Paris is one of the world’s greatest cities, make no mistake! It’s not just the City of Love, but also but also the global Mecca of fashion, food, lifestyle, design, creativity- you name it! And of course, when you’re staying in Paris and want the authentic Parisian experience, choosing the right neighborhood becomes doubly important! So, which are the best areas to stay in Paris for a quintessentially French vibe? Let’s take a closer look at some of the top options below.
Best Places to Choose for the Classic Local Vibe
Before we get into the top places that you can consider in Paris for that local French feeling, there’s something that you should know. The city is basically divided into twenty localities or arrondissements. The ones with the lowest numbers are more towards the city center, while the higher figures are further out from the river Seine. Every locality has its own unique vibe and the river divides the city into the Right and Left Bank zones as well.
On that note, let’s take a look at the places that you should definitely consider for your stay in the city.
Le Marais–
What’s a trip to Paris without checking out the iconic Le Marais apartments and the surrounding area? Well, you can now stay here for a charming experience in what was once the prime medieval heart of the city. The location is as central as it can be, and you can basically walk to every main tourist spot in the city. You’ll also get great transportation options to the airport and other places while some of the top Parisian eateries, shopping outlets, and pubs will be a stone’s throw away for you!
It’s an aristocratic district this one, with its chic boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and plenty of historical landmarks as well. You’ll find it spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and of course, the cobblestone pathways and Place des Vosges will make you fall in love with the city instantly! Wander through the narrow lanes and experience the fusion of contemporary grandeur with old-world French vibes. It’s an ideal place if you’re a falafel lover as well!
2nd Arrondissement & Les Halles-
Now this one’s a vast area actually! However, what you will get is a cool and hip neighborhood, with plenty of food and beverage joints to discover. Sentier is one of the top zones in the 2nd, which anyway is just next to Le Marais and offers kind of the same perks with slightly lower accommodation rates in some cases. In fact, you can also consider the Les Halles locality that spills over into the 1st arrondissement from the 2nd as well. It’s got a massive marketplace where local Parisians have bought food from the 15th century onwards (today it’s a shopping center and metro cum train station). You’ll also love the pedestrian-only market street with all its fresh produce, cafes, patisseries, and cheese shops, along with the famous eateries, iconic French cookware stores, and whatnot!
Take walks along the Rue Montorgueil and enjoy the finest pain au chocolat at Stohrer’s before feasting on Burgundy snails with garlic and parsley butter at L’Escargot and charcouterie at the Au Pied de Cochon. You can also watch organ concerts at Eglise Saint Eustache or check out the jazz clubs along Rue des Lombards. What’s more, you can easily visit the Louvre and Tuileries whenever you wish, along with the trendy Marais locality as well.
9th Arrondissement-
Are you on a budget and want maximum convenience during your stay? The 9th Arrondissement could be the best answer, with its amazingly central location and fabulous nightlife circuit. You’ll find several affordable accommodation choices here along with some of the most preferred coffee shops, wine bars, and restaurants as far as the locals are concerned! The 9th offers great options for affordable corporate housing in Paris with a lively atmosphere.
Montmartre-
Is romance on top of your mind? Vacation rentals in Montmartre offer a picture-postcard setting in the 18th arrondissement. This locality will take you into a whole new world altogether. Explore hand in hand as you traverse the former village and cobblestone streets, which has once been home to Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Nestled on a hill over the city, it looks straight out of a picture postcard and offers gorgeous views to match. And of course, it’s also got its own bohemian vibe, as you’ll find out!
Visit the legendary Sacre Coeur Basilica and capture the sweeping views of Paris, while exploring the iconic Place du Tertre where artists look to manifest the essence of the city. Of course, there are hidden vineyards and romantic walking trails that will keep you busy throughout your stay, just like the locals. If you’re a couple travelling to Paris, then this area is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Saint-Germain-des-Pries-
If you’re into literature and café culture, then there’s no better place to do it like the French, than in this 6th arrondissement marvel. The area was once a meeting point for some of the world’s biggest philosophers and writers, including Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. Go on a fabulous journey as you explore the art galleries and boutiques here along with iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Want a big slice of Parisian culture and intellectual life? This is where you should stay!
The Latin Quarter-
Quarter Latin covers parts of both the 5th and 6th arrondissements and houses the legendary Sorbonne University. You’ll fall in love with the vibrant and rather youthful spirit of the locality, which is known for its bohemian roots, lively coffee shops, and quaint bookshops.
Then there’s the majestic Pantheon to explore in the area as well. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a historical yet culturally stimulating vibe while in Paris.
1st Arrondissement or Royal Paris-
This one’s literally the cream of the crop in case you’re looking to explore the city’s best-known landmarks easily. The area is centered on the beautiful Tuileries Garden and the vast Louvre Museum that attract thousands of people annually. It’s also known as Royal Paris, since most French queens and kings once resided here. View the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, catch the amazing stained glass at the Sainte Chapelle, and explore the charming Palais Royal Garden.
Check out the designer boutiques sprawling along Rue Saint Honore or the jewelers at Place Vendome before visiting the Galeries Vero Dodat, one of the most beautiful 19th century arcades in Paris. Walk along the Seine River, take a dinner cruise, or feast on hot chocolate at Angelina’s, before hitting the jazz clubs at Rues des Lombards. You’ll find some of the city’s best bakeries, brasseries, cafes, and bistros in the area along with Michelin-starred joints, and wine bars aplenty. A quick metro ride or brisk walk will take you to the steps of the majestic Eiffel Tower or even the Notre Dame Cathedral. The Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Paris Opera House, and the Montmartre area are all within a short distance from here too!
Live It Up Like the Locals in Paris
As you can see, every Parisian neighborhood has its own indelible charm, right from history and culture to sightseeing, food, fashion, and even romance. Choose from the list given above based on your preferences and make sure you book your accommodation in advance for a hassle-free upcoming trip. Here’s to enjoying Paris and living it up like a true local would in these spectacular neighborhoods!
