Best Arrondissements to Live in Paris
To the average tourist, Paris means the Eiffel Tower and its surrounding streets, however, for residents it means so much more. Paris is spread across 20 neighborhoods, called arrondissements, each offering something unique and interesting. If you are looking to invest in a luxury property, what are the best locations to live in Paris?
Here, we’ve compiled a list of must-dos and some of the finest luxury apartments money can buy in each of our five favorite areas of Paris.
First Arrondissement: The Louvre
The First arrondissement sits on the right bank of the Seine. It’s close to the business district and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Here are just a handful of ways to spend your days in the First:
- Explore the Les Halles underground shopping centre, originally the Paris food market.
- Wander around the Jardin du Palais Royal, which has gardens and boutique shops.
- Pay multiple visits to the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and more art than you can explore in a week. There are also lovely outdoor gardens, fountains and statues. Afterward, walk to the Place de la Concorde by way of the Jardin des Tuileries.
- Stroll along Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, which links the right and left banks of the Seine.
- The Rue de Rivoli is lined with elegant boutiques and on-trend cafes. This is where you can experience Coco Chanel’s Paris, including her first boutique, her home and the restaurants she frequented.
For those looking to invest in a slice of Parisian property in the first arrondissment, then this apartment is bright, modern and located in a beautiful building that dates back to 1900. Enjoy views of the city and Saint Roch’s Church, plus close proximity to the designer shops of Rue Saint-Honoré. This home may have a turn-of-the-century feel, but it comes complete with a host of modern luxuries, as well as tall ceilings, a fireplace and Versailles parquet. It also has a high rental value in case you want an investment property to rent out when you’re not there.
Fourth Arrondissement: Le Marais
Known for its narrow streets and vibrant nightlife, the Fourth, also called Le Marais, will give you a taste of Medieval Paris. Even though Napoleon III widened many of Paris’ streets post-French Revolution to prevent barricades, Le Marais still has many pre-revolutionary streets and buildings.
Here are a few things you’ll find in this expensive, bustling district of Paris:
- Centre Pompidou, a modern building that displays modern art. It’s also where you’ll find the city’s public library.
- Ile de la Cité, where you’ll find Notre Dame, which you can tour and take a trip up to the bell tower.
- Ile Saint-Louis, a natural space that’s home to cafes and shops.
- Place des Vosges, one of Paris’ oldest squares.
This two-bedroom apartment in a period building in the Fourth is near the metro station and shopping. Features include an lift, two walk-in closets, a large cellar, an open fireplace and an additional room that can be used as a third bedroom.
Sixth Arrondissement: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Sixth, also called Saint-Germain-des-Prés, has a cozy, neighborhood vibe. In addition to chic cafes, galleries and nightclubs, the Sixth also has the Jardin du Luxembourg, the perfect spot for a picnic. This arrondissement is known for its classic Parisian feel, possibly because it’s so artsy.
The Sixth is also the district for foodies, especially if you have a sweet tooth – there are an abundance of chocolate and pastry shops here. You’ll also be near the Quartier de l’Odéon, with cinemas, theatres, shops and restaurants. Pay a visit to Église Saint-Sulpice, too, one of Paris’ largest churches.
This spacious, four-bedroom apartment in the Sixth is close to the Jardin du Luxembourg and includes a double reception room, study area, equipped kitchen and a walk-in warerobe in the master suite. There’s also an additional studio apartment, a gym and two cellars.
Seventh Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower
The Seventh is right in the heart of the action and close to the Eiffel Tower, making it perfect for Paris first-timers. Centrally located on the left bank of the Seine, this chic neighborhood has just about everything you think of when you think of Paris:
- Champs de Mars, a huge green space and the perfect spot to relax with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Les Invalides, where you’ll find Napoléon’s Tomb and where you can also learn about France’s military history.
- Musée d’Orsay and its large collection of impressionism, plus the Musée Rodin sculpture museum and the Musée du Quai Branly, with works from all over the world.
For those looking to settle in this prestigious area of Paris will find properties such as this luxury apartment, which is housed in a 1900s stone building. This charming home has large living areas; a bright, double living room; a central island in the kitchen; and an Italian, walk-in shower room. It’s retained many of its original elements while being newly renovated.
Eighth Arrondissement: Champs-Élysées
The posh Eighth arrondissement is located on the right bank of the Seine. The neighborhood boasts the best shopping in Paris along the Champs-Élysées, which runs from the Place de la Concorde (where Marie Antoinette was executed) to the Arc de Triomphe. Aside from boutiques and shops, you’ll also find fine dining restaurants and movie theatres.
Here are three more experiences in the Eighth:
- The Grand Palais has art exhibits year-round.
- The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Underneath is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame overhead.
- At the centre of the Eighth is the Palais Garnier opera house, which was founded in 1669 by Louis XIV. Buy tickets to a production or book a private tour.
Property in the eighth arrondissement includes this exclusive, four-bedroom apartment which has a master suite with a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom; a gym that can be converted to an office if you prefer; and a wrought iron balcony.
Hopefully, this has given you a small flavor of the best locations to live in Paris. Should you wish to find out more about luxury property in Paris then contact HOMEHUNTS who will be able to select luxury Paris apartments based on your specific search criteria. Alternatively, search our website and its wide selection of luxury homes. You can also speak directly to one of our property consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
