Where Are the Poorest Sections of Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Paris, a city known for its glamour and luxury, is also home to some of the poorest sections in Europe. Despite being a city of light and love, Paris struggles with poverty and inequality just like any other city.

What are the Poorest Sections of Paris?

The poorest sections of Paris are primarily concentrated in the northern suburbs of the city. The neighborhoods of Seine-Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, and La Courneuve are some of the most deprived areas in Paris. These neighborhoods have high levels of unemployment, social exclusion, and crime rates.

Seine-Saint-Denis

Seine-Saint-Denis is one of the poorest departments in France with a poverty rate of 28%. It is located to the north-east of Paris and is home to over 1.5 million people.

The department has high levels of unemployment with almost 20% of its residents being unemployed. Seine-Saint-Denis also has a large immigrant population which faces discrimination and social exclusion.

Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis is a suburb located to the north of Paris and has a poverty rate that exceeds 30%. It is one of the most deprived areas in France with high levels of unemployment, crime rates, and social exclusion. The suburb also has large numbers of immigrants who face challenges such as language barriers and discrimination.

Aubervilliers

Aubervilliers is another poor suburb located to the north-east of Paris. It has a poverty rate that exceeds 31% with high levels of unemployment and social exclusion. The suburb also struggles with crime rates which further exacerbate its problems.

La Courneuve

La Courneuve is a commune located to the north-eastern part of Paris. It has one of the highest poverty rates in France with almost 40% of its residents living below the poverty line. The commune also has high levels of unemployment and social exclusion which further perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

What are the Causes of Poverty in Paris?

Several factors contribute to poverty in Paris, including unemployment, social exclusion, discrimination, and inadequate housing. The lack of job opportunities in deprived areas makes it difficult for residents to break out of the cycle of poverty. Social exclusion and discrimination also play a significant role in keeping people trapped in poverty.

Inadequate housing is another major issue that contributes to poverty in Paris. Many people living in deprived areas lack access to affordable and decent housing which can lead to unsanitary living conditions and health problems.

Conclusion

Despite its reputation as a glamorous city, Paris struggles with poverty and inequality just like any other city. The poorest sections of Paris are primarily located in the northern suburbs such as Seine-Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, and La Courneuve.

Several factors contribute to poverty in these areas including unemployment, social exclusion, discrimination, and inadequate housing. Addressing these issues is crucial if we want to alleviate poverty and promote equality in Paris.