There are many questions to consider before making the move to the city of L’amour but the most important one is where you plan to live.
Living in Paris is the dream of many people around the world. After all, it is the city of lights, culture and love. There are also endless opportunities to experience all the wonderful things Paris has to offer. Most tourists realize very quickly that no matter how many days they spend exploring Paris, there is always so much more to see and do. That’s one of the best things about Paris – It always leaves visitors wanting more and this has led to many people from all over the world making the decision to relocate to this charming European city.
There are many questions to consider before making the move to the city of L’amour but the most important one is where you plan to live. Paris has many exceptional suburbs to live in, from iconic and elegant Versailles to the international vibrance of Crosiyy-sur-Seine. Paris has something for everyone. Before you start packing, let’s take a walk and explore some of Paris’ best suburbs for expats.
Which are the best suburbs in Paris
Choosing the right suburb in Paris to move to is not all that different from moving to any suburb. However, there are a few things you will need to consider. Some neighborhoods in Paris are hot spots for tourists making them crowded and noisy as a place to settle for an extended period and there is also cost to consider. As with most major cities, the closer you get to the center, the more you can expect to pay for accommodation. Paris has several districts (called arrondissements) There are 20 districts in Paris and they are numbered one to twenty, starting with one, which is closest to the center, and working their way outwards. Here are some suburbs worth taking a look at:
Belleville – Traditionally a working-class suburb, Belleville has a diverse ethnic community and has become a popular place for expats to live. It’s situated in the 19th/20th arrondissement and its location from the center makes it reasonably affordable in terms of accommodation. It may be a little “out of the way” but this diverse little hub offers great cafes and excellent places to eat for those who like to try the cuisine of different ethnicities.
Versailles – No trip to Paris is complete without visiting Versailles, but it also happens to be a lovely neighborhood to live in. As far as cities go, it doesn’t have an overly large population despite having the Château as a major tourist attraction. It’s far enough from the center for those who want a somewhat quiet life, but still close enough for those who may need to commute into the city.
Levallois-Perret – If you’re moving to Paris for work, chances are the suburb of Levallois-Perret will come up on your radar. This Parisian suburb is popular with professionals and is home to many multinational companies. It’s located right on the banks of the Seine River and a mere 6 kilometers from the center of Paris. It’s the perfect suburb for business executives and it is known for being a hub for innovations. In fact, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty were both originated from Levallois-Perret.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye – Loving called the Plateau, Saint-Germain-en-Laye features a stunning chateau. Locals are often called Saint-Germanois. While this suburb is not very close to the center of Paris, it’s popular with families and was the favorite residence for many of France’s kings. It’s also close to many shops and you can still get to the city center quite easily via the RER (Réseau Express Régional) which is also conveniently located for those needing to commute.
A Croissy-sur-Seine – For those looking for a neighborhood with lots of English speakers, Croissy-sur-Seine can feel like a home away from home. To keep life interesting, you’re sure to find other international ex-pats in this suburb. Croissy-sur-Seine has managed to maintain much of its old-world charm and it’s quite close to the center of Paris with excellent public transport via the RER A Trainline and plenty of affordable accommodation to look at.
Maisons-Laffitte – Smaller than many other suburbs on the outskirts of Pris, Maisons-Laffitte offers a close commute to Paris with many links to public transport and this makes it popular for expats and locals. It’s also a very popular suburb for young families with stunning parks and gardens as well as having a reputation for having some of the best schools.
Get to know the neighborhoods
Before you commit to a rental agreement in any of these or other Parisian suburbs, it’s worthwhile looking at the type of accommodation available in these suburbs. Students, singles and young couples can consider small, affordable accommodations such as studio apartments, while families may benefit from mid-term accommodations in furnished apartments. Unless you already know where you plan to live, it may be worthwhile to find short-term accommodation for a while, until you find the right suburb and accommodation for mid to long-term rented accommodation.
While you’re exploring the suburbs of Paris to find the perfect place to call home, don’t neglect all the other wonders Paris has to offer. Check out the museums and other cultural attractions and make sure you do what every self-respecting Parisian does and sit down for a delicious French coffee and pastry. After all, Paris is the best place on the planet to sit down with your favorite beverage and enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors this majestic city has to offer.
