Paris Property – Quartiers du jour

Caroline Harrap gives us the low-down on the capital’s three hottest up-and-coming neighbourhoods. And they’re not where you may think…

SOUTH PIGALLE

Long a part of the city’s red-light district, over the last few years the sleazy vibe of South Pigalle has (mostly) given way to cutting-edge cocktail bars, ‘bobo’ boutiques and general hipster hang-outs. Granted, this isn’t a new phenomenon, but ‘SoPi’, as it is now nicknamed, only looks set to increase in popularity property-wise.

Musée de la Vie Romantique © Paris Tourist Office – Photographer – Amélie Dupont

“We have some excellent concert venues locally such as the iconic La Cigale, a host of cool bars including the Dirty Dick (which kept its name from its slightly less salubrious days) and stylish stores such as vintage clothing favourite Troc en Stock,” says resident Marie Declercq. Other favoured haunts in the locale include the much-hyped Hôtel Amour (where Kanye West is rumoured to have stayed), Musée de la Vie Romantique, Musée Gustave Moreau; and a popular foodie street, rue des Martyrs, where there really is something for all tastes. The only downside is the ever increasing property prices, but there is certainly much to recommend this buzzy area.

NORTH OF MONTMARTRE

Often ignored in favour of tourist hotspot Montmartre, the upper reaches of the 18th arrondissement have long been a favourite among those in the know. With quiet, leafy streets more reminiscent of a hilltop village than a heaving city, this is the place to come for those who want to escape the crowds – but there’s also a cosmopolitan feel to the area.

“It’s an interesting mix as it’s very ‘bobo’ in parts, such as the chic Square de Clignancourt, but then you have the hustle and bustle of the outdoor market at Boulevard Ornano and the vibrant ‘African quarter’ at Château Rouge,” says Paris property specialist Nadine Giblin. “The place to be is around the Mairie du 18e. Rue du Poteau is a bit of a foodie hotspot, with its many bistros; and the nearby brasserie, La Timbale, is a particular favourite. In addition, when you’re ready to deck out your new apartment, there are plenty of stylish interiors stores, as well as the boutique solidaire Emmaüs, and of course the huge flea market of Clignancourt.” As an added bonus, property in some parts of the 18th can also be more affordable than the classic Parisian neighbourhoods – for now, at least.

DAGUERRE DISTRICT

A little off the tourist trail, the 14th arrondissement offers relative calm and tranquillity away from the throng. For a traditional Parisian neighbourhood, try the area around the charming market street of rue Daguerre – a food lover’s paradise with its bounty of fresh produce.

The neighbourhood is home to boulangeries, highly-regarded restaurants and many independent boutiques – ranging from vintage fashion and home ware to books, antiques and specialist wines. Other highlights include the Parc Montsouris, which was built during Baron Haussmann’s great reorganisation of the city; the famous Montparnasse Cemetery; and the city’s fabled catacombs. Property-wise, bargains are rare nowadays, but it’s always worth checking.

With thanks to our real estate partner VINGT Paris.

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For more information on buying in the French capital, email [email protected], call +44 (0)1225 463 752

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