If you’re planning a trip to Paris and looking for a place to stay that’s not in the hustle and bustle of the city center, you might want to consider the suburbs. But what exactly are the suburbs of Paris called? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Suburbs?
Before we dive into the specific names of Paris’ suburbs, let’s first define what we mean by “suburb.” A suburb is an outlying district of a city, typically residential in nature. It’s often characterized by its own distinct culture and way of life, as well as its proximity to both urban amenities and natural landscapes.
The Suburbs of Paris
In French, the term for suburbs is “banlieue.” The suburbs of Paris are collectively referred to as “la banlieue parisienne.” There are 130 official suburbs in total, spread out over three departments (similar to counties): Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, and Val-de-Marne.
Hauts-de-Seine
Hauts-de-Seine is located just west of Paris proper. Some notable suburbs in this department include:
- Neuilly-sur-Seine: This affluent suburb is known for its wide avenues lined with trees and grand Haussmannian buildings.
- Issy-les-Moulineaux: This area has undergone significant development in recent years and is now home to many tech companies.
- Boulogne-Billancourt: The largest suburb in Hauts-de-Seine, Boulogne-Billancourt features a mix of residential areas and office buildings.
Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis is located just north of Paris. Some notable suburbs in this department include:
- Saint-Denis: This suburb is home to the Stade de France, a major stadium that hosted the final match of the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
- Pantin: This up-and-coming suburb has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years.
- Montreuil: This large suburb is known for its diverse population and vibrant arts scene.
Val-de-Marne
Val-de-Marne is located just south of Paris. Some notable suburbs in this department include:
- Vitry-sur-Seine: This working-class suburb has a large immigrant population and a strong sense of community.
- Ivry-sur-Seine: This former industrial suburb has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years and is now home to many creative industries.
- Charenton-le-Pont: Located on the banks of the Seine, this peaceful suburb has a small-town feel despite its proximity to Paris.
Getting Around
If you’re staying in one of Paris’ suburbs, you’ll likely need to use public transportation to get around. The Métro (subway) and RER (commuter rail) systems both serve many of the suburbs, making it easy to get into and out of the city center. Additionally, many suburbs have their own bus lines and bike-sharing programs.
In Conclusion
While Paris’ city center certainly has its charms, don’t discount the suburbs as an option for your next trip. Each one has its own unique character and attractions, so be sure to do your research before choosing where to stay. And with easy access to public transportation, you’ll never be far from all that the City of Light has to offer.