RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN PARIS

1st Arrondissement:
The most central location in Paris, a stone's throw from the Louvre, luxury shops on the rue St Honoré and the Place Vendôme, not to mention the aristocratic Palais Royal and Tuileries Gardens. You really feel in the heart of Paris here. However, the quartier of Les Halles is much less prestigious. Residential property is rare in this district and will often be found in buildings shared with commercial properties.

2nd Arrondissement:
Just behind the Palais Royal, there is an area worth looking into. The beautiful covered Passages Vivienne and Colbert, fine architecture and the streets around the pedestrian market rue Montorgueil, offer an authentic charm to discover. Prices are quite attractive, particularly in the northern part of the arrondissement, where property could show a good increase value.

3rd Arrondissement:
The southern part of this district is generally assimilated into the Marais. However, in the past few years this movement has moved northwards with a flourish of fashion ateliers, contemporary art galleries and “bobos” (Parisian bohemians). Properties are usually smaller and more expensive in the oldest, southern part of the arrondissement.

4th Arrondissement:
The Marais, Ile St Louis and the Place des Vosges, are amongst the most treasured locations in Paris – a heady mixture of ancient buildings in narrow streets, designer shops, hip cafés and bars. The mixture of people is just as eclectic – gay, artistic and everyone else who enjoys the vitality and the buzz of this extraordinary district. Property you’ll find here reflects the general atmosphere, from the modest beamed and charming, to four metre high ceilings and majestic stone staircases. The Ile St Louis is in a world of its own – a peaceful oasis in the heart of Paris, this remains one of the city’s most exclusive addresses with its 17th century private mansions.

5th Arrondissement:
Home to the erudite since the 12th century and known as the "Latin Quarter", this district still boasts a relaxed bohemian atmosphere, giving the areas around the Pantheon, Place de la Contercarpe and near the river such a unique charm. Property is rare and snapped up very quickly. The southern part of the district is cheaper.

6th Arrondissement:
Paris' most expensive district, due largely to the legendary attraction of St Germain des Prés and its chic bustle of galleries, boutiques and café life spilling out onto the pavements. Some people will prefer the quieter, less touristic areas around the Luxembourg Gardens and the rue du Cherche Midi. Property is less expensive as you get nearer Montparnasse.

7th Arrondissement:
This district is synonymous with discrete elegance. Old French families, government ministries, fine art galleries and good food shops all set the tone. There is a distinct difference in atmosphere between the older Fauborg St Germain/Rue du Bac area (closer to the “Rive Gauche” atmosphere) and the quieter residential areas with large tree lined avenues and Haussmannian architecture on the other side of Les Invalides or around the Eiffel Tower.

8th Arrondissement:
Another heart of Paris – this time to haute couture, palace hotels, showbiz and gourmet restaurants. The “Triangle d’Or”, between the Arc de Triomphe, Place de l’Alma, Concorde and Champs Elysées, attracts a ritzy international clientele. The Faubourg St Honoré, more discretely elegant, is home to fine clothes, prestigious auction houses, chic private clubs and of course the French President. A quieter, Haussmannian area can be found around the Parc Monceau.

16th Arrondissement:
Located in the western side of Paris and closer to the Bois de Boulogne, with access to Versailles and the Normandy country-side, this residential district epitomises bourgeois Parisian elegance. To the north (75116), the imposingly chic Avenues, such as Foch, Iena, Victor Hugo and Georges Mandel, are prized by diplomats, embassies and foreign business residents. The Passy-Muette area is lively, and Auteuil has a pleasant village atmosphere, although it is a little far out geographically. The quality of property is high, generally Haussmanian and largely made up of good sized family apartments and small cosy town houses.

17th Arrondissement:
Although further from the centre, this is an attractive residential neighbourhood with classic Haussmannian architecture and a comfortable standard of living. The areas around the Parc Monceau such as rue de Courcelles and Place des Ternes, are particularly sought after.