Planning a trip or move to Paris? Check out our travel guide for more information on the most popular places for tourists to stay, as well as areas that are ideal for comfortable expat living

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Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities visited by millions of tourists every year. The capital is also the most popular place to live in France for expats. 1.7 million foreigners live in Paris and its suburbs. This is about 14% of the city's population. Most expats are citizens of the USA, Great Britain and the Netherlands. It's no wonder that more French people speak English in Paris than in any other city in the country.

If you want to visit Paris or move here for a longer stay, you should know that the city has 20 arrondissements (districts). Each district has its own character and history and is often referred to as the "20 small towns".

Which county is best for tourists and which is best for expats? Details in our material.

How is Paris divided?

Each of the twenty arrondissements of Paris has its own unique Parisian lifestyle. Districts are numbered from 1 to 20 and spiral clockwise from the city center. Then they are divided into quarters.

The Seine River divides Paris into two halves: the Left (Rive-Goch) and the Right (Rive-Druate). The Left Bank is known for its intellectual atmosphere and artistic heritage, while the Right Bank is more commercial and business-oriented. Districts 1–11 make up the central part of the city, and 12–20 are a bit further out.

Where to stay in Paris for tourists?

Regardless of whether you are going on a planned vacation or a spontaneous weekend trip, on your first or fifteenth trip to Paris, one simple but important question always arises for tourists: where should I stay?

The good news is that almost every neighborhood in Paris is the best area to live in the city. However, depending on your travel style, there are certain places that work best.

- Where to stay in Paris for tourists traveling with family?

8th arrondissement - many Parisian families live in this spacious area, because, firstly, the public transport system is quite developed here, and there are also many areas for children, for example, Parc Monceau. Another advantage is that the streets are quite wide, so it will be very convenient to walk here with a stroller. Considering such advantages of the 8th arrondissement, it can be safely called the best area for tourists with children to live in Paris.

- Where to stay in Paris for connoisseurs of nightlife?

Canal Saint-Martin, which runs through the heart of the 10th arrondissement, has become one of the youngest and most vibrant areas of the city. Locals love to picnic along the canal, crowd the sidewalks at popular cafes like Chez Prune, and visit trendy buffets like the Gravity Bar. And if the nearby options aren't enough, Bastille and Marais, two other lively districts filled with bars, cafes and clubs, are just a few metro stops away.

- Where to stay in Paris for tourists who are here for the first time?

Anyone visiting Paris for the first time will undoubtedly want to see some of the famous landmarks - the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Most tourist facilities are located in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, which is why it should be chosen by travelers who are in Paris for the first time.

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- Where to stay in Paris for romantics?

The legendary romantic aura of the city is nowhere more evident than in the charming streets hidden in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. At night, the street lamps emit a seductive glow, and during the day, these places are best suited for romantic walks.

- Where to stay in Paris for representatives of the LGBTQ+ community?

The 4th arrondissement is particularly friendly to the LGBTQ+ community, with many rainbow-flagged bars and clubs along rue des Archives, rue Saint-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie and rue Rambuteau.

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In which areas of Paris do expats live?

- The best areas of Paris for a family move

Families usually settle in the western areas of the city on the left bank of the Seine, because here you can rent a large house with a green area, and most of the public and private schools work here.

In the Eastern district, families can rent a three- or four-room apartment. The advantage of the district is a large number of parks and cultural centers.

1. Passy (16th arrondissement) – a quiet residential area that used to be a village, will become a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Many international schools work here. In addition, Passy boasts one of the largest green areas in the city – the Bois de Boulogne. The 16th arrondissement is considered one of the most expensive districts of Paris.

2. Quartier du Gros Cailleux (7th arrondissement) – the area where the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars are located, dotted with fantastic museums and world-renowned art galleries. The Gro-Caille neighborhood also has many schools, parks and excellent public transportation, making it an even more desirable place for a family to live. One of the biggest advantages of living in Gro Cay is its central location. The River Seine, which is just a stone's throw away, is perfect for evening walks or morning jogs.

The average monthly rent for an unfurnished two-room apartment in Gros-Caillou is around €2,500. But given its excellent location and the quality of life it offers, many believe it is worth every euro.

- Areas of Paris with the most affordable rental prices

As in many large European cities, finding affordable housing in Paris can be difficult. But it is not impossible. Among expensive boulevards, streets filled with tourists and luxurious apartments, hidden and inexpensive housing.

1. Montparnasse (14th arrondissement) – Located in the 14th arrondissement, this lively area is known for its bustling streets, great restaurants and lively nightlife. It is also close to several major train stations, making it easy to explore other parts of France or even other countries. Montparnasse also stands out for its accessibility. There are many apartments available for rent or purchase at reasonable prices, as well as a variety of shops and markets where you can find everything you need quite cheaply.

2. Bastille (11th arrondissement) – an area with a rich history and its own character. There are many trendy cafes, bars and restaurants for every taste and budget. The average monthly rent for an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment is around €2,000 and is a relatively affordable option in central Paris. Bastille also boasts a large number of green spaces, such as the Promenade Plantée and the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, and excellent transport links.

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- The best places to live in Paris for students and young people

Affordable, bright and with an ideal picture - these three factors are important for young people planning to move to one of the districts of Paris. Some of these areas, like the Latin Quarter, can be a little more expensive, but staying a little further from the cent can save you a lot.

1. Latin quarter (5th arrondissement) - the famous Sorbonne University is located here, so the area is known as the student area of ​​the city. Its narrow streets and historic buildings offer a mix of affordable fast food restaurants, student bars and local shops, giving it the feel of an old university town. Many young professionals also stay here.

2. Oberkampf (11th arrondissement) – This area has fantastic connections to the rest of the city and the centre. Oberkampf is famous for its huge selection of lively nightclubs and original bars, although there is also a quieter part of the area.

3. South Pigalle (9th arrondissement) – a lively and trendy area of ​​Paris, located in the 9th arrondissement, has become more and more popular among young professionals and creative people in the last few years.

All in all, South Pigalle has everything you could want in a Parisian neighborhood – great food, exciting nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. So if you're thinking of moving to Paris, make sure to put this neighborhood on your bucket list.

The districts of Paris are not similar to each other, so every expat will definitely find the perfect place for him. However, when planning to move to France, be sure to consider the high cost of living in the country.

We will remind you! Artists, entrepreneurs and scientists have the opportunity to live and work in France thanks to the receipt of such a document as the "Talent Passport". This visa, designed to stimulate the economy, allows foreigners to live and work in the country for the first four years. The procedure for obtaining a French talent passport is in this article.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To ensure safe passage to France, consult a migration specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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