Want to know the secret to finding your perfect Paris property? It’s all about knowing your Paris arrondissements, what they’re like and which one suits you best. And it’s about knowing the right people to help you when it comes to finding your perfect property in Paris – in your perfect arrondissement.
The arrondissements of Paris
The arrondissements, districts of Paris, are numbered 1-20, and spread over approximately 40 square miles and have a population of around 2 million. Arrondissement No. 1 is in the centre, and the districts then spiral round to reach number 20. If you’re lucky enough to be buying a property in the City of Light, whether as a permanent home, an investment, or a pied-a-terre, understanding the arrondissements is essential.
Fourteen of the arrondissements are on the Right Bank of the river Seine, and six on the Left Bank.
The first arrondissement is home to the Louvre and sits right at the centre of Paris with the arrondissements then spiralling outwards, clockwise, all the way to the twentieth.
Every arrondissement has its own distinct character. Emma Skoble and Kathryn Brown at Metropolitan Properties Paris say that buyers may have preconceived ideas about a quarter – perhaps that it’s bohemian, or maybe a little shabby, or not residential enough because it has famous landmarks. “The truth is”, says Emma “, you really need to check an area out for yourself. You might think that if you’re in the 16th arr. You’re going to be too far from all of the museums, sites and buzz of the centre, but because of the way that the arrondissements wind out, like a snail’s shell, you’re actually only separated from the 1st arrondissement by one district. And you might think the 7th is not a good option because that’s where the Eiffel Tower is, so it might seem too touristy, but property in this area may surprise you, especially in the peaceful Invalides quarter. You’ll find large, high-ceilinged, Haussmann apartments with plenty of space for a family, alongside quirky loft studios with a roof terrace – so Paris!”
Kathryn advises that you visit the area, check out the local transport, cafés, the local market, and shops. “There’s more to travelling than the metro in Paris. You also have the RER train network, buses, and even riverboats, which can be a scenic way to get around the city. And there’s a bike-rental system which is quick and easy to use with a growing number of dedicated cycle lanes, and of course, getting to know Paris on foot is always a good idea.”
So which arrondissement is best for you? “It really depends on several factors”, says Emma. “Whether it’s an investment and you’re looking for rental income and appreciation, or for personal use and, for instance, you’re prepared to do a bit of work to make a property something special or unique for you. We say that Paris is made up of villages, each with a different feel. Finding the right neighborhood is key: You may want to walk to all the main cultural sites, or be close to shops or a fabulous boulangerie for your weekend croissants, or to terraced cafés for a spot of people-watching and café au lait. Everyone has different desires and needs when it comes to finding their dream home in Paris. And that’s where we come in.”
A version of Paris for everyone
Paris is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm, personality, and price tag. The choice of arrondissement often comes down to lifestyle—whether you want elegant quiet, lively energy, or the promise of future growth. Here is a look at a few of the choices:
The heart of luxury—Saint-Germain, the 7th, and the 8th—offers Paris at its most refined. Think grand architecture, leafy boulevards, high end shopping, and a calm, polished atmosphere near the city’s most famous landmarks. Prices here hover between €16,000 and €25,000 per square meter, or even higher, reflecting the prestige and limited supply. Buyers are often drawn by heritage buildings, galleries and high-end shops, and enduring resale value. These are neighborhoods for those seeking permanence and prestige.
For those craving vibrancy and investment potential, the Marais, 9th, 10th, and 11th arrondissements pulse with creativity and café culture. The Marais—straddling the 3rd and 4th—is one of Paris’s most desirable historic quarters, where cobblestone streets, designer boutiques, and hidden courtyards attract both locals and international buyers. Meanwhile, South Pigalle, Canal Saint-Martin, and Bastille draw young professionals and expats with their lively streets, excellent transport, and strong rental markets. Prices in these central and trendy districts range from €11,000 to €18,000/m², offering a balance between character, convenience, and long-term growth. They’re ideal for buyers who value atmosphere and authenticity over quiet luxury.
Finally, the 12th and 14th arrondissements appeal to families and first-time buyers looking for more space and a relaxed pace. With parks, excellent markets and shops, and solid transport links, these districts combine livability with affordability—typically €10,000 to €13,000/m². They may lack the postcard views of central Paris but offer a genuine neighborhood feel and steady appreciation.
In short: choose the Left Bank for heritage and elegance, the Right Bank for energy and opportunity, or the outer arrondissements for value and community. Paris offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle—and every kind of dream.
Making the process smooth and easy for you
Metropolitan Paris Properties is a buyer’s agent. They work with buyers to find their ideal properties, combing through lists not just with estate agents but also with notaires (which are not publicised online), and finding out about properties before they come to market or are sold by word of mouth.
Both Kathryn and Emma, expat Americans, have lived and worked in Paris for many years and have built up a valuable list of contacts, so they’re able to access properties that most of us browsing on the internet will never get to know about. And they know all of the arrondissements, so when you give them a wish list, they can quickly pinpoint what areas will suit you, and maybe surprise you with alternatives you never even considered. Your brief for a property will be unique to you, and having experts on your team – helping you make that brief come true – gives you an enormous advantage. They’ve helped buyers from around the world to find their dream property in Paris. And their support goes beyond finding your dream property. They also help with every aspect of buying – from negotiating, to having a list of reliable services, notaire, bank, insurers, even builders and architects.
Finding your perfect Paris property
If you are looking for your perfect Paris property – start with an obligation-free call with Metropolitan Properties Paris: metropolitanpropertiesparis.com
And, for more insights into all the arrondissements, take a look at the Metropolitan Properties Paris guide to Parisian neighbourhoods.
