Paris, the City of Light, welcomes thousands of expats every year, drawn by its unique charm, rich culture, and professional opportunities. Choosing the right district (or arrondissement) is crucial for newcomers. Proximity to international schools, embassies, and workplaces often tops the list of priorities. Thankfully, services like Paris Rental make this rental apartment hunting process more manageable by offering a selection of premium furnished apartments, assistance with paperwork, and personalized support throughout the rental process. Here’s our insider guide to the most attractive Parisian districts for expats in 2025.
1. The 7th District: Elegance and Prestige
The 7th arrondissement is synonymous with sophistication and is commonly considered one of the wealthiest districts of Paris. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Champ de Mars, Ecole Militaire, and the Musée d'Orsay, it is a treasure trove of culture and history. For expats, it offers much more than stunning views:
Proximity to Embassies
With over 27 embassies, including those of South Korea, Italy, Switzerland, Finland, and the Netherlands, and numerous international organizations like UNESCO, the 7th arrondissement stands as a hub for global affairs. The 7th district is also home to key French governmental institutions, such as the Hôtel Matignon, the official residence of the Prime Minister, the Gendarmerie Nationale-Garde Républicaine, and the Assemblée Nationale, the lower house of the French Parliament. This unique concentration of diplomatic and governmental establishments makes the 7th district ideal for politicians, diplomats, and international professionals seeking proximity to their workplaces.
High-Quality International Schools
Renowned internaional schools like the EIB Grenelle, Bilingual Montessori School of Paris - Quai d'Orsay, and Lennen Bilingual School attract expat families.
Chic Lifestyle
The 7th arrondissement is the perfect place for those who love the finer things in life. The area boasts gourmet restaurants, charming open-air markets such as the Rue Cler market, and high-end boutiques where you can shop for luxury fashion, unique jewelry, antiques, arts, and stylish home décor.
Transport Links
The 7th arrondissement is well-connected, making traveling to other parts of Paris easy. Key metro stations in the area include École Militaire (Line 8), La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8), Varenne (Line 13), and Solférino (Line 12). These lines provide direct access to major hubs such as Concorde, Montparnasse, and the Champs-Élysées. For bus routes, popular options include Bus 69, which takes you through iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, and the Louvre, Hotel de Ville, and Bus 80, offering easy access to Montmartre. Bus 92 and 28 also serve the area, connecting residents to the Montparnasse and Saint-Lazare train stations.
2. The 16th District: Family-Friendly Tranquility
If you're relocating to Paris with your family, the 16th arrondissement is an excellent choice. Renowned for its serene ambiance, abundant green spaces, and timeless elegance, it stands out as one of Paris's most prestigious residential areas.
Bois de Boulogne
The 16th arrondissement is home to the Bois de Boulogne, one of the largest parks in Paris and a true haven for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This spacious green space offers scenic jogging and biking trails shaded by trees, tranquil boating lakes where you can rent a rowboat, and wide-open meadows perfect for family picnics. For children, there's the Jardin d'Acclimatation, an amusement park with rides, a petting zoo, and interactive play areas. The Bois de Boulogne also hosts the Hippodrome de Longchamp, a historic horse racing venue that attracts enthusiasts worldwide for its thrilling races and events. Nearby, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by Frank Gehry, offers unique art exhibitions. Living near the Bois de Boulogne brings nature, culture, and entertainment to your doorstep.
Top International Schools
The 16th arrondissement is a great choice for expat families for its excellent schools. The International School of Paris (ISP) offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, welcoming students from over 60 countries. It is the first school in France to provide the three main programs of the International Baccalaureate (IB): the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP).
The École Bilingue Galilée Paris - International Bilingual School is an excellent option for bilingual education. It provides a mix of French and international curriculums, making it perfect for families wanting their children to learn both languages.
Exclusive Housing Options
The 16th arrondissement offers many housing options that combine elegance, comfort, and space—perfect for families and professionals alike. From grand Haussmannian apartments, with their high ceilings, intricate moldings, and large windows filling rooms with natural light, to villas featuring private gardens, there's something for every taste. Many properties in the area have added benefits, such as balconies overlooking tree-lined streets or terraces with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
The 16th is also home to luxury residential complexes with concierge services and private parking. Whether you prefer the classic charm of historic Haussmannien buildings or the convenience of contemporary living, the 16th arrondissement provides a variety of high-end homes tailored to a refined lifestyle.
Safety and Community
The neighborhood is known for its security and welcoming expat communities, perfect for building social connections. Its quiet, well-maintained streets and strong community feel provide protection and comfort for families and individuals alike.
3. The 8th arrondissement: Luxe and Business Hub
The 8th arrondissement offers the best of both worlds for expats who want luxury living and proximity to work. It’s the epitome of Parisian elegance and business dynamism:
Business Opportunities
The 8th arrondissement is a prime location for professionals, offering excellent access to primary business and commercial centers. It is close to La Défense, Europe's most significant business district, which houses many company headquarters, banks, and consulting firms such as Total, EDF, Saint-Gobain, HSBC, and Axa. Additionally, the 8th district is near Boulevard Haussmann, another key business and commercial hub in Paris, known for its corporate offices and high-end shopping. Whether you work in finance, consulting, or retail, the 8th provides easy connections to these crucial areas. With its vibrant professional scene and excellent transport links with metro lines (1, 9, 13, 14), RER A, frequent bus routes, and the nearby Gare Saint-Lazare, the 8th is an ideal choice for those looking to advance their careers while enjoying a central Parisian lifestyle.
Famous Landmarks
Walk along the famous Champs-Élysées, filled with shops, cafés, and a lively atmosphere. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, where you can enjoy stunning views of Paris from the top. For a quiet break, head to Parc Monceau, a beautiful park with peaceful paths, small bridges, and lovely statues. The 8th arrondissement offers a mix of excitement, history, and calm, perfect for enjoying Paris.
Vibrant Nightlife
The 8th arrondissement comes alive at night with its mix of upscale dining and entertainment options. Indulge in world-class cuisine at Brasserie Fouquet's Paris, a historic brasserie on the Champs-Élysées, or explore a range of Michelin-starred restaurants such as Épicure, Le Gabriel - La Réserve Paris, Le Clarence, or L'Orangerie offering everything from traditional French dishes to innovative culinary creations.
For drinks, a must-visit is the Buddha-Bar Paris, known for its exotic ambiance, signature cocktails, and fusion dining experience with a unique mix of music. Luxury hotels like the Hôtel de Crillon, Shangri-La Paris, and Le Bristol offer glamorous stays and host exclusive bars.
The neighborhood also features iconic theaters and cabarets, such as the Lido de Paris, where you can enjoy dazzling performances late into the evening. Whether you prefer fine dining, stylish bars, or vibrant shows, the 8th arrondissement offers an unforgettable nightlife experience.
4. Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements): Creative and Fashion Energy
Le Marais is one of Paris's most trendy and artistic neighborhoods, loved by expats, artists, and creatives. Its cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and iconic landmarks like the Place des Vosges and Hôtel de Ville create a charming, old-world atmosphere. The area is a hub for art and design, with countless art galleries, design studios, and boutique shops showcasing local and international talent. Le Marias is also a haven for food lovers, offering an excellent option for trendy restaurants, craft bakeries, and specialty cafés. It also has a vibrant social scene with plenty of chic bars, lively nightlife, and a strong, welcoming LGBTQ+ community, making Le Marais a place where everyone can feel at home. Le Marais is unmatched for expats seeking a creative, bohemian lifestyle with an upscale twist.
5. The 15th arrondissement: Modern Living Meets Comfort
The 15th arrondissement is a hidden gem for expats, offering contemporary convenience and Parisian charm. It’s particularly appealing to families and tech-savvy professionals:
Housing Options
The 15th arrondissement offers a variety of housing to suit different needs. From modern apartments with contemporary designs to renovated lofts in charming older buildings, the area combines a residential vibe and comfort; many also provide amenities like balconies, terraces, green spaces, and secure parking, ideal for families and professionals.
Accessibility
The 15th is well-connected by public transportation, making getting around the city and beyond easy. The 15th district offers direct links to Gare Montparnasse, a central train station for destinations in western France, and is close to Paris-Orly Airport, perfect for frequent travelers. With metro lines 6, 8, 10, and 12 and bus routes, commuting within Paris is smooth and convenient.
Educational Facilities
The 15th arrondissement is an excellent choice for families, offering a range of bilingual schools and daycare centers that cater to international families. Schools like École Jeannine Manuel and Bilingual International School of Paris provide top-notch bilingual education, making it easier for expats to settle in with children.
Green Spaces
The 15th arrondissement is home to several beautiful parks, offering residents a chance to relax and enjoy nature. Parc André Citroën, a modern park by the Seine, features sprawling lawns, themed gardens, and even a tethered hot air balloon ride for panoramic city views. Parc Georges Brassens, another gem, is a charming park with walking paths, a vineyard, a rose garden, and a small theater for outdoor performances.
How Paris Rental Helps You Find the Right District
Relocating to a new city can be overwhelming, but Paris Rental makes the process seamless. Thanks to its expertise in Parisian neighborhoods and its understanding of expatriates' needs, its multilingual team will find the right accommodation for you:
- Lifestyle Analysis: They help identify the best arrondissement based on your work location, family requirements, and personal preferences.
- Extensive Property Portfolio: Their rental listings cover various styles and budgets, from luxury apartments to family homes.
- End-to-End Support: From selecting the ideal apartment for rent for you, arranging visits, helping you organize your rental file, and negotiating with the owners, Paris Rental offers comprehensive assistance.
Editor: Siyi CHEN
Français
