Above – Neuilly-sur-Seine by @patrimoinefrancilien & Parc des 5 continents Jacques Chirac in Levallois-Perret by @cestmaikka
Living in a small Parisian apartment isn’t for everyone. Télétravail in a studio or chambre de bonne is not for the faint of heart. Some want a lawn for barbeques in the summer, a garden for children and pets, or a large salon for entertaining. Others simply desire a quieter neighborhood, all while being close to our beloved City of Light.
For those in search of space to roam within arm’s reach of the French capital, here are our 8 favorite chic Parisian suburbs.
Levallois-Perret
Levallois is the most densely populated city in Europe. It is also one of the most expensive suburbs of Paris. Several vehicle engineering companies are based here. It is also the birthplace of both the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Today, it’s home to high-income urban professionals, and nearly four thousand global companies.
Neuilly-sur-Seine
Neuilly is the most affluent residential area in France. It is valued for its immediate proximity to Paris’ Porte Maillot, La Défense business district, Bois de Boulogne, the Seine, and the popular Île de la Jatte. It hosts over ten thousand companies and a well developed public transportation system. Neuilly offers a pleasant lifestyle in an elegant setting.
Meudon
If you fancy a charming countryside life with over five hundred hectares of fauna and flora, Meudon is a favorite for families. It is known for its history and culture. Paris is only ten minutes away by RER or the tramway. The town combines tree-lined villages, museums, and historic monuments, such as the Imperial Cedar, Villa Napoleon III, and the Musée Rodin.
Versailles
Beyond its iconic Château, Versailles is, indeed, a royal town. Its picturesque mansions, buildings and symmetrical grid of streets and gardens were the inspiration for the urban layout of London, Saint Petersburg, and Washington. Chic and well linked to central Paris, Versailles is a highly cultural city. It attracts tourists, business congresses, and festivals.
Chatou
Impressionist painters Monet, Renoir, and Vlaminck created some of their best work here! 30 minutes from Paris via the RER, Chatou allures with its calm, greenery, and architecture. Maison Fournaise in Chatou was where Renoir painted the Luncheon of the Boating Party in 1881.
Le Vésinet
Designed for the Parisian bourgeois as the first ville-parc or “garden city” in France, Le Vésinet is a sophisticated paradise. Lavish mansions and foliage merge the best of both urban and rural living. The village is filled with several delightful lakes – a refreshing substitute for the beloved river Seine.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
This enchanting historic town is known for its narrow streets, vast forest, and castle. Saint-Germain-en-Laye was the birthplace of the sun king, Louis XIV. Covering an area of 19 square miles, the commune includes the National Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It is especially known for its football team Paris-Saint-Germain.
Maisons-Laffitte
An affluent, historical city 30 minutes from Paris by train, Maisons-Laffitte is an expat-favorite. It is one of the 21 “Imperial Towns” in France. With over 8500 acres of forest, this town is known as the “City of Horses” for its rich equestrian culture. It also has a beautiful Chateau that was a precursor to Versailles.
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Written by Maikka Piquemal for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
