If you are planning a visit to Paris, it is essential to know the names of its suburbs. Paris is a beautiful city with many suburbs that offer different experiences.
Each suburb has its unique character, history, and culture. Here is a guide to help you understand the names of the Paris suburbs.
What Are the Paris Suburbs?
Paris has twenty arrondissements or districts which are numbered in a clockwise spiral pattern starting from the center of the city. These districts are further divided into eighty districts or quartiers. The suburbs of Paris are located outside these districts.
What Are The Suburbs Called?
The suburbs of Paris are called banlieues in French. There are approximately 130 banlieues in the metropolitan area of Paris, and they are divided into three zones according to their distance from the city center:
Zone 1: This zone is closest to the city center and includes suburbs like Boulogne-Billancourt, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Neuilly-sur-Seine, and Saint-Cloud.
Zone 2: This zone includes suburbs like Argenteuil, Montreuil, Nanterre, and Saint-Denis. These suburbs are located within a radius of 10-20 kilometers from the city center.
Zone 3: This zone includes suburbs like Aulnay-sous-Bois, Bobigny, Clichy-sous-Bois, and Sarcelles. These suburbs are located outside a radius of 20 kilometers from the city center.
What Are The Characteristics Of Each Zone?
Each zone has its specific characteristics that make it unique:
Zone 1: This zone is affluent and residential with high-rise buildings and spacious apartments. It offers easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Zone 2: This zone is a mix of residential and commercial areas. It has a diverse population and offers affordable housing. The suburbs in this zone are well-connected to the city center with public transportation systems like buses, trains, and metros.
Zone 3: This zone is less affluent and has a higher crime rate than the other zones. The suburbs in this zone face social issues like poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. However, they also have vibrant communities with rich cultural diversity.
How To Explore Paris Suburbs?
The best way to explore the Paris suburbs is by using public transportation. The metro system in Paris is well-connected to the suburbs. You can buy a day pass or a weekly pass that allows you to use all modes of public transportation within the city and its suburbs.
You can also take a guided tour of the Paris suburbs to learn more about their history, culture, and architecture. These tours are conducted by experienced guides who will take you to the most interesting places in each suburb.
In Conclusion
Paris is not just about its famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral; it’s also about its vibrant suburbs that offer unique experiences. Understanding the names of these suburbs and their characteristics will help you plan your trip better. So go ahead and explore the banlieues of Paris!