’s excellent transport network lets you reach all the facilities and attractions on offer quickly and easily.

Getting Around in Paris

9th arrondissement

The 9th arrondissement isn’t full of the typical tourist attractions, but gives you a real insight into Parisian life. It may not be as charming as other parts of the city, but there’s a good choice of apartments in this residential area. With the Opera and the Galeries-Lafayette department shop on one end, and the edge of Montmartre on the other, this neighbourhood is a great base when it comes to exploring Paris. The 9th is becoming increasingly popular with young professionals and creative types. The area is also home to authentic Parisian cafés and bars, so you won’t need to travel too far for entertainment.

Bastille (11th arrondissement)

Bastille in the 11th arrondissement is a lively area that offers a bit of everything. The Place de la République and the Bastille are to the east, joined by the tree-lined Boulevard Richard Lenoir, which offers a large market and numerous children’s parks. The more prestigious apartments are found to the west of the district. Prices around the Bastille area are on the high side, due to its popularity. To the east, apartments are more affordable. The area has become a magnet for young expats drawn to its energetic nightlife and diverse dining scene.

Passy (16th arrondissement)

Passy in the 16th arrondissement, with its Haussmann-style apartments, peaceful streets and wonderful parks, is extremely popular with families. The district boasts one of the city’s largest green spaces, known as Bois de Boulogne, and the Jardins du Trocadero with its beautiful gardens, just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. 

Expat parents may be particularly attracted to the highly regarded international schools in the Passy area, which include the International School of Paris (with three state-of-the-art campuses), the Marymount International School, Svenska Skolan (the Swedish School) and the Eurocole school. The American School and the German School are a short drive away, across the Seine. The 16th arrondissement is one of Paris’ most expensive districts and enjoys some of the lowest crime rates in the city, making it a favoured choice for family-friendly living.

Best International Schools in Paris

Belleville (19th/20th arrondissement)

Belleville in the 19th/20th arrondissements has historically been a working-class neighbourhood which was home to a range of different ethnic communities, but it’s fast developing into a popular place to live in Paris. As is the case in major cities across Europe, Paris is gentrifying, and Belleville has become a zone for artists and entrepreneurs looking for an affordable base. Rental prices are lower here, but you’ll still enjoy the lively atmosphere and great dining options, as it has a fabulous range of affordable ethnic eateries. While the area has seen some changes with trendy cafés and restaurants moving in, it still maintains its multicultural character and remains one of the more authentic Parisian neighbourhoods.

Croissy-sur-Seine

Croissy-sur-Seine is a historic and scenic town six miles (10km) to the west of Paris. It affords easy access to the city while also offering more affordable housing. The excellent RER A train line gets you into the city centre in just 20 minutes, and to La Défense in less. There is a large English-speaking community, and the British School of Paris makes this pleasant suburb particularly popular with British expats. The pretty town centre retains many of its old buildings, including a château, and there are several parks, many along the Seine.

British School of Paris

Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye sits in the western suburbs of Paris, in the department of Yvelines, 12 miles (19km) from the city centre, and just 30 minutes away by train. This historic town is still dominated by the château, which was the birthplace of the kings of France until Louis XIV moved the royal court to the newly built Versailles. The town centre is largely pedestrianised and is packed with interesting boutiques and fantastic restaurants. With the nearby parks and forests, there are loads of things to do for families with children.

You can choose to live in a charming house with a garden in a residential neighbourhood or in a beautiful apartment in the centre. Rental prices in Saint-Germain-en-Laye are well above the average for Yvelines, but compared to the centre of Paris, they are very affordable. The best time to look for a rental property is in April and May, when many families give their notice ahead of the new school year.

Many expat families choose to live here due to the proximity of the Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which is a public school with a bilingual education system with programmes for native speakers in 14 nationalities, including American and British sections. The school now offers the prestigious Baccalaureat Français International (BFI) programme. The nearby suburb of Maisons-Laffitte is home to the Ermitage International School of France, which offers a fully bilingual French/English programme from preschool through to high school. It follows the French curriculum and also has an English IB programme. The nearby Forest International School offers education that is inspired by the Waldorf-Steiner and Montessori systems. The British School is situated in Croissy-sur-Seine, which is a relatively short drive away.

Forest International School