Where to Stay in Paris: Best & Worst Areas (by a Local)!

Summary

In this video, a local Parisian shares insights on the best and worst areas to stay in Paris. While popular spots like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter are tourist-heavy and overpriced, lesser-known neighborhoods like South Pigalle, Lamarck, Belleville, and Batignolles offer authentic experiences with vibrant local culture, great food, and picturesque streets. The speaker advises avoiding areas like Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Republique, which may feel unsafe or chaotic. Ultimately, Batignolles stands out as the speaker’s favorite neighborhood for its charm, diversity, and welcoming atmosphere.

Takeaways

• 😊 The best areas to stay in Paris are often just a short distance from the worst areas.
• 🏙️ Montmartre is beautiful but overcrowded with tourists during the day, making it less ideal for staying.
• 🚇 A hidden gem near Montmartre is the area around Lamarck metro station, offering a more authentic Parisian experience.
• 🍷 The Latin Quarter is overhyped and overpriced; locals prefer areas like Odéon and Mabillon near Jardin du Luxembourg.
• 🚉 Areas around major train stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est are shady and should be avoided.
• 🎉 South Pigalle, once a red-light district, is now trendy with lots of bars, restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.
• 🚶 Canal Saint Martin is a wonderful area to explore and enjoy a casual picnic, especially by the water.
• 🌳 The northern part of the Marais is a great place to stay for shopping, history, and beautiful walks, avoiding areas like Republique.
• 🏞️ Belleville offers a unique, multicultural vibe with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from the park.
• 🏘️ Batignolles, a hidden gem with a village-like feel, is the best area to stay in Paris for its welcoming atmosphere and variety.

Q & A

What is the speaker's favorite underrated neighborhood to stay in Paris?

The speaker's favorite underrated neighborhood is the area around the Lamarck metro station, just north of Montmartre. It's typically Parisian and less touristy, with beautiful staircases, a vineyard, and excellent food shops and bars.

Why does the speaker not recommend staying in the touristy part of Montmartre?

The speaker advises against staying in the touristy part of Montmartre because it attracts too many tourists during the day and can also bring in shady people, making it less appealing to stay in.

What is the speaker's opinion of the Latin Quarter in Paris?

The speaker doesn't recommend staying in the Latin Quarter, describing the restaurants as overpriced and low-quality. They suggest that you'll get a more authentic French experience elsewhere.

Which area does the speaker recommend instead of the Latin Quarter, and why?

The speaker recommends the area around the Odéon and Mabillon metro stations, near Jardin du Luxembourg. This neighborhood is more upscale, relaxing, and has great restaurants, including Michelin-star options.

What does the speaker say about the area around Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est?

The speaker warns that areas around the train stations, especially Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est, tend to be shady, with scams like fake taxis. They suggest avoiding these areas.

What is special about the South Pigalle neighborhood, according to the speaker?

South Pigalle used to be a red-light district but is now a trendy neighborhood with great restaurants, bars, and cafés. It's well-connected and offers a mix of nightlife and quiet spots, like the Museum of Romantic Life café.

Why does the speaker not recommend the Stalingrad area, and what alternative do they suggest?

The speaker finds Stalingrad potentially unsafe for people not used to big city life, though they themselves feel fine there. They recommend the nearby Canal Saint Martin as a better alternative, with great walks, wine bars, and a fun, legal public drinking culture.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the Republique area?

While the Republique area is generally fine, the speaker advises against staying there because it is a hot spot for protests, which can disrupt transportation and lead to violence. They recommend staying in the northern part of the Marais instead.

What is the speaker's least favorite area to stay in Paris, and why?

The speaker's least favorite area is the Champs-Élysées, which they find too busy and commercial, with better shopping options available in other areas like Le Marais.

Which neighborhood does the speaker consider the best to stay in Paris, and why?

The speaker's favorite neighborhood is Batignolles, where they live. They love its village-like feel, beautiful streets, diverse community, and many food options. It's also a hidden gem not widely known among tourists.