Paris comprises a wondrous array of neighborhoods, each with a character, or ‘flavour’ of its own. I often refer to Paris as a city of villages. Although it’s a large and densely populated city—the most densely populated in Europe—when you move out of the areas of high tourist traffic, you really get the feel of the village ambience. Paris is a ‘mixed-use’ city as urban planners would say, meaning that you don’t have large tracts of fast-food restaurants or strip malls and gas stations. The downtown of Paris is just the center of Paris in geographic terms. In fact, the one large business district is ‘La Defense’ and is located outside of the perimeter of the city center.
Parisian neighborhoods are filled with little shops, markets, and services, so you can take care of your daily shopping steps from your apartment, and there is always a choice of good restaurants and cafes nearby. I even found a great dentist within a 5-minute walk from my home :)
So here are some areas in Paris that I recommend if you’re looking for a place to stay. They are away from the touristy fray by the big monuments like the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, so you’ll get a taste of a more typical Parisian lifestyle.
Saint Germain des Pres: chic and artsy
Les Deux Magots
Brimming with luxury designer boutiques, and restaurants, Saint Germain is definitely the most stylish of the neighborhoods on this list. It does have its share of tourists, but it still has its share of residents and students from many of nearby prestigious schools populating the area during the day that add color and life to the area.
The bohemian influences from the past can still be felt here. It’s full of lively streets and flush with amazing food shops and restaurants. It’s a paradise for foodies so we decided to launch our first tour here, The Original Flavors of Paris, and later added The Sweet Tooth Stroll.
Check out the links to learn more about our food tours!
Saint Germain is considered the neighborhood of arts and letters as it was once the home of many publishing houses. Saint Germain attracted many notable writers like Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Oscar Wild, and Ernest Hemingway who lived there and frequented the local bars and cafes.
On a Wednesday or Thursday evening stroll up rue de Seine or along rue Mazarine and, you’re bound to see an exhibition opening that you can wangle your way into at one of the plethora of high-end private galleries in the neighborhood.
Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore considered to be among famous of Paris’ literary cafes is where many of the intellectuals would gather to discuss their work or socialize. The likes of Pablo Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Bertolt Brecht among many other notable personalities spent time there. Today, it is a place to see and be seen. Although it is somewhat overpriced, it is worth stopping by to have a coffee and one of their out of this world pastries. You can soak up the history that transpired right where you are sitting, and you may even see a famous French writer of a Hollywood celebrity seated at a table near you.
For something a little less pretentious, try out Willi’s Wine Bar. It’s a great place to kick back and enjoy the convivial atmosphere. The staff is friendly and they have a delicious selection of appetizers to accompany your glass of wine.
Marais: eclectic and historical
The Medieval Hotel de Sens
The Marais is home to the oldest and most beautiful square in Paris, ‘Place des Vosges’ and the best-preserved architecture in all of Paris. There are stunning examples everywhere of 17th-century private mansions that the aristocrats built, as well some examples of the only Medieval buildings left in the city.
There are lots of museums to choose from in this area and many great shopping and eating establishments. The Jewish district and the gay district are located here too, so there is something for everyone.
The Carnavalet museum is one of the best-kept secrets of Marais museums. The building itself is one of the most famous Renaissance-era hotels of the time. It houses all kinds of Paris curiosities including antique toys or shop signs from bygone eras, as well as over 2600 paintings and other artworks such as photography and sculpture, and admission is free!
The allure of the rich history of this neighborhood, the colorful mix of people, and the plentiful food shops and cafes led us to create The Flavorful Marais tour.
Buttes-Chaumont: vibrant and undiscovered
The Buttes-Chaumont is loved by locals and rarely visited by tourists. If you desire a taste of the everyday Parisian lifestyle, this quarter is replete with a variety of unique shops, small restaurants, and lively street-life that will fit the bill. The area boasts the incredible bucolic Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 61 square acres, where you can take in the greenery and get a breath of fresh air. There are caves, a waterfall, a suspended bridge, and it is highly elevated so you have beautiful views of Paris.
While you’re at the park, be sure to pop into a French tavern Rosa Bonheur and relax on the terrace with a refreshing drink in natural surroundings.
The Buttes-Chaumont has great nightlife. Bars and nightclubs aplenty buzz into the wee hours so if you are booking a place here, just make sure it’s away from the hubbub if you want a good night's sleep.
Batignolles: natural and urban
Martin Luther King Park
The unknown Batignolles neighborhood provides a great place to escape the overpriced crowded cafes and souvenir shops of its’ ever-popular neighbor Montmartre. It’s a place where you will go from one extreme to another. Place de Clichy is the hub of the neighborhood with its wild and busy intersection of roads that resembles a miniature Times Square.
Then for something completely different, you have the Clichy-Batignolles Martin Luther King Park. Verdant and bucolic, it is a whopping 133-acre park of rolling hills with a grotto, a pond filled with ducks and red Japanese carps, a waterfall, and spectacular English gardens. This park is truly an oasis in the city. Take a stroll, breathe in some fresh air, and marvel at its beauty. There are lots of sports and play areas for kids so it’s great for families.
For those looking for more family-friendly Paris activities, see also: How to Visit Paris with Kids
If you’re looking for a great place to sit with a coffee and enjoy the ambiance of the neighborhood, head over to Place du Docteur Félix Lobligeois, and for a good barista coffee, check out Dose.
