Paris has always been the top destination for expats to live and work! It is one of the most diverse cities in the world. According to INSEE, over 334,566 foreigners from more than 110 countries live in Paris, representing 15% of the whole Parisian population.
Paris is an excellent place to live for expatriates in terms of work-life balance, job security, quality of life, culture, gastronomy, healthcare, childcare, and school quality. However, once you have decided to move to Paris, you might wonder where to live and rent a long-term furnished apartment as an expat since this capital city seems vast with its 20 arrondissements and many suburban towns nearby. This blog will give you insider advice about the best places to live in Paris as an expat.
Where do most expats live in Paris?
Le Marais, Paris 3rd & 4th arrondissements
The Marais area is one of the trendiest and most diverse neighborhoods in Paris, with countless fashion shops (from big French brands to local independent fashion designers' boutiques), galleries, restaurants, and bars. Despite being a hot spot during Fashion week and the LGBTQ capital of Paris, it is also the right area to live for the art and fashion crowd. Many foreign influencers, stylists, fashionistas, and artists rent their apartments in Le Marais. Strolling around the neighborhood, you won't even notice that you are in Paris, hearing people speaking all different languages in the street. However, the rent price of Le Marais is among the highest in central Paris.
Bourse and Sentier, Paris 2nd arrondissement
The Sentier district, known as the "Silicon Valley" of Paris (Silicon Sentier), is home to many rising local startups and multinational companies in the IT, Tech, and multimedia industry, such as Facebook, Le Bon Coin, and BlaBlaCar. The Bourse area used to house the Paris Stock Exchange stands in the famous Place de la Bourse. This financial business district still plays an essential role in Paris's finance and banking industry.
Therefore, many corporate expatriates choose to relocate to the 2nd arrondissement of Paris and rent a corporate rental apartment nearby their office. Moreover, the Bourse - Sentier quartier is pleasant to live in for expats where many trendy restaurants offer worldwide cuisine, bars, and food shops.
Victor Hugo and Chaillot, Paris 16th arrondissement
The 16th district of Paris is the first choice for diplomats and professional expatriates. The north of Paris' 16th arrondissement (the Victor Hugo and the Chaillot districts) boasts the highest concentration of diplomatic establishments and government organizations, with over 80 embassies. Therefore, the 16th district might have fewer attractions to see and fewer activities going on. However, this elegant Parisian residential neighborhood offers a great selection of high-end Haussmannian apartment rentals and prestigious bilingual schools, such as the International School of Paris. Therefore, diplomats and their families often rent furnished apartments in the 16th district during their professional missions in Paris.
Where are the best places to live in central Paris for expats?
Looking at the 20 arrondissements of Paris and its suburbs, you might need guidance when choosing where to rent your apartment in Paris during your expatriation. Besides the three popular arrondissements, here are some other great Parisian neighborhoods and Paris suburbs for you to rent a long-term furnished apartment.
Champs Elysées and Madeleine, Paris 8th arrondissement
If you do not mind crossing tourists rushing to the Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe daily, the 8th district of Paris is an expat-friendly place to live, especially for those who are living in Paris for the first time. Undoubtedly, the 8th district is one of the more expensive places to rent an apartment in Paris. However, it benefits from an exclusive central location in Paris, between the Louvre, Madeleine, and the Arc de Triomphe. Moreover, with handy public transportation or even a city bike, you can easily reach any corner of Paris.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6th arrondissement
If you'd like to experience the Parisian life and live in a typical Parisian neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is always a good idea if you have the budget. The 6th arrondissement of Paris is an affluent and chic residential district.You will discover many beautiful furnished apartment rentals in Saint-Germain-des-Prés featuring Parisian chic and 17th-century architectural characteristics. In addition, you will find many exceptional historical properties from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the garden of Luxembourg are tourists' favorite spots. Prestigious institutions such as the Institut de France, the Senate, and the Théâtre de l'Odéon make this arrondissement special. In addition, teaching places such as the Lycée Montaigne, the Fenelon High School, the Ecole Alsacienne, and the renowned École des Beaux-Arts attract students from all over the world.
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