The Best Paris Arrondissements for Families Moving from Abroad

Relocating to Paris with a family is both exhilarating and overwhelming. The City of Light is renowned for its art, history, and lifestyle, but for parents moving from abroad, the main concern often boils down to this question: Where should we live?

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own character, architecture, atmosphere, and amenities. Some feel historic and bohemian, others refined and elegant, others bustling and urban. For families, priorities tend to include:

• Safety and livability
• Access to good schools (including international options)
• Green spaces and parks
• Family-friendly housing (larger apartments, sometimes houses)
• Transport connections to schools, work, and the wider city
• Community atmosphere, especially for expat families

This article explores the best Paris arrondissements for families moving from abroad, balancing these needs with a realistic look at costs, lifestyle, and what makes each area unique.

1. The 16th Arrondissement: Space, Stability, and Prestige

The 16th arrondissement is perhaps the most popular choice among expatriate families. Situated on the western edge of Paris, it’s known for its calm, green, and residential environment.

Why families choose the 16th

• International schools: Lycée International de Saint Germain-en-Laye (nearby), École Active Bilingue, and other bilingual programs are easily accessible.
• Green spaces: The Bois de Boulogne, one of Paris’s largest parks, is on the doorstep. It’s perfect for weekend walks, bike rides, and family picnics.
• Housing: Spacious Haussmannian apartments, modern residences, and even some houses in Passy and Auteuil.
• Community: A significant expat population, which makes integration easier for newcomers.

Downsides

• High costs: Rents and purchase prices are some of the highest in Paris.
• Distance from central Paris: Though well-connected by metro and RER, it takes time to reach central arrondissements.

For families prioritizing comfort, safety, and schooling, the 16th remains the gold standard.

2. The 7th Arrondissement: Elegant, Central, and Cultural

The 7th arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and the French Parliament—but it’s also one of the most family-friendly central districts.

Why families choose the 7th

• Prestige and centrality: Elegant streets, Haussmannian apartments, and proximity to embassies.
• Education: Reputable bilingual schools like École Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel are nearby.
• Green spaces: The Champs de Mars and Esplanade des Invalides are spacious playgrounds for children.
• Walkability: Daily errands can be done on foot, with excellent shops, markets, and cafés.

Downsides

• Price: One of the most expensive districts in Paris.
• Formality: Less bohemian, more restrained in character.

For families who want to balance central living with cultural immersion, the 7th offers a rare mix of elegance and practicality.

3. The 8th Arrondissement: Centrality and International Life

Known for the Champs-Élysées and luxury boutiques, the 8th arrondissement also has quieter, family-oriented residential areas like Parc Monceau.

Why families choose the 8th

• International vibe: Proximity to embassies, international businesses, and bilingual schools.
• Parc Monceau: A beloved green space with playgrounds, lawns, and a community of families.
• Housing: Large, grand apartments, ideal for families.
• Transport: Well-connected metro and RER lines for commuting.

Downsides

• Tourist areas: Some streets are crowded.
• Cost: Comparable to the 7th and 16th.

Families who want a blend of Parisian prestige and a strong international community often gravitate here.

4. The 15th Arrondissement: Family-Friendly and Practical

The 15th arrondissement, bordering the 7th and 16th, is Paris’s most populous arrondissement. It has a reputation for being residential, safe, and practical.

Why families choose the 15th

• Schools: Several bilingual programs and international schools are accessible.
• Parks: Parc André Citroën and Parc Georges Brassens are beloved by local families.
• Housing: More modern buildings with elevators and larger spaces, often better suited to family living than smaller Haussmann apartments.
• Value: Prices are slightly lower than in the 7th and 16th.

Downsides

• Less charm: Some areas are modern and lack historic beauty.
• Commuting: Depending on where you live, commuting into central Paris can be longer.

For expat families who value practicality and larger living spaces over postcard views, the 15th is a very solid choice.

5. The 17th Arrondissement: Chic but Family-Oriented

The 17th arrondissement is divided into distinct areas. The western portion near Parc Monceau is upscale and elegant, while the Batignolles area offers a younger, family-friendly vibe.

Why families choose the 17th

• Parks: Parc Monceau (chic, central) and Parc Martin Luther King (modern, eco-friendly) give options for families.
• Schools: Several bilingual programs are available, plus proximity to Lycée Carnot and other strong schools.
• Community: A mix of established Parisian families and expats.
• Housing: Wide choice, from Haussmannian apartments to new eco-friendly buildings in Batignolles.

Downsides

• Price variation: Parc Monceau is pricey, Batignolles more affordable but less central.
• Mixed atmosphere: Some areas feel distinctly posh, others more bohemian.

This arrondissement suits families who want variety and choice in a single district.

6. The 12th Arrondissement: Green and Accessible

For families looking for greenery and a calmer lifestyle, the 12th arrondissement offers a refreshing balance.

Why families choose the 12th

• Bois de Vincennes: Paris’s largest green space, ideal for cycling, boating, and weekend outings.
• Family atmosphere: Less touristy, more residential.
• Schools: Fewer international schools but good local options.
• Housing: More affordable than western arrondissements, with larger spaces available.

Downsides

• Fewer expat networks: Less international than the 16th or 7th.
• Commute: Longer to central business districts.

The 12th appeals to families who value nature and affordability over central prestige.

7. The 5th and 6th Arrondissements: Historic and Intellectual

The 5th (Latin Quarter) and 6th (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) are historic, academic, and cultural hubs. Though not traditionally family neighborhoods, they offer unique advantages.

Why families choose them

• Education: Some of the best schools and universities (Sorbonne, Henri-IV, Louis-le-Grand).
• Centrality: Walkable to many cultural landmarks.
• Atmosphere: Vibrant, historic, intellectual.

Downsides

• Space: Apartments are often smaller and expensive.
• Noise and tourism: Streets can be crowded.

For families seeking immersion in the intellectual and historic heart of Paris, these arrondissements are unmatched.

8. Factors Families Should Consider Beyond the Arrondissement

8.1. Schools

• Bilingual and international schools: Key for expats, but often outside Paris proper (Saint-Cloud, Saint-Germain-en-Laye). Commuting matters.

8.2. Green spaces

Families should weigh proximity to major parks like Bois de Boulogne, Parc Monceau, or Bois de Vincennes.

8.3. Commute and transport

Even if the arrondissement seems ideal, commuting times to work or school can shape daily life.

8.4. Community and integration

Arrondissements with strong expat networks ease the transition. Others offer deeper immersion in French culture.

For expat families moving to Paris, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best arrondissement depends on your priorities:

• 16th: Prestige, international schools, green spaces.
• 7th: Central, elegant, cultural.
• 8th/17th: Prestigious yet family-oriented with green spaces.
• 15th: Practical, larger apartments, strong family feel.
• 12th: Affordable, green, residential.
• 5th/6th: Intellectual, historic, immersive.

The key is to define what matters most: space, schools, budget, or lifestyle. With the right guidance, Paris offers a mosaic of neighborhoods where families can thrive.

For families moving from abroad, choosing the right arrondissement is about balancing dreams and daily life—finding not just a home, but a community and rhythm that makes Paris feel like home.

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