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 locale. 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 classified as one of the best areas to stay in Paris for first-timers. This is due to its central location, safety, great food, nightlife, and well-connected public transportation. This historic 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 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.
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 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.
MONTMARTRE (18th Arrondissement)
Imagine enjoying the panoramic city views from the top of the gleaming white Dome of historic Sacre-Coeur Church- or taking a stroll through Montmartre’s photogenic Place du Tertre square, filled with artists and painters. Maybe experiencing a cabaret evening at Moulin Rouge or other nearby cabarets and theaters is your dream. Fans of the movie “Amelie” always visit Montmartre’s famous Cafe des Deux Moulins, made famous as Amelie’s workplace. Montmartre is touristy and often crowded. It is recommended to always walk about the quaint cobblestoned streets where there are other people.
CANAL SAINT-MARTIN (10th-11th Arrondissement)
This picturesque tree-lined canal is an offshoot of the River Seine, with numerous beautiful bridges and nine locks. It is a magnet for romantics, locals, and tourists. People come here to enjoy Canal Saint-Martin’s cozy restaurants, hipster bars, concerts, and scenic boat rides. The strolling crowds keep the area safe, and the police particularly monitor its several Metro stations.
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.
Tips To Stay Safe- Even In The Safest Arrondissement 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.
- Avoid dark or isolated areas, especially at night.
- Do not display valuable items like expensive watches or flashy jewelry.
- 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 those pesky pickpockets, who love places where tourists are only focused on getting the best photos, not on safety!)
- Be vigilant against scams that target tourists. These scams include fake metro tickets, “free” friendship bracelets, roses, or “found” gold rings that lead to payment pressures, unofficial airport taxis, fake charity workers that accept donations for charities).
- Make sure to have emergency contact numbers and embassy locations.
With just a few common-sense precautions and a little research, you can ensure your enjoyable and secure visit to the City of Light. Or as the French would tell you, “Je vous souhaite beaucoup de reussite.” (I wish you much success!)
