Paris, the emblematic capital of the France, is a vibrant city that harmoniously combines culture, history and dynamism, gastronomy and entertainment. Located in the heart of Europe, Paris fascinates with its iconic architecture, internationally renowned museums and unique atmosphere.
Paris is more than a place, it's a lifestyle! Discover with us the pros and cons, and what makes Paris unique and fabulous, dense and rich, lively and noisy!
Paris is located in the north of the France, in the center of the Île-de-France region.
The city is divided into 20 arrondissements that organize themselves like a snail from the center, i.e. from the Louvre. The Louvre district being the first arrondissement, the others are arranged in a clockwise spiral around it. And since a picture is worth 1000 words, especially in a context like this, here's a map of Paris:
The Paris region is divided into two: Paris (intra-muros), and Greater Paris, which includes the capital and its suburbs. The difference is great: while Paris has about 2 million inhabitants, the city and its suburbs, which include the municipalities of the inner suburbs (Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne), one municipality in Val-d'Oise (Argenteuil) and six municipalities in Essonne, have a total of more than 7 million inhabitants.
Paris is the nerve centre of French culture. With museums such as the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou, the city is a true paradise for art and history lovers. Not to mention its theatres, operas and festivals that enliven Parisian life all year round.
The beauty of Paris lies in its exceptional architecture, from Haussmannian buildings to art deco, art, new buildings, and new constructions such as the Louis Vuitton Foundation or the Philharmonie. The city maintains a perfect balance between past and future, offering its inhabitants a living environment that is both authentic and innovative.
Paris is the capital of gastronomy! Whether in traditional brasseries, cosy bistros or Michelin-starred restaurants, the city offers a gastronomic variety to make your mouth water. From classics like croissants for breakfast to fine dinners at Michelin-starred chefs' establishments, Parisian cuisine lives up to its reputation.
But that's not all: in Paris, you can find everything! Restaurants abound and offer gastronomy from all over the world. Large communities from all over the world have settled in the city, offering authentic gastronomy, revisited or not! So we can eat Japanese next to Opera, Vietnamese near the Place d'Italie, Chinese in Belleville, Indian; Louis Blanc...
Paris never sleeps. Its many cafes, bars and clubs make the city an ideal destination for night owls. Districts such as Pigalle, Saint-Michel or Bastille are full of places where you can enjoy a festive atmosphere, at any time!
Paris is a city that has everything to offer its residents. A great availability of doctors, general practitioners and specialists. Renowned public and private hospitals. Prestigious, public, private, alternative, bilingual, international schools... major universities, world-famous museums, cinemas, theatres, cultural centres, permanent events, festivals, concerts, shows...
If the city may lack greenery in the streets, it makes up for it in its large parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Buttes-Chaumont, or even its woods such as Vincennes and Boulogne.
In terms of amenities, Paris is undeniably an ideal city!
For all its attractions, Paris also has its challenges. The cost of living is high, especially for housing, and the city, which is relatively small, can seem congested. During rush hour, the roads and public transport are full. At weekends, some central districts such as Saint-Michel or the Marais fill up with people, Parisians and tourists alike.
What we are looking for here is the cultural effervescence, the 1000 plays and shows, the constantly renewed exhibitions, the new restaurants as well as those that, for decades, have perpetuated a unique and timeless tradition. Paris is a unique opportunity in France to be in perpetual motion, to find everything at any time, to always learn new things... and the price is the crowds, the noise and the cost!
Le Parisian real estate market remains one of the most popular in the world. In 2024, prices vary considerably depending on the district, ranging from €8000-9000/m² in the 19th arrondissement to more than €17,500/m² in the prestigious 7th arrondissement.
Whatever the arrondissement, the price is well above the national average. Nevertheless, it is possible to find nuggets, more accessible neighborhoods, or to see in the suburbs!
Check out our article on the Paris market to find out more!
We also made an article the cities and villages to live around Paris, and another one on the different arrondissements. Happy reading!
Whether it's for its culture, its architecture, or its unique atmosphere, Paris remains a city where life is good. Whether you are considering a real estate investment or a pied-à-terre for retirement, the French capital will seduce you with its refined lifestyle and varied opportunities. Paris is not just a city, it is a life experience.