Best Neighborhoods for Families in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is not only a haven for solo travelers and couples but also a fantastic place for families to call home. With its rich culture, excellent cuisine, and world-renowned education system, Paris offers a unique living experience for expats and digital nomads with families. The city is divided into various neighborhoods, each with its own character and amenities suitable for family life. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Paris for families to settle down, offering a blend of tranquility, community, and access to family-friendly activities.

Le Marais

Le Marais is a historic district that has become one of the most charming and vibrant areas of Paris. Families are drawn to its picturesque streets, beautiful architecture, and the sense of community that pervades the neighborhood. With plenty of playgrounds, such as the Square du Temple, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it's a great place for children to play and explore. The area is also known for its excellent private and public schools, catering to various educational needs.

Location: Spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, on the Right Bank of the Seine

Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment average around €2,500 per month, while a 3-bedroom can go for €3,500 or more. Purchase prices average €12,000 per square meter.

International Schools: Le Marais is close to several international and bilingual schools, including the Lycée International de Paris and École Bilingue Montessori du Marais, offering education from preschool to high school with various curricula.

Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a variety of dining options, from the cozy cafes like Les Philosophes to family-friendly restaurants such as Chez Janou.

Interesting History: The Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, is located in Le Marais and is a perfect spot for a family picnic amidst history.

Parks: The Jardin des Rosiers - Joseph Migneret is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat for families.

Montmartre

Montmartre is known for its bohemian spirit and artistic history, but it's also a fantastic neighborhood for families. With its village-like feel, families can enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere. The area boasts several well-regarded schools and plenty of activities for children, including the Montmartre carousel and the educational space of Le Petit Train de Montmartre.

Location: Occupies the 18th arrondissement, in the northern part of the city

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about €1,800 per month, while a 3-bedroom can be around €2,500. Purchase prices are approximately €10,000 per square meter.

International Schools: Nearby international schools include the International School of Paris and the École Internationale Bilingue.

Where to Eat: La Famille offers a creative menu in a kid-friendly environment, while Le Relais Gascon is known for its generous salads and family atmosphere.

Interesting History: The iconic Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is a historical landmark that offers panoramic views of Paris.

Parks: The Square Louise Michel provides green space for children to run and play, with the added bonus of a funicular ride up to the basilica.

Batignolles

Batignolles is a neighborhood that has retained its village charm and is particularly appealing to families. It's a quiet and safe area with a strong sense of community, featuring organic markets and family-run shops. The Parc Martin Luther King is a modern park that offers a variety of recreational activities for children, including playgrounds and water features.

Location: Situated in the 17th arrondissement, in the northwest of Paris

Real Estate: A 2-bedroom apartment's average rent is around €1,700 per month, with a 3-bedroom at about €2,400. Purchase prices hover around €9,500 per square meter.

International Schools: The neighborhood is close to the École Internationale Bilingue and the British School of Paris, providing diverse educational options.

Where to Eat: Les Puces des Batignolles is a family-friendly bistro with a cozy atmosphere, and Biotiful Batignolles is known for its organic and kid-friendly menu.

Interesting History: The area was once a hub for Impressionist artists, and the Musée Cernuschi nearby offers insights into Asian art history.

Parks: The Square des Batignolles is a traditional Parisian park, while the newer Parc Martin Luther King caters to modern recreational needs.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an upscale neighborhood that offers a blend of cultural richness and family-friendly living. It's known for its literary history, art galleries, and high-end boutiques, but it's also home to excellent schools and quiet streets. The Jardin du Luxembourg is a favorite among families for its spacious lawns, playgrounds, and the famous puppet shows at the Théâtre des Marionnettes.

Location: Located in the 6th arrondissement, on the Left Bank of the Seine

Real Estate: Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment averages €3,000 per month, while a 3-bedroom can reach €4,500 or more. Purchase prices can exceed €14,000 per square meter.

International Schools: The area is close to several prestigious institutions, including the Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the American School of Paris.

Where to Eat: Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots offer a taste of the quintessential Parisian café culture, while Little Breizh provides a family-friendly creperie experience.

Interesting History: The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the oldest churches in Paris, with roots dating back to the 6th century.

Parks: The Jardin du Luxembourg is the standout park in the area, famous for its fountains, statues, and the Palais du Luxembourg.

Passy

Passy is a residential neighborhood that is perfect for families seeking a quieter side of Paris. It offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and proximity to the Bois de Boulogne, one of the largest parks in the city. The area has a good selection of public and private schools, and the Maison de Balzac museum provides a cultural outing for literary enthusiasts.

Location: Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, in the western part of Paris

Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment average around €2,200 per month, with a 3-bedroom at about €3,000. Purchase prices are around €11,000 per square meter.

International Schools: Passy is home to the International School of Paris, offering an International Baccalaureate curriculum for students from around the world.

Where to Eat: Passy has numerous family-friendly restaurants, including the cozy bistro La Gare and the child-friendly café Le Wilson.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is named after Passy, a former commune absorbed into Paris, and is known for its historical mansions.

Parks: The Jardin du Ranelagh is a popular spot for families, with its traditional puppet theater and playgrounds.

Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis

The Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis are two natural islands in the Seine River at the heart of Paris. These neighborhoods offer a peaceful and picturesque environment, with narrow streets and a slower pace of life. Families can enjoy riverside picnics, visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and explore the quaint shops and eateries. The proximity to the Latin Quarter also provides access to educational and cultural activities.

Location: Centrally located within the Seine River, part of the 1st and 4th arrondissements

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment can cost around €2,800 per month, while a 3-bedroom may be around €4,000. Purchase prices average €13,000 per square meter.

International Schools: While there are no international schools on the islands themselves, there are several options in nearby neighborhoods, including the Lycée International de Paris.

Where to Eat: Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis is famous for its ice cream, and families can enjoy traditional French cuisine at bistros like Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole.

Interesting History: The Conciergerie on Île de la Cité is a former royal palace and prison, where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution.

Parks: The Square Jean XXIII offers a serene green space behind Notre-Dame, ideal for family relaxation.

La Muette

La Muette is a quiet and upscale neighborhood that is particularly attractive to families. It's known for its elegant architecture, high-end shopping, and excellent schools. The nearby Bois de Boulogne provides ample space for outdoor activities, and the Musée Marmottan Monet offers cultural experiences for art-loving families.

Location: Located in the 16th arrondissement, close to the Bois de Boulogne

Real Estate: A 2-bedroom apartment's average rent is around €2,300 per month, with a 3-bedroom at about €3,200. Purchase prices are approximately €11,500 per square meter.

International Schools: The neighborhood is close to the International School of Paris and other bilingual schools, providing a range of educational options.

Where to Eat: La Gare, a restaurant set in a former train station, offers a unique dining experience, while the family-friendly Café de l'Homme boasts views of the Eiffel Tower.

Interesting History: The Chalet des Îles in the Bois de Boulogne was once a hunting lodge for Napoleon III and is now a charming restaurant.

Parks: The Jardin du Ranelagh is a traditional Parisian park with playgrounds and a charming puppet theater for children.

Auteuil

Auteuil is a residential neighborhood that exudes a suburban feel within Paris. It's known for its Art Nouveau architecture and family-friendly environment. The area has excellent schools, sports facilities, and the Parc Sainte-Périne, which offers playgrounds and open spaces for children to play. The Hippodrome d'Auteuil provides a unique experience with its horse racing events.

Location: Part of the 16th arrondissement, in the southwestern edge of Paris

Real Estate: Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment averages €2,000 per month, while a 3-bedroom can be around €2,800. Purchase prices average €10,000 per square meter.

International Schools: The area is close to several international schools, including the British School of Paris and the American School of Paris.

Where to Eat: Le Relais d'Auteuil offers traditional French cuisine in a family-friendly setting, and the Japanese restaurant Yoshi is a local favorite.

Interesting History: The Fondation Le Corbusier is a museum dedicated to the famous architect, housed in one of his iconic buildings.

Parks: The Parc Sainte-Périne is a local favorite for families, with its playgrounds and shaded areas for picnics.

Each of these neighborhoods in Paris offers its own unique charm and amenities that cater to family life. From historic landmarks and cultural institutions to parks and schools, expats and digital nomads with families can find a community that feels like home in the heart of this beautiful city.