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

King Francis I of France, once wrote, “Paris is not a city; it’s a world.” Coming from an educated man of letters, a renowned patron of the arts, and a connoisseur of life’s finest things, his admiration was a resounding endorsement. Over the centuries, countless others have echoed his infatuation with La Ville Lumiere (“The City of Light”), as Paris came to be known during its role in the Age of Enlightenment. Today, Paris remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

Areas like St Germain, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Gare de Lyon, Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin, and the Champs-Élysées are known for their central locations, vibrant atmospheres, and overall safety, especially for first-time visitors. Each of these districts offers a blend of historic charm, cultural landmarks, and active street life that helps ensure a secure environment. While petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and transport hubs, violent crime remains rare. By staying alert, particularly around places like Gare du Nord, Les Halles, Barbès-Rochechouart, and parts of the outer arrondissements, travelers can enjoy Paris confidently. With basic precautions, the City of Light remains a wonderful and safe destination to explore.

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.

Safe Tourist Areas in Paris:

St Germain (6th Arrondissement)

This central location has often been dubbed as the safest place to stay in Paris. Additionally, its picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Pres district is considered to be the essence of the city’s old-world glamor and history. Notably a safe location great for families with kids, it has good public transportation to all the popular nearby places (the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, the “steel- and-lace” Eiffel Tower, or the macabre underground Catacombs). Located on the left bank of the Seine River, St Germain is bohemian and historic, 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. Germain 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).

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. In the city’s ongoing move to promote car-free zones, arrondissements 1-4 have been closed to car traffic one Sunday a month. The car-free days are for visitors and residents to fully enjoy the area’s 17th century private mansions, art galleries, boutiques, upscale restaurants and museums like the Picasso National Museum without competing with traffic. 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 remain 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.

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 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 Elysees– 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.

When planning where to stay in Paris, safety is a top priority for many visitors. Below is a ranking of the safest arrondissements based on local crime data, walkability, and tourist-friendly infrastructure.

So, Here Are the 7 Safest Arrondissements in Paris: according to The City Guards Team

1. 6th Arrondissement (St Germain) – Consistently ranked the safest; elegant, central, and family-friendly.
2. 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) – Heavy police presence near universities and cultural landmarks.
3. 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower area) – Diplomatic zone with upscale residences and low street crime.
4. 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais & the Islands) – Central, busy, and well-patrolled.
5. 8th Arrondissement (Champs-Élysées) – High-end shopping district, embassies, and active nightlife.
6. 3rd Arrondissement (Upper Marais) – Quieter side of the Marais with boutique hotels and museums.
7. 12th Arrondissement (Gare de Lyon area) – Busy transit hub, safe due to constant foot traffic.

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 in 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.

Paris is a diverse city, and your ideal neighborhood depends on what kind of traveler you are. Here’s a quick guide:

Traveler Type	Best Area	Why It Works
First-Time Visitors	Le Marais (3rd/4th)	Central, safe, historic, well-connected
Families with Children	St Germain (6th)	Calm, elegant, close to parks and museums
Solo Women Travelers	Latin Quarter (5th)	Well-lit, active streets, student-friendly
Budget Travelers	Canal Saint-Martin (10th/11th)	Hip, lively, lots of hostels and mid-range hotels
Luxury Seekers	Champs-Élysées (8th)	Upscale hotels, shopping, embassies, security presence
Nightlife Lovers	Montmartre (18th)	Iconic views, bars, cabarets — just stay aware after dark

Specific Areas For Caution

Frequent travelers advise that some areas in Paris deserve extra awareness:

• Gare du Nord and Gare de L’Est– These are transportation hubs in the 10th arrondissement that are known for pickpocketing and petty thefts.
• Les Halles– Historically the city’s main food market, Les Halles was redeveloped into a huge underground shopping mall and transit hub. It is located in the 1st arrondissement near the Louvre and can attract aggressive panhandlers and pickpockets, especially at night.
• Barbres-Rochechouart– Set in the northern part of the 18th arrondissement (not including Montmartre area), Barbres-Rochechouart is generally safe. However, visitors have reported it as sketchy after dark, often due to groups loitering near the station.
• Parts of 19th and 20th arrondissements– These are outer districts that are described as offering lively authentic Paris life but giving cause for some “evening awareness” especially when walking alone.

With just a few common-sense precautions and a little research, you can ensure your secure enjoyable visit to the City of Light. Discover for yourself why King Francis I believed that Paris was not just a city, but a world. And as the French would tell you, “Je vous souhaite beaucoup de reussite.” (I wish you much success!)