What is the best arrondissement to live in in Paris?

Question

Which one and why?

Answer 1

It depends on your tastes, and whether you like being in a bustling neighborhood or a quieter area.

Most people want to live in the center, around the river in the 3rd to 6th arrondissements. This is the old medieval and artistic Paris. These are expensive to live in.

Western Paris is the upscale Paris with 19th century Haussmanian buildings. Even more expensive.

The North East is the cheapest.

East and south are kind of "in between".

Here is a description of each district:

1st: the Louvre area. Expensive, large avenues but not so many small stores for grocery shopping. Luxury stores.

2nd: I don't know this arrondissement very well. Smallish streets, somewhat cheaper than other central arrondissements.

3rd and 4th, on the right bank: The Marais

The safest place in Paris. Medieval, cute streets with a lot of art galleries, small stores and cafés. Renaissance architecture. g*y and Jewish districts. Village atmosphere.

5th and 6th (on the left bank): The Latin Quarter / St-Germain

Medieval, small streets with a lot of cafés and jazz clubs, close to everything, a lot of artists and intellectuals. Very touristy so very busy.

7th: a more posh version of the 5th and 6th. The eastern part is still quite medieval, the further west you go the more upscale and the wider the streets (closer to the Eiffel Towel, further from the Centre of Paris). Very expensive district with great stores. A little less bustling than the previous arrondissements (depending on the streets).

8th, 16th and parts of the 17th: very upscale and expensive. Wide 19th century avenues, luxury stores. More residential than commercial. Some may love it, others may find it a little cold, lacking the old city charm. Old and new money live there.

The further you go from the center, the cheaper and the less touristy (except for Montmartre):

East of Paris: the 12th and 11th are good if you want a little more quiet (except around Bastille, very busy and hip) and more affordable prices (although some parts of the 12th are kind of upscale) while staying in relatively interesting and central areas. The 11th has a district full of antique stores. These two arrondissements are a good compromise between central and quieter/more affordable locations. Some  parts of the 11th are so so though...

If you go further south, the 13th arrondissement has China Town but no particular charm, a lot of modern buildings. The 14th is a little better but away from touristy areas too. A lot of cinemas and stores around Montparnasse make it still lively.

The 15th is further west so gets more upscale too. Rather quiet, away from touristic sites (except by the Eiffel Tower, but despite the fact that the Tower is the most visited monument, you don't find any tourists wandering the adjacent streets.)

The 9th has upscale districts near the Opera House. The further north you go, the cheaper (and the less safe also, but it's still a relatively good place).

The 10th is more "populaire" (cheaper). Some hip Middle-Eastern cafés and hang outs. Quite ethnically diverse.

The 18th and 19th are the cheapest parts (once again excluding Montmartre) of Paris and also the least safe. A strong African and North African influence gives these districts an exotic charm. A lot of exotic food stores. The best place to find the best deals when shopping for housing, grocery, clothing, etc.

So according to my own personal tastes if I wanted to live in downtown Paris (but I don't, I prefer living outside it. I adore Paris but would find it too hectic and stressful to live in), I would choose:

- the 6th arrondissement around St-Germain-des-Prés

- the area around Rue du Bac in the 7th but near the 6th

- the Marais's g*y district in the 4th

- the Latin Quarter in the 5th

I don't like the super upscale districts like the 16th because once you get out of your place, there is nowhere to go in the neighborhood. It is too residential for me, not mixed enough. No night life, very cold and snooty atmosphere, in my opinion. The locals don't really mingle with a variety of people and tend to stay within their own circles of rich friends.

At the other extreme I wouldn't like to live in the north-east arrondissements because I don't find them safe enough.

I am not crazy about the Bastille area even though a lot of young people love it there. You'll find that Parisians are usually very attached to the district they live in if they chose it for its particular atmosphere, because each arrondissement has its own soul and charm.

There are also a lot of non-Parisians living in Paris who either love it or hate it. Some can't wait to go back to their region because they find city life too stressful or just don't feel at home. So the best thing to do is for you to visit Paris and get the feel of each district and see what works for you. It is a fascinating city!

Answer 2

Hello ! I live in Paris. All arrondissements are full of History and all are WONDERFUL

Actually, all arrondissements in the center of Paris are the most beautiful (especially the 1st :Louvres Museum, Concorde Place, FABULOUS AND DO NOT MISS  : "Jardins du Palais Royal" near the "Comédie Française", Ritz Place Vendôme ...The royal places of the 17th century : Dauphine, Vendôme, place des Victoires

- 2nd : do not miss the INCREDIBLE OPERA GARNIER

- 4th: The "Marais" : old Paris very fashion

- 7th : Orsay Museum

- 16th : Eiffel Tower

- 8th/17th : Arc de Triomphe / Champs Elysées, Parc Monceau (17th).. And there are so many different places to go in Paris !!

Greets to USA and enjoy your trip !

Let me know !

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Answer 3

a french man answers !!

The best district is the "seizième" (16ème) 16th...