Paris is a unique city with dazzling architecture, upscale restaurants, and a rich history that welcomes residents and tourists alike with open arms. Whether you're heading to the City of Light for a short trip or a longer stay, make sure you spend enough time choosing the neighborhood you want to live in.
The structure of the city
The first step of finding accommodation in Paris is getting acquainted with the neighborhoods. The neighborhoods in central Paris are called arrondissements in French, and each of the 20 arrondissements has its own characteristics and claims to fame. Due to the gradual growth of the city over the centuries, the arrondissements of Paris swirl from the heart of the city like a snail, beginning with Le Premier. The arrondissements swirl outward, with the highest numbers around the outside of the city center and the lowest numbers toward the center. Here's a handy guide with key points for Paris's high character neighborhoods.
The 1st arrondissement
The first arrondissement could be said to represent the expat's view of Paris. Here you'll find the Ile de la Cité, the larger of the two islands of Paris. Steeped in history, the first is home to some of the most important historical attractions, including the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the incredible Gothic chapel known as the Sainte Chappelle and countless government buildings. Keep in mind that lodging in the first arrondissement is particularly expensive.
The Marais (the 4th)
A lively mix of Parisian culture, cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries, vintage and designer boutiques, the Marais is one of the most popular arrondissements in the city. This area is brimming with historic buildings. It is also a vibrant center for the city's LGBT community. On the other hand, the Marais is home to a large Jewish community, with many stores open on Sundays while most of the city is still sleeping. The museum area is one of the best, highlighted by the Carnavalet Museum, the Picasso Museum and the Hunting Museum.
The Latin Quarter (the 5th)
Historically, the Latin Quarter is a student area: the place where the brightest minds in France converged to study, plot and write. The Sorbonne and the Pantheon (a spectacular tribute to "the greatest names of the French nation") are located in the heart of the Latin Quarter. With its effervescent bars, narrow streets and lively cafés, restaurants and cinemas, the arrondissement is also home to the beautiful Jardins de Luxembourg.
Saint-Germain-des Prés (the 6th)
Very popular with tourists thanks to its array of historic addresses and central location, Saint-Germain-des Prés can be expensive but it's wonderful to live in. You can sip coffee at Café de Flore or Deux Magots, two cafés known for their literary history, before exploring the beautiful stores or strolling through the neighboring fifth arrondissement to explore the Latin Quarter.
The 7th
The Eiffel Tower and the Musée des Invalides are both located in the seventh arrondissement, which includes several thriving residential areas. This gives the seventh that refined local charm that so attracts visitors. With its sumptuous architecture and elegant atmosphere, the seventh is an ideal option for those seeking a classic, relaxed and refined stay in the City of Light.
The 8th
Home to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées, the eighth is a majestic arrondissement with grand boulevards, luxury boutiques and international brands, grand architecture and several embassies.
The 10th
One of the most promising arrondissements in Paris, the 10th includes the Canal Saint Martin area, which is very popular because of its bars and restaurants. If trendy, apéro and great Parisian restaurants is your thing, and then betting on this eclectic arrondissement would be a great idea.
The 16th
The 16th, a chic residential neighborhood, is a good option for expatriate families. It is home to many embassies. This neighborhood, located near the Bois de Boulogne, is also the home of the Parisian soccer team, Paris Saint-Germain. You should know that the 16th district is located near the ring road, the circular road that goes around Paris. This could be an ideal location if you plan to travel around Paris.
The 18th
The 18th arrondissement is an eclectic district. On the one hand, it is home to the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre, the hilltop village where artists used to have their studios and where a vineyard still remains. This postcard-like neighborhood is very popular with tourists but still feels like a world apart. At the foot of the hill (the hill on which the illustrious Sacré-Coeur church gloriously rests), Pigalle awaits you with a completely different atmosphere. You'll find clubs of all kinds, including the famous Moulin Rouge. Because of the tourist traffic in Montmartre, beware of pickpockets on the metro line 2 that serves the neighborhood. There are many facets to the 18th arrondissement, and housing prices vary widely.
The 19th
For more affordable prices and a true feel for the city of Paris, consider the 19th arrondissement where you'll rise above the city and yet still be within easy reach of downtown. Highlights of the 19th include the lovely Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Parc de la Villette, where in the summer a popular open-air cinema appears each year.
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