Paris is a major tourist center where travelers flock from all over the world. Our compatriots were no exception. When planning a trip to France, tourists sometimes do not know where it is better for them to stay. Paris, like many large cities, is divided into several large districts. Some of them are ideal for tourists to live in, and some are filled with immigrants, and therefore may not be safe. Where to stay in Paris? Let's try to answer this question in our article.
Districts of Paris: history
Paris is a city with an ancient history, but until the 18th century it was built up randomly, without following any plan. The first administrative division of the capital took place only after the revolution in 1795. Then the city was divided into 12 districts, which in France are called districts. The first 9 districts were located on the right bank of the Seine, and the remaining 3 - on the left. Each district was also divided into four quarters. By order of Napoleon, the districts were directly subordinate to the government of France. In the middle of the 19th century, by order of King Louis Philippe, the Thiers Wall was built to protect the city. Because of it, some communes that were considered suburban, it was decided to attach to the capital. Because of this major unification, the entire administrative division had to be revised. Now Paris was divided into 20 districts, the borders of which have survived to this day.
It is worth noting that the areas of Paris vary greatly in terms of living standards. Not only the view from the window, but also the overall impressions of the trip will depend on the choice of place of residence. In the capital of France, the crime rate is quite low, but it is not recommended to enter some areas even during daylight hours.
First District
The official name of the First Arrondissement is the "Louvre", which he received because of the famous museum of the same name, located here. This is one of the oldest districts of the city, the development of which began in the Middle Ages. This district is a tourist center, and many we althy travelers prefer to stay here. Therefore, only expensive luxury hotels are located here. Tourists on a budget are better off choosing another area. Apart from McDonald's, there are no cheap restaurants and cafes here. The Louvre is also considered one of the smallest districts in the city. It covers an area of 183 hectares, and its population is only 1% of the total population of the capital.
Thisthe bohemian district of Paris, which is home to we althy citizens, representatives of the local aristocracy and celebrities. On its territory there are many iconic sights. For example, the Louvre, Place Vendôme, the Tuileries Garden and Amusement Park, Dauphin Square, Rivoli Street. From here it is convenient to get to other historical districts, because they are all close to each other. The area is also great for shopping. There are a large number of branded clothing and footwear stores, as well as a large Les Halles shopping center.
Second District
The second arrondissement is traditionally called Bursa by Parisians after the stock exchange located here. It is located on the right bank of the Seine, but does not adjoin the river itself. In the south it borders on the 1st district, and in the north - on the disadvantaged 10th. These are the outskirts of the historical and tourist center of the city, so housing prices are slightly lower here, although they are still considered too high. The construction of this part of the city began in the 15th-16th centuries, so here you can find many historical city buildings. Bourse is the smallest district of Paris. Its area is only 99 hectares. It also does not have a large population. In total, about 0.9% of the total number of citizens live here.
Like other historical districts of Paris, the 2nd arrondissement is considered a great place to live for tourists, although they usually rarely settle here. Burs is the commercial center of the city, because there are a huge number of banks here, including the oldest Parisianstock Exchange. Most of the population are bankers, brokers and their families. Tourists who settled here should definitely visit the surroundings of the Grand Boulevards. Once they were an ancient medieval market and the center of the city. Most of the buildings here date back to the beginning of the 20th century, but many unusual medieval buildings have also been preserved. Travelers should pay attention to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Victoire, Le Tour Jean-Sans-Peur tower, Montogorey quarter. In summary, it can be said that this is a fairly quiet and non-tourist area, characterized by moderate prices.
Fourth District
Another ideal place for tourists to stay will be the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It is also located on the right bank of the Seine, but is located to the west of the 1st arrondissement. The area is considered the official center of the city, because the city hall is located here. It was built up in the 13th century, but the surviving buildings date back only to the 16th century. The Island of the City, from which the development of Paris began, is also included in this district. Like the First District, it is considered one of the safest and most expensive places to live. Only five-star hotels, the best restaurants and bars are located here.
If you decide to settle here, historical monuments will surround you everywhere. Here is one of the main attractions of the city - Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre Dame de Paris). Here you should definitely visit the house-museum of the writer Victor Hugo, the national center of art of Georges Pompidou, the Gothic Saint-Jacques tower, the Hotel de Ville. There are flower and bird markets here. Costsallocate time for a walk through the ancient places of Paris: the Marais quarter, the Latin quarter (the Sorbonne University is located here), as well as the streets of Rosier and Rivoli.
Seventh District
It is generally accepted that the best areas of Paris for tourists are located on the right bank of the Seine. However, do not forget about the Seventh arrondissement, where the famous Eiffel Tower is located. Because of her, the area is always crowded with tourists. Its development began at the beginning of the 19th century, when the city began to build up in a southerly direction. Now this district is considered the political center of France. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and numerous embassies from around the world are located here. The seventh district is considered calm and safe, so it is perfect for tourists. However, it is worth noting that hotels here offer rooms at inflated prices. But travelers get the exclusive right to admire the Eiffel Tower from the windows of their apartments.
Sights in the area include the Musée d'Orsay and Rodin, the headquarters of the Prime Minister of France, the Champ de Mars, Les Invalides, the Palais des Bourbons (parliament now meets there), the headquarters of UNESCO.
Eighth Ward
A good place for tourists to stay will be the 8th arrondissement of Paris. This is one of the most beautiful districts of the city, which is closely adjacent to the historical center of the city. Here are the famous Champs Elysees, which every tourist who comes to France wants to walk along. It is also a political center, because hereis the residence of the President of the country and the Ministry of the Interior. Accommodation in this area will be expensive, but prices per night in a luxury hotel here are slightly cheaper than in the 1st and 7th arrondissement. Tourists love the 8th district of Paris for its large number of inexpensive restaurants serving amazing meat and seafood dishes, pastries and the best French wine.
Ninth District
The ninth arrondissement is a bedroom district of Paris, in the hotels of which tourist groups usually live. Proximity to the historic center and moderate prices make it an ideal option for travelers on a tight budget. A distinctive feature of the district is the presence of a huge number of shops, which makes it a great place for shopping. The famous Galeries Lafayette shopping center is located in this area. On its top floor, there is a famous cafe that offers guests to taste dishes from the buffet. Once settled here, don't miss the Opéra Garnier and the Grevin Wax Museum. However, it is not recommended to choose hotels that are located on the border with the 18th district, because in the evenings loud music and noise from the streets can prevent you from falling asleep.
10th and 11th districts
But not all areas of Paris can be considered safe. The 10th and 11th districts are considered unfavorable for tourists, in which migrants from the countries of the East mainly live at the moment. Because of them, the level of security is significantly reduced, so travelers are not recommendedstay in hotels located here. In the Tenth District there are 2 major stations of the city - North and East. This is where the settlers come. The increased crime rate, unsettled environment and loud noise are unlikely to appeal to cultural tourists. But you can rent a room here for little money. Getting to the center is also not difficult, because the 10th and 11th districts border on the historical center. However, tourists are advised to avoid Stalingrad, Chapelle, Gare du Nord, Gare de l Est metro stations. It is worth noting that the high-profile terrorist attacks of 2015, which claimed the lives of several hundred people, occurred precisely in these areas.
13 district of Paris
Another sleeping area of the city, which is suitable for budget accommodation of tourists. By tradition, it is considered Asian, because many immigrants from China, Japan, Vietnam and Korea live here. There are many cheap hotels and oriental restaurants where you can have a quick bite before a walk around the city. Most of the territory here is occupied by high-rise buildings, in which people from working families live. As a rule, this area is hardly visited by tourists, but it is considered calm and safe. The 13th district of Paris is not distinguished by a large number of attractions. Dropping in here, you can take a look at the new building of the National Library, the Parisian Chinatown, the Tapestry Factory. The only disadvantage is the remoteness of the area from the historical center of the city. If you decidestay in this district, then choose hotels located in the northern part of it, and not in the south.
Twentieth District
As a rule, the most dangerous areas of Paris are located on the outskirts of the city. Such is the 20th district, which is located in the east of the capital. Historically, immigrants have lived here. At first it was considered a Jewish area, but in recent years, immigrants from Arab countries have most often lived here. Housing in the area is very cheap, but it is dangerous to stay here, and getting to the city center is long and expensive. As in other disadvantaged areas, it is dirty and noisy, and the crime rate is off scale. However, in recent years the situation has begun to improve, and the district itself has received the status of developing. If you still decide to stay in the local hotels, we strongly recommend that you return to your room before dark.
Which area of Paris is the best to stay?
Without a doubt, the best districts of the city are those located near the historical center. However, housing there is very expensive, and not everyone can afford a luxurious room in a luxury hotel. People looking for a budget place to stay choose sleeping areas, such as the 9th or 13th. For some, savings over safety, so they choose disadvantaged districts, but the number of such tourists is very small. "What are the best areas for travelers in Paris?" - this question is often asked by people who are going on a trip to France. If you don't have enough fundsto check into luxury hotels, then choose quiet and peaceful sleeping areas that border on historical districts.
