Nestled just outside the bustling city of Paris, the charming Parisian suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine is a haven for expatriates looking for a lifestyle of sophistication and tranquility. With its chic Parisian ambiance, serene surroundings of Bois de Boulogne, and proximity to the Business District of La Défense, Neuilly-sur-Seine has become a sought-after destination for both expatriates living in or relocating to Paris and middle-upper-class residents. Join us in discovering the rich history and distinctive character of Neuilly sur Seine.
Fun Facts about Neuilly sur Seine: Is it the richest city in France?
Neuilly-sur-Seine is one of the wealthiest towns in France. Its reputation for affluence stems from various factors, including:
High Average Median Income: Neuilly-sur-Seine boasts one of France's highest annual incomes. In 2023, with its population of 60,000, Neuilly-sur-Seine's median annual income was 4,000 euros per month, twice the French national average of 1,900 euros.
Also, the wealthiest 10% of the population in Neuilly sur Seine has a minimum monthly income of 8 550€.
Property Values: The real estate market in Neuilly-sur-Seine reflects its affluent status, with property prices among the highest in the country. The average price per square meter for residential property in Neuilly-sur-Seine is around 10 437 €, and can even surpass 15,000€ in some areas, even up to 20 000€.
Prestige Demographic Profile: Neuilly-sur-Seine's demographic profile further illustrates its wealth. The town has a high concentration of executives, professionals, and affluent families, contributing to its reputation as an exclusive residential area. Neuilly sur Seine also attracted a cadre of notable figures spanning politics, entertainment, and business. Among its affluent residents have been François Fillon, a former French Prime Minister, renowned writer and politician André Malraux, and football legend Michel Platini.
Quality of life in Neuilly-sur-Seine
Renowned for its mix of sophistication, security, superior amenities, and beautiful environment, Neuilly-sur-Seine is a testament to refined living in Paris. Here are the main reasons why you should consider living in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
Nature's Haven: Exploring the Green Spaces of Neuilly-sur-Seine
In Neuilly-sur-Seine, green spaces abound, offering residents tranquil retreats amidst urban life. One notable green space is the Parc de la Folie Saint-James, a picturesque park boasting lush lawns, scenic pathways, and charming gardens. Another popular destination is the Bois de Boulogne, one of the largest public parks in Paris, located near Neuilly sur Seine. It offers vast expanses of greenery, lakes, and wooded areas perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities, like jogging, cycling, boating and rowing, and horseback riding.
Architectural Landmarks of Neuilly-sur-Seine
Neuilly-sur-Seine boasts a wealth of elegant and renowned architectural landmarks contributing to its prestigious ambiance. Among the notable examples are:
Église Saint-Pierre de Neuilly:
Église Saint-Pierre de Neuilly, this neoclassical church, built in the 19th century, symbolizes architectural elegance in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Its graceful façade and intricate detailing draw admirers from near and far.
Adresse: 90 Av. du Roule, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine
Église Saint-Pierre de Neuilly:
Hôtel de Ville - Neuilly-sur-Seine (City Hall):
Neuilly-sur-Seine's City Hall (Mairie de Neuilly-sur-Seine) is a splendid example of Belle Époque architecture. Its ornate façade, adorned with sculptures and decorative elements, reflects the town's commitment to beauty and sophistication.
Adresse: 96 Av. Achille Peretti, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine
Hôtel de Ville - Neuilly-sur-Seine
Château de Madrid (Pavillon de Madrid):
Château de Madrid, originally Château de Boulogne, is a royal residence in the Bois de Boulogne. It was built in 1528 on the orders of the French king François I and completed for his son Henri II. Unfortunately, it was demolished at the end of the 18th century during the French Revolution. The current building was constructed on this site in 1909.
Luxurious Residences:
Neuilly-sur-Seine is home to a collection of elegant residential buildings featuring Art-Decor and Haussmann-style architecture, with large facades, wrought-iron balconies, elaborate moldings, and elegant mansions. These prestigious addresses attract affluent residents in search of sophistication and charm.
Safety of Neuilly-sur-Seine
Moreover, Neuilly-sur-Seine has a relatively lower delinquency rate than the national average, and its well-maintained public spaces make It a safe and peaceful neighborhood.
Premium services
Additionally, residents benefit from a wide array of top-of-the-range services in Neuilly-sur-Seine, including upscale shopping boutiques, fine dining establishments, and reputable schools, further enhancing the quality of life in this prestigious Parisian suburb.
Public Transportation in Neuilly-sur-Seine
Public Transportation in Neuilly-sur-Seine
In Neuilly-sur-Seine, residents have easy transport access to several metro and bus lines, making it easy to commute to Paris, within and to neighboring areas:
Neuilly-sur-Seine is well served by public transportation, including metro line 1 at Porte Maillot, Les Sablons, and Pont de Neuilly stations. The Metro Line 1 connects Neuilly-sur-Seine to major attractions in central Paris, including the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Champs-Élysées, and Palais Royal.
Also, Neuilly-sur-Seine connects to Paris by RER line C at the Neuilly-Porte Maillot station.
Great news: By 2024/2025, Neuilly—Porte Maillot station will also be served by RER line E and tramway line 3 b.
Easy Access to Major Business Districts in Paris: La Défense, Champs-Elysées
Neuilly-sur-Seine provides seamless access to central business districts in Paris, including La Défense and the Champs-Élysées.
Neuilly-sur-Seine to La Défense:
- Metro: By metro, it typically takes around 10 minutes to reach La Défense from Neuilly-sur-Seine via Metro Line 1.
- Bike: Biking can take around 15-25 minutes.
- Car: Off-peak commuting times for car rides from Neuilly-sur-Seine to La Défense are generally between 10 and 15 minutes. However, drive times can be much longer during rush hours, exceeding 30 minutes.
Neuilly-sur-Seine to Champs-Élysées:
- Metro: From Neuilly-sur-Seine, it usually takes 10-15 minutes to reach Champs-Élysées via Metro Line 1.
- Bike: Biking from Neuilly-sur-Seine to Champs-Élysées usually takes 20-30 minutes.
- Car: Driving usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Real Estate Info about Neuilly-sur-Seine
Sales Prices in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
According to Seloger, taking all property types together, the average real estate price per square meter in Neuilly-sur-Seine on April 1, 2024, is around €10 368, varying from €7,403 to €14,036 depending on the neighborhood.
Rental Prices in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Check out more furnished apartment rentals in Neuilly-sur-Seine!
Furnished apartment with 3 bedrooms in Neuilly-sur-Seine (Rue Théophile Gautier) for rent long term: €4,300/ month
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Some of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Neuilly-sur-Seine are:
Neuilly Saint-James:
Located in the southwestern part of Neuilly-sur-Seine, Neuilly Saint-James is renowned for its prestigious mansions, elegant townhouses, and spacious family-style apartments. The neighborhood's leafy streets, proximity to the Bois de Boulogne Park, and exclusive ambiance contribute to its high property values.
Parc de la Folie Sainte-James
Neuilly Bagatelle:
Near the Bois de Boulogne and the Seine River, Neuilly Bagatelle is another upscale neighborhood known for its grand residences and prime location. The area's tranquil atmosphere, green spaces, and proximity to amenities such as schools and shops make it highly desirable among affluent buyers.
Parc Bagatelle - la Roseraie
Neuilly Centre:
As the commercial and cultural hub of Neuilly-sur-Seine, Neuilly Centre is characterized by its bustling streets, upscale boutiques, and fine dining establishments. Properties in this neighborhood, particularly those along Avenue Charles de Gaulle and Avenue Achille Peretti, command premium prices due to their central location and accessibility.
Neuilly Sablons:
In the northern part of Neuilly-sur-Seine, Neuilly Sablons is known for its elegant Haussmannian buildings, quiet residential streets, and proximity to the Bois de Boulogne and the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Properties in this neighborhood, especially those with views of the Seine or the Eiffel Tower, are highly sought after by affluent buyers.
Neuilly Pont de Neuilly:
Located near the Pont de Neuilly bridge and the business district of La Défense, this neighborhood combines residential charm with convenient access to transportation and amenities. Properties here, particularly those with river views or proximity to the Neuilly-sur-Seine metro station, tend to command high prices.
Pont de Neuilly
Suppose you're looking to rent an apartment in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Contacting local real estate agencies in Paris who know the area and the rental process for expats, such as Paris Rental, is worth your time. Whether it is for you, your family, or your employees relocating to Paris, multilingual staff can help you find apartments that match your specific needs, such as proximity to international schools and offices. These corporate apartments are usually in premium locations and provide a range of amenities such as fast Internet access, parking, and access to public transport.
Education and school options in Neuilly-sur-Seine
Neuilly-sur-Seine is home to several renowned international and bilingual schools catering to the diverse needs of expatriate families relocating to Paris. Some of the best schools in Neuilly-sur-Seine include:
International Bilingual Schools in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Marymount International School Paris:
Marymount International School Paris offers a Catholic education focusing on bilingualism and internationalism. The school provides instruction in both English and French, following the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
Marymount International School Paris
Ecole Montessori de Neuilly-sur-Seine
The École Montessori de Neuilly-sur-Seine is a prominent educational institution. It offers a Montessori-based approach to learning for children from preschool through elementary school. Founded on the principles of Maria Montessori, the school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and holistic development.
École Montessori de Neuilly-sur-Seine
Best Private Schools in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
École Sainte-Croix de Neuilly:
This private Catholic school offers education from primary school through high school. It is known for its rigorous academic program and strong emphasis on character development.
In L'Étudiant's annual ranking, CPGE Sainte-Croix is ranked 10th Prep School in France for the top 10 business schools ( including HEC, ESSEC, ESCP BS, EM Lyon, EDHEC)), with an average integration rate of 92.2% between 2016 and 2020. In 2021, 31.50% of the class entered the top three business schools (HEC, ESSEC, ESCP) and 80.3% of the top six, confirming the progress made in previous years.
Institution Saint-Dominique:
Saint-Dominique School is a prestigious private Catholic institution Established in 1862 in Neuilly-sur-Seine. It is situated on historic grounds once owned by the Capetian House of Bourbon, featuring the renowned "Pavillon de Wurtemberg" constructed by Louis-Philippe I. The school provides education from kindergarten through high school, including boarding programs.
Saint-Dominique School has a notable history. It was the first in France to welcome girls to take the baccalauréat exam (Secondary Diploma). Since 2009, the school has also offered a class for autistic children. In 2023, the Lycée Saint-Dominique achieved a historic milestone, ranking as the second-best high school in France and first among private high schools in the country.
Sainte-Marie de Neuilly:
Sainte-Marie de Neuilly is a private Catholic school in Neuilly-sur-Seine, founded by Madeleine Daniélou in 1913. The establishment offers primary, middle, and high school programs, including preparatory classes for the top French business and engineering schools.
The primary, middle, and high schools are exclusively open to girls; only the preparatory classes are co-educational.
Best Public Schools in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Lycée - Cité Scolaire Pasteur
One of Neuilly-sur-Seine's most prestigious public high schools, Lycée Pasteur, offers preparatory classes for top-tier universities and is part of a larger educational complex known as a "cité scolaire," which includes a middle school (US: junior high school). The Lycée Pasteur ranks 22nd out of 52 regarding teaching quality at the departmental level. Notable alumni include Jean Sarkozy, son of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy; Christian Sautter, former French Minister of the Economy and Finance; Christian Clavier, a famous French actor; etc.
Lycée - Cité Scolaire Pasteur
Lycée La Folie Saint-James
The Lycée La Folie Saint-James, named after the historic estate built in 1777 by architect François-Joseph Bélanger for Baron de Saint-James, Louis XV's Controller General of the Navy, has a distinguished heritage. Established in 1959 and rebuilt in 2006, this prestigious public school accommodates approximately 600 secondary and upper-secondary students, including a preparatory class for top-tier universities in economics and business.
Lycée La Folie Saint-James
Culture and Leisure Activities in Neuilly-sur-Seine
Parks and Gardens in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Parc de la Folie Saint-James:
Parc de la Folie Saint-James, situated on the grounds of the former Château de la Folie Saint-James in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, offers visitors a serene retreat amidst lush gardens, winding paths, charming water features, and picturesque seating areas. With opportunities for strolls, picnics, yoga sessions, and photography, the park provides a tranquil oasis for relaxation and recreation.
Parc de la Folie Saint-James
Bois de Boulogne:
The Bois de Boulogne, a natural oasis to the west of Paris, next to Neuilly-sur-Seine, offers a wide range of outdoor activities in the middle of its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Originally a hunting ground for French royalty, the Bois de Boulogne is now a popular retreat for Parisians and visitors alike. Its numerous walking and cycling trails, lakes, and picnic areas offer a vast space for outdoor activities and relaxation. The Bois de Boulogne also has cultural attractions like the Fondation Louis Vuitton. It hosts various events throughout the year, from open-air concerts to equestrian shows.
Bois de Boulogne
Museums in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Fondation Louis Vuitton:
The Fondation Louis Vuitton, set in Paris's picturesque Bois de Boulogne, is an architectural marvel and cultural center. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this contemporary art museum presents diverse exhibitions and installations featuring established and rising artists worldwide. Its stunning glass façade and innovative design create a dynamic space that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Theaters and Cultural Venues in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Théâtre des Sablons:
The Théâtre des Sablons, nestled in the heart of Neuilly-sur-Seine, is a cherished cultural venue that offers diverse performances and events, including theater, dance, music, circus, exhibitions, conferences, etc. The theater has a garden set in a beautiful renovated retirement home dating from 1864, hosting shows all year round.
Hippodrome de Longchamp:
The Hippodrome de Longchamp, founded in 1857 in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, is a renowned historic horse racecourse. This iconic racecourse hosts some of France's most famous equestrian events, including the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, considered one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Beyond racing, the site also occasionally hosts concerts, festivals, and other cultural events, reinforcing its appeal as a vibrant artistic and sporting destination in the heart of Paris.
Hippodrome de Longchamp
Chalet des Îles:
Le Chalet des Îles is a charming restaurant on one of the picturesque islands in Bois de Boulogne. Accessible by boat, this ideal retreat offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters. The rustic yet elegant ambiance of the restaurant, featuring wooden chalet-style architecture and a picturesque outdoor terrace, provides the ideal setting for quiet dining. You can enjoy the delicious French cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding natural landscapes. Chalet des Îles is one of the most popular destinations for romantic dinners, family reunions, and special occasions, offering a unique blend of culinary excellence and natural beauty in the heart of Paris.
Le Chalet des Îles - Bois de Boulogne
Living in Neuilly-sur-Seine: Advantages and Considerations
Living in Neuilly-sur-Seine offers numerous advantages, but there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
Advantages of living in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Prime Location: Located close to Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine offers easy access to the Paris city center and the business district of La Défense in a peaceful residential environment.
High Quality of Life: Neuilly-sur-Seine is renowned for its pleasant and upscale living environment, green spaces, cultural and sports facilities, and high-quality amenities.
Safety: Neuilly-sur-Seine is one of the safest cities in the Paris region, providing residents with security.
Quality Education: The city boasts numerous renowned public and private local French schools and bilingual international schools.
Services and Amenities: Neuilly-sur-Seine offers an extensive range of shops, restaurants, healthcare centers, and other community services catering to residents' daily needs.
Considerations of living in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
Cost of Living: Living in Neuilly-sur-Seine can be expensive, with high property prices and living standards.
Traffic and Parking: Traffic to and fro Paris can be heavy during peak hours, and parking may be limited in some areas. Therefore, taking public transportation or bikes to avoid traffic jams is an easy option.
Social Diversity: Neuilly-sur-Seine is an affluent city, which may limit its social and cultural diversity.
Limited Nightlife: While near Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine is generally quieter regarding nightlife and evening activities. It is more of a family and residential neighborhood.
Neuilly-sur-Seine, as the gateway to Paris, offers elegance, tranquility, and quality of life. Its upscale amenities, leafy boulevards, and safe environment make it a top choice for expatriates moving to Paris. Residents benefit from easy access to culture and business opportunities in central Paris while enjoying the charm of suburban living. Do not hesitate to contact Paris Rental if you want to rent an apartment in Neuilly-sur-Seine for the long term!
Editor: Siyi Chen