Deciding where to live in Paris with a family is one of the most unexpectedly difficult aspects of a relocation. You want somewhere thats classically Parisian, but not touristy. An area thats quiet, but still has a vibrant community, and of course, it has to have great schools. Before you make this decision you’ll want all the facts and an insider perspective. The good news is, our agents have been living in Paris for years and helping families find their homes here!
The top 5 arrondissements to live in Paris with a family:
Life in the 7th Arrondissement
When you think of Paris, you probably think of the 7th arrondissement. Located in the heart of Paris, the 7th is known for its cute cafés, haussmannian architecture, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
This area is popular amongst expats for many reasons, including its strong expat community and influence. Walking along the seine, you’ll find the American Church in Paris and the American Library in Paris, as well as the American University of Paris. Regardless of your nationality, these English-speaking community centers can be great resources for those looking to find a local community of expats.
There are not many notable child-friendly green spaces in the 7th. Although the Champs de Mars and Invalides are great spots for picnics on a sunny day. The area is also considered to be very safe, although with the high number of tourists you’ll want to keep an eye out for pick pockets.
Schools in the 7th Arrondissement
Another reason the 7th is considered one of the best places for expat families to live in Paris is the excellent international schools near by.
For those looking for an alternative approach to bilingual education, The Bilingual Montessori School of Paris is a great option. The 7th is also home to the Lennen Bilingual School, a highly reputed institution teaching from preschool to middle school.
For those looking for prestige, École Jeannine Emmanuel is right around the corner. This school has educated the children of many celebrities and politicians, and is known for being almost impossible to get into. If you’re looking to improve your chances, we hear that a letter from the president can help, but doesn’t offer any guarantees.
Housing in the 7th Arrondissement
True to the area’s classic Parisian atmosphere, many of the buildings and apartments available in this arrondissement embody the haussmannian style that many expats seek. While the old style is beautiful, this does often come with a lack of modern amenities that expat families may be used to (air conditioning, elevators, dryers, etc.) and a higher price point.
Prices of apartments in the area can also vary greatly depending on the proximity to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, or the Seine. Even a view of these landmarks can result in a steep jump in pricing.
For a furnished 2 bedroom apartment in the 7th, you’ll need a minimum monthly budget of €2500 – €3000.
Life in the 11th Arrondissement
The only eastern arrondissement in Paris on our list, living in the 11th is best suited for families with younger children as there are not many international schools in the area. This up and coming arrondissement is vibrant, international, and full of fun spots. As a family, you may want to avoid the popular area of Oberkampf, as it’s night-life scene may not be ideal for those with early bedtimes.
However, there are lots of great parks and green spaces through out the arrondissement that are wonderful for children to explore. The 11th is also home to many fun restaurants, with cuisines from around the world (our team recommends Petit Bao to anyone who hasn’t tried it)!
Schools in the 11th Arrondissement
As we mentioned before, there aren’t many international educational options for older children in the 11th. However, for those with younger children there are many crèches and daycares available!
One of the few international schools with availability for all ages of children (kindergarten through high school), is the newly opened Lab School of Paris. The Lab School follows an IB and bilingual curriculum, and is part of the Lab School Network.
Housing in the 11th Arrondissement
Housing in the 11th is another mix of modernity and classical French style. Many apartments have been recently renovated due to the increased popularity of the area in recent years. This arrondissement has long been a go to for students, so finding a multi-bedroom apartment is not as easy as you may hope. This combined with the increased demand for housing in the 11th means that if you are hoping to find a family-friendly apartment in this area you’ll want the help of a professional, like us.
We can help you find your family’s dream home, schedule a free meeting with our experts to find out how!
To rent a furnished 2-bedroom in the 11th arrondissement, you’ll need a minimum monthly budget of €2,600.
Life in the 16th Arrondissement
The 16th arrondissement is a very residential area of Paris, known for its proximity to Bois du Bologne, Trocadero, and many international institutions. In the northern parts of the 16th you won’t be surprised to find fur coats, designer labels, and adorable purse-sized dogs. The south of the 16th is still very nice, but a bit more subdued.
Although Bois du Bologne may have a bit of a reputation at night, during the day it is a great place for kids and families to enjoy nature while still staying in Paris. Some say that parts of the 16th are “too residential”, lacking the typical store fronts on the ground level of many buildings. However, the arrondissement has great public transport options, and is very well connected to the rest of Paris.
Schools in the 16th Arrondissement
The 16th is home to several private schools, but the favorites amongst expats are the International School of Paris (ISP) and Kingsworth International School.
ISP follows an IB curriculum and is available to students ages 3 – 18. The school has an emphasis on learning about French culture and exploring Paris as a classroom. Needless to say, that despite being taught in English, the school requires French classes as well.
Kingsworth International School has a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, and aligns with the Cambridge International Standards.
The 16th is also well situated between the 7th arrondissement and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, giving you access to great schools such as Lycée International and Lennen Bilingual School.
If you’re not sure where to live in Paris as a family, the 16th is a great option because of its wonderful school offerings in and around the arrondissement!
Housing in the 16th Arrondissement
Another reason the 16th is a popular place to live in Paris for expat families is the housing options available here. Unlike in the center of Paris, you’ll find many options with 2-3 bedrooms. Although these options will still have Parisian prices, its a great area for those looking to have more room to grow.
The 16th has plenty of Haussmannian, old-world charm, and opportunities to get a great view of the Eiffel Tower. Of course, these amenities will also bring up the price.
For a 2 bedroom furnished apartment in the 16th, you’ll need a minimum monthly budget of €2700.
Life in the 15th Arrondissement
If you want to live in Paris, but also want the atmosphere of a neighborhood, the 15th arrondissement may be the place for you! Many families love the 15th for its mix of residential and commercial opportunities, as well as its connections to the rest of Paris.
As an expat family, you’ll likely want to live close to the 7th. The peripherique can be a bit noisy and not very family-friendly, and the 7th has great schooling options. Many families also like to live near Rue du Commerce, a lovely shop-lined street that is the heart of commercial activities in the 15th arrondissement.
Schools in the 15th Arrondissement
One of the reasons many expat families choose to live in the 15th arrondissement of Paris is its wonderful education options in and around the area.
The 15th is home to the International Bilingual School of Paris, which teaches children from ages 3 to 17. The campus is located just on the border of the 7th arrondissement. The school prides itself on its fully bilingual and multicultural curriculum.
You can also find ICS Paris in the 15th. Following an IB curriculum, ICS incorporates French into its classes although it is not a fully bilingual school.
To the east of the 15th arrondissement, you’ll also have some great educational options in the 7th arrondissement. Just across the river to the west you can also find many international schools in the 16th and in the suburbs beyond the ‘petite coronne’.
Housing in the 15th Arrondissement
When looking for family-friendly housing in the 15th arrondissement, you’ll find a mix of old and new. Many of the apartments in this arrondissement have been refurbished or updated over time, but still keep elements of the old Parisian style in their parquet floors or gorgeous crown moulding.
Pricing for this arrondissement is fairly consistent with the rest of Paris, with apartments getting more expensive the closer you get towards the 7th and the center.
For a furnished 2-bedroom apartment in the 15th Arrondissement, you’ll need a minimum monthly budget of €2600.
Life in the 17th Arrondissement
The 17th arrondissement is a great area for families for many reasons. To start, its simply gorgeous! With the famous Arc de Triomphe and stunning Parc Monceau, its easy to understand why this arrondissement is a popular area for residents and tourists alike.
Despite its popularity, this is a largely quiet and calm neighborhood – except for around Clichy. The 17th is also home to the neighborhood of Batignolles, an up-and-coming neighborhood with lots of green spaces, boutique shops, and plenty of cafés and restaurants as well.
Schools in the 17th Arrondissement
If you’re hoping to enroll your child(ren) in a bilingual school, you’re in the right arrondissement! One of the reasons many expat families choose to live in the 17th is because it is home to the École Internationale Bilingue (EIB) Monceau campus, and Lyceé Internationale de Paris Honoré de Balzac.
EIB is a private school, open to student ages 10 to 15. As the name suggests, the school is bilingual, with classes taught in both English and French. Students also have the options to study up to 2 additional languages during their time there.
Lyceé Internationale de Paris Honoré de Balzac is a public school with international sections. This means that students can have bilingual studies in the language of their choosing. The school is open to middle school and high school students.
If you’re not afraid of a little commute, another great school near the 17th arrondissement is Marymount International School of Paris. Located in Neuilly, Marymount is a private Catholic school open to students ages 2 to 14. Despite being a Catholic institution, all religions are accepted and appreciated in the school. As the oldest international school in France, Marymount enjoys a strong reputation as one of the best preparatory schools in the region.
Housing in the 17th Arrondissement
The 17th arrondissement’s historic atmosphere extends into the housing options available, with most of the buildings following the traditional Haussmannian style. This, combined with the popularity of the area, means that the average monthly rent is a bit higher than the rest of Paris – especially near Parc Monceau and the Arc de Triomphe.
If you’re hoping to rent a furnished 2 bedroom apartment in the 17th, you’ll need a minimum monthly budget of €3,000.
Looking to live outside of Paris? Here are our recommendations!
Explore the western suburbs of Paris through our articles on Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Le Vésinet, Maisons-Laffitte, and several other surrounding neighborhoods!
Still not sure where to live? Need help renting your dream home?
That’s where we come in! Our team has moved internationally with their families many (MANY) times. We understand what priorities, concerns, and needs come with such a big change. We know Paris, its schools, and arrondissements and can help you to find the right fit for your family.
Want to learn more about how we could help you? Why not schedule a free meeting with our experts!
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