Safe Areas To Stay In Paris: A Guide To The Safest Neighborhoods For Travelers

Audrey Hepburn’s elegant character in the movie Sabrina was supposed to have exclaimed “Paris is always a good idea!” Although the quote was actually true only for the movie remake with Julie Ormond- not Hepburn- countless people agree with the sentiment anyway. Beautiful, charming historic Paris is always a good idea. And Paris remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

Should you want to explore the City of Light for yourself, the first helpful thing to understand is that the city is made up of 20 districts or neighborhoods, called arrondissements. On a map, these districts are numbered in a clockwise spiral around the center of the city, circling outward. Paris street signs often use the Roman numerals for the arrondissements- (e.g. the Eiffel Tower signs list it in the VII Arrondissement). Paris, no matter how charming, is similar to most large cities that may have some safety concerns for first-timers unfamiliar with the terrain. The more you learn about the best of these various arrondissements, the more you will discover the safe areas to stay in Paris.

The 7 Safe Tourist Areas in Paris are:

Le Marais And The Islands (3rd-4th Arrondissement)

Le Marais is one of the best areas to stay in Paris for first-timers. This historic district on Paris’ right bank is popular for its central location, safety, great food, nightlife, and well-connected public transportation. This district is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements- and is filled with 17th century private mansions, art galleries, boutiques, upscale restaurants and museums like the Picasso National Museum. Le Marais features the oldest planned square in Paris, The Place Des Vosges– home for centuries to royals, artists, ministers, and other famous people like Cardinal Richelieu and Victor Hugo. The inner-city islands of Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis are the geographical center of Paris, with landmarks like Notre Dame de Paris cathedral and the Elizabeth II flower market. These two arrondissements can get especially busy on Sunday as they are one of the few areas in Paris where shops and restaurants are open on Sunday.

Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)

The Latin Quarter on the left bank of the Seine was so-named for its historic association with scholarship and education- Latin was the “learned” language of the Middle Ages. It is the home of Sorbonne University, still one of the most famous universities in the world since 1253. The Sainte-Genevieve Library of the Latin Quarter is also a favorite with researchers and book-lovers, with a famed collection of rare books and manuscripts. Charming Boulevard Saint-Germaine is known for its cafes and bookstores. The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’ more affordable areas, due to its student-friendly status, but is also ranked as one of the safest places to stay in Paris. Police presence is heavy in the area, due to its large number of universities and governmental institutions.

St Germaine (6th Arrondissement)

This central location is notably a safe location great for families with kids, with good public transportation to all the popular nearby places (the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, the iconic Eiffel Tower, or the macabre underground Catacombs). Located on the left bank of the Seine River, St Germaine is bohemian and picturesque, and was historically frequented by writers and artists such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Pablo Picasso. Since Parisians don’t usually go out to dinner until 8 or 9pm, the streets of St.Germaine are well frequented at night, and are safe for locals and tourists alike. Some great secure hotels in the 6th arrondissement range from budget friendly Hotel La Parizienne, mid-range Hotel de Seine, and luxury 5-star Hotel d’Aubusson (set in a 17th century mansion).

Gare De Lyon (12th Arrondissement, plus part of the 5th Arrondissement)

Located on the right bank of the Seine in east Paris, Gare de Lyon is a major train station that dominates the area. Glass-topped and ornate, the station is a stunning example of French Rococo architecture, with a famous clock tower that rivals England’s Big Ben. Equally famous is its dining crown jewel Le Train Bleu Restaurant that has served traditional French cuisine to travelers since the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair). Some consider this 12th Arrondissement neighborhood as Paris’ most authentic and vibrant one. It is lively at all hours and only normal common sense safety precautions need to be used by visitors and residents. A plus to the Gare de Lyon area is its safety due to constant activity as a main transportation hub– the downside is that it can be crowded and sometimes noisy. Many visitors consider its best hotels to be Le Marceau Bastille and Hotel Riesner.

Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

This neighborhood is perched on a hill overlooking Paris- its best panoramic view may be from the top of the gleaming white Dome of historic Sacre-Coeur Church. Or visit photogenic Place du Tertre square– it’s still filled with artists and painters, following in the footsteps of former residents Picasso and Van Gogh. Montmartre also offers cabaret evenings at Moulin Rouge or other nearby cabarets and theaters. Fans of the movie Amelie will recognize Montmartre’s famous Cafe des Deux Moulins. This neighborhood is touristy and often crowded- though well-patrolled, it is still recommended to walk about the quaint cobblestoned streets where there are other people. A good mid-range boutique hotel to try here is Hotel des Arts Montmartre, or for a bit more luxury- Manolita Paris.

Canal Saint-Martin (10th-11th Arrondissement)

This picturesque tree-lined canal and its surroundings have been immortalized in movies such as Amelie and Hotel du Nord. The canal is the only waterway in Paris outside the Seine River, with numerous beautiful bridges and nine locks. It is a magnet for romantics, tourists, and residents that come to enjoy Canal Saint-Martin’s cozy brasseries, hipster bars, concerts, and scenic boat rides. The strolling crowds keep the area safe, and it is safest to stay right along the canal. The police particularly monitor the Metro stations, though it is wise to be attentive to your belongings around the two major train stations Gare du Nord and Gare de L’Est.

Champs Elysee (8th Arrondissement)

You’ll recognize Paris’ famous Champs Elysee from its numerous events and publicized parades like the Bastille Day Military Parade. The famous avenue stretches from the Place de la Concorde to Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe. The area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and theaters, along with high end shops, art galleries, embassies, presidential palaces and beautiful neighborhoods. Champs Elyse is an area that is active at all hours. Some normal caution must be observed due to its number of nightclubs that can attract gangs and the intoxicated. Travelers on a budget enjoy Hotel Galileo Champs Elysées– very close to the Arc de Triomphe. Louis Vuitton fans may instead opt for luxury 5-star hotel La Clef Champs-Elysées Paris by the Crest Collection– it’s close to the signature store.

Tips To Stay Safe- Even In The Safest Arrondissements In Paris

Like any large city, Paris is not without crime or safety concerns, though violent crime is highly unusual in the city. PICKPOCKETING and THEFT are the primary crimes known to occur. Additionally demonstrations and protests sometimes take place, causing local disruptions. Whatever situation arises, it is wise to be vigilant. Wherever you visit in Paris, for safety’s sake:

Stay is well-known neighborhoods and accommodations, and avoid dark or isolated areas, especially at night.

Make sure to have emergency contact numbers (e.g. dial 112 for the EU emergency line), and know embassy locations.

Keep your valuables secure (cross body purses, anti-theft bags, money belts, locked luggage, hotel safes only if inaccessible by hotel staff, etc.).

Remain cautious especially in crowds, on public transportation, and at tourist sites. Remember that pickpockets love places where tourists are only focused on getting the best photos, not on safety!

Be vigilant against scams that target tourists (e.g. fake metro tickets, “free” friendship bracelets, signing a petition, “found” gold rings that lead to payment pressures).

Avoid using cell phones near metro doors- they can be snatched away as the doors close.

Use reputable taxi companies that have an official “Taxi Parisian” sign on the roof and a visible meter inside- unofficial taxis may overcharge. The Uber app works in Paris, though Uber is often only slightly cheaper than a taxi.

With just a few common-sense precautions and a little research, you can ensure your secure and enjoyable visit to the City of Light. Or as the French would tell you, “Je vous souhaite beaucoup de reussite” (I wish you much success!)