When planning a trip to Paris, one of the most important considerations is safety. With 20 arrondissements (districts) in the city, it can be overwhelming to know which areas are safe to stay in or explore. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the safety levels of each arrondissement in Paris.
Overview of Arrondissements
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, which spiral clockwise from the city center. The first arrondissement is located in the heart of Paris and has some of the most famous landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. The other arrondissements are numbered accordingly in a spiral pattern around the city.
Safety Levels
While Paris is generally a safe city, some arrondissements have higher crime rates than others. Here’s a breakdown of each arrondissement’s safety level:
1st Arrondissement: Very Safe
The first arrondissement is considered one of the safest districts in Paris due to its central location and high police presence.
2nd Arrondissement: Safe
The second arrondissement is also relatively safe due to its proximity to the first district and increased police presence.
3rd Arrondissement: Safe
The third district has seen an increase in crime in recent years, but it’s still considered relatively safe compared to other areas.
4th Arrondissement: Safe
The fourth district includes popular tourist spots like Notre Dame Cathedral and Le Marais neighborhood but it remains quite safe.
5th Arrondissement: Very Safe
The fifth district is home to many universities and students but remains very safe with a low crime rate.
6th Arrondissement: Safe
The sixth district includes the famous Saint-Germain-des-Prés area and is considered quite safe.
7th Arrondissement: Very Safe
The seventh district is home to the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and other iconic landmarks. It’s a popular tourist area with a strong police presence.
8th Arrondissement: Safe
The eighth district includes the Champs-Élysées and is considered a safe area to stay.
9th Arrondissement: Safe
The ninth district includes the famous Galeries Lafayette department store and Pigalle neighborhood but remains a safe area overall.
10th Arrondissement: Safe
The tenth district has seen an increase in crime in recent years but it’s still considered relatively safe compared to other areas.
11th Arrondissement: Safe
The eleventh district includes popular neighborhoods like Bastille and Oberkampf that are also very safe.
12th Arrondissement: Very Safe
The twelfth district is home to the Gare de Lyon train station and Bercy Village. It’s also considered one of the safest districts in Paris.
13th Arrondissement: Safe
The thirteenth district includes Chinatown Paris and remains a safe area overall.
14th Arrondissement: Very Safe
The fourteenth district includes Montparnasse Tower and Alésia neighborhood.
15th Arrondissement: Very Safe
The fifteenth district is the largest arrondissement in Paris but it remains very safe with low crime rates.
16th Arrondissement: Very Safe
The sixteenth district is known for its upscale residential areas and the Bois de Boulogne park. It’s also one of the safest districts in Paris.
17th Arrondissement: Safe
The seventeenth district includes popular neighborhoods like Batignolles and Ternes, but has seen an increase in crime in recent years.
18th Arrondissement: Safe
The eighteenth district includes the famous Montmartre neighborhood and remains a safe area overall.
19th Arrondissement: Safe
The nineteenth district includes the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and La Villette neighborhood, but has seen an increase in crime in recent years.
20th Arrondissement: Safe
The twentieth district includes popular neighborhoods like Belleville and Ménilmontant, but remains a safe area overall.
Conclusion
Paris is generally a safe city, but some arrondissements have higher crime rates than others. The first, fifth, seventh, twelfth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth districts are considered some of the safest areas to stay or explore. It’s important to remain vigilant when exploring any city and always take precautions to ensure your safety.