Areas and Suburbs in Paris
Finding an area in Paris that complies with all your expat wants and needs is one of the most difficult parts of the housing search.
The stress of doing so can be unbearable at times, and the task becomes more daunting as the process progresses. However, there are plenty of options to suit nearly every taste and budget.
Paris is made up of 20 neighbourhoods (arrondissements) that spiral out in a snail-shell pattern from the Île de la Cité, the city’s historic centre. Parisians will routinely refer to the arrondissement numbers, so you should be familiar with the distinct nature of each one.
Before investing time in searching for accommodation in Paris, it’s important to take into consideration what exactly you want from your Parisian neighbourhood: do you desire a cosy, little flat; a place with a view (very hard to come by); or an extra room for relatives to come and visit? Either way, think about these factors before selecting an area; the housing available in each arrondissement can differ tremendously.
These two islands serve as the epicentre of Paris; the fourth arrondissement is home to the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. The lifestyle for residents in this neighbourhood is more laid back and less prone to the hustle and bustle characteristic of the rest of Paris. Expats can expect to see elderly people residing here, attracted by the peacefulness and the picturesque views along the River Seine. Prices here may reflect the ambiance of the area but can be worth their value.
Estimated costs (2011)
Estimated costs (2011)
Estimated costs (2011)
The more prestigious apartments are found to the west of the district. Prices around the Bastille area are slightly high, due to its popularity. There is a mix of modern, late Haussmann influence and everything in-between, which adds to the charm of the district. To the east, apartments are also of the late Haussmann influence and are slightly more affordable.
Estimate costs (2011)
The stress of doing so can be unbearable at times, and the task becomes more daunting as the process progresses. However, there are plenty of options to suit nearly every taste and budget.Paris is made up of 20 neighbourhoods (arrondissements) that spiral out in a snail-shell pattern from the Île de la Cité, the city’s historic centre. Parisians will routinely refer to the arrondissement numbers, so you should be familiar with the distinct nature of each one.
Before investing time in searching for accommodation in Paris, it’s important to take into consideration what exactly you want from your Parisian neighbourhood: do you desire a cosy, little flat; a place with a view (very hard to come by); or an extra room for relatives to come and visit? Either way, think about these factors before selecting an area; the housing available in each arrondissement can differ tremendously.
Areas and suburbs of Paris
Paris Islands: Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis (1st and 4th Arrondissements)
These two islands serve as the epicentre of Paris; the fourth arrondissement is home to the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. The lifestyle for residents in this neighbourhood is more laid back and less prone to the hustle and bustle characteristic of the rest of Paris. Expats can expect to see elderly people residing here, attracted by the peacefulness and the picturesque views along the River Seine. Prices here may reflect the ambiance of the area but can be worth their value.
Estimated costs (2011)
- 1 Bedroom AVG: 630.000€
- 2 Bedrooms AVG 1.133.000€
- 3 Bedrooms AVG 1.400.000€
Bourse (2nd Arrondissement )
Known as the financial district, this area of Paris is certainly good value for money. Prices for apartments are more reasonable, and the neighbourhood is generally less inhabited by tourists, but is, nonetheless, busy - crowded with workers travelling back and forth from the business area. A little tip here, there are a lot of stacked buildings in this area, which means, more top floored apartments available, thus better views over the city.Estimated costs (2011)
- 2 Bedrooms AVG: 935.000€
- 4 Bedrooms AVG: 1.430.000€
Germain de Prés (6th Arrondissement)
This little gem is situated on the left bank of the river and is home to the beautiful Luxemburg gardens (Jardin de Luxembourg). Apartments are on the more expensive side due to its central location, its views of the river, its parks, its famous cafés and its proximity to the popular seventh arrondissement. Haussmann-style architecture reigns in the district, and some quirkier apartments can be found in the Germain area.Estimated costs (2011)
- 1 Bedroom AVG: 1.260.000€
- 2 Bedrooms AVG: 2.550.000€
- 3 Bedrooms AVG: 3.570.000€
Bastille (11th Arrondissement)
The eleventh is a lively area that offers a bit of everything. To the east is Place de la République and the Bastille, joined by the sweeping tree lined Boulevard Richard Lenoir, which offers a large market and children’s parks.The more prestigious apartments are found to the west of the district. Prices around the Bastille area are slightly high, due to its popularity. There is a mix of modern, late Haussmann influence and everything in-between, which adds to the charm of the district. To the east, apartments are also of the late Haussmann influence and are slightly more affordable.
Estimate costs (2011)
- 1 Bedroom AVG 483.000€
- 2 Bedrooms AVG 550.000€
- 3 Bedrooms AVG 1.313.000€
