Which arrondissements and/or areas to avoid in Paris?

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Eclipsepearl

I used to live in Paris and actually, the worst areas are *outside* of the city itself, in the suburban developments. This was a big plus for me because as a single woman, I was safer simply being inside the city limits. Honestly, there isn't anywhere dodgy you would want to go and it would be very obvious right away if you were somewhere less savory.

I would avoid certain sections of the 18th and 19th at night. Even the 2nd can be iffy when all the stores are closed. Just use common sense and don't tromp around deserted areas. During the day, I can't think of anywhere I would say to stay away from altogether.

Most MÃ©tro stops are safe but be careful of the RER, which can serve some very empty stations in some of those suburbs mentioned above. Many RER stations aren't very central anyway.

Only use official taxis. Recently there was a murder of a young Swedish woman who had used an illegal taxi, which I understand, is normal up there but not here in France.

But violent crime is not as common here and murders make national news. Pickpockets are actually a more real threat so be careful of your personal belongings. Please don't walk in the street with your passport if you can avoid it. Take a photocopy with you and lock it in the hotel safe. That's what they're really after!

You're staying in a very safe area of Paris so relax and enjoy!

Rose T

I've traveled to Paris by myself several times and have only felt unsafe once, and that happened to be when I was with other people. If you stay within the peripherique (the ring road around Paris) and use common sense, you will be fine.

Ronny_J

Don't go to the suburban outskirts where mostly people from north african origin are living. Even the police keeps away from that zone and youth gangs are proud they can keep the police out. Mr Sarkozy promised a little change but for the moment the stress is still on "little".

fivetenmale

Probably the most fun u will have will be in the Arr 1-2-3-4-5-6
The Eiffel Tower is in the 6-7 area and if ur there on Sunday ( most things closed shopping) the Arr 2-3 have the cool boutiques open nd quite a few eateries!. The Arr 4-5 are referred to as the Latin Quarter and also have fine dining and all the fab smoking cafes from the 1940's. UN fortunately they are on the decline BC of the non smoking 'France/Paris'

Good Luck have fun! If arriving from CDG take the RER train into Gare Nord and then switch to the Metro into the city. U can but all your train ticket at the airport lower level at either the kiosk of the Q to the tellers.

darkvince7

Any. Why do you want to avoid some parts of Paris?

Just avoid maybe som areas like La place des fÃªtes in the 19th or Pigalle at night in the 18th.

But all the city is safe and avoiding some parts will be made you the classical tourist tour and you will have any real idea of waht Paris is .

Eric O

Usually pickpockets loiter in touristy areas, but not all, so always be vigilant.
In the day, I have never felt ill at ease in any arrondissement. It's just that some are more interesting than others to the casual visitor. For 4 days, don't bother with the eastern part of the city, though some would say it is the most "authentic", I think that's only in the Parisian's eye. 13th, 14th and 15th, in the south are purely residential. If you want to check out the "rich" parts of the city (not just tourist attractions), go to the 16th (Auteuil, Passy, Trocadero). I would also advise you to go to my former quartier, Montmartre, in the 18th. If you can, catch the 80 bus to Caulaincourt and walk up that avenue til you reach Square St Vincent, then you can either take Ave Junot or Rue St Vincent (which will bring you to the vines of Montmartre). If on a map, go to AllÃ©e des Brouillards - it's unique in Paris, and thus the entire world. Once you reach the SacrÃ© Coeur basilica, feel free to wander back down on the south side of the hill through the cafÃ©s and cobblestone streets, it's fanstastic

usc

To play it safe avoid the higher numbered arrondissements around the center of Paris. just be aware of your surroundings, and you should be fine. Good luck and have a safe trip.

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