The 8th arrondissement of Paris is a dynamic, prestigious district that blends luxury, commerce, and cultural landmarks. With its world-famous avenues, proximity to major business hubs, and vibrant atmosphere, there’s plenty to keep you occupied and entertained.
But is it a great place to live? Life here can be fast-paced and a little frantic at times, but rarely boring. And while it may at times feel too busy, there are a few key parks and quiet churches that offer relief.
Here’s why the 8th arrondissement might be the ideal place for you to live.
| Sommaire |
About the 8th arrondissement of Paris
The 8th arrondissement is one of the key business districts in Paris, alongside the 1st, 9th, 16th and 17th arrondissements. According to a recent census, more people are employed here than in any other arrondissement.
And among the wide range of businesses present, fashion and luxury goods tend to stand out. Most French clothing lines have their flagship stores on or around the Champs Élysée, as do many international brands. Visitors come from all over the world to shop, or simply marvel at the expensive, exclusive goods.
Arc de Triomphe
Where is the 8th arrondissement?
Here are the outer edges of the 8th arrondissement:
- The right bank of the river Seine to the south
- Avenue Marceau to the west, running up to the Arc de Triomphe
- Avenue de Wagram to the north-west, until the Ternes metro stop
- Boulevard de Courcelles to the north
- Rue d’Amsterdam, Rue Vignon, and Rue Saint-Florentin to the east, running along the edge of the Tuileries gardens.
The 8th is one of the least populated arrondissements in the city, with less than 2% of the city’s population living here.
What are the key attractions in the 8th arrondissement?
The 8th is sometimes referred to simply as “Élysée,” and is home to both the famous Champs Élysée shopping street and the Élysée Palace. It includes some of the most famous and most visited sites and streets of Paris. These include:
- Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées, famous for its flagship stores and as the final stage of the Tour de France.
- The Arc de Triomphe war memorial, parts of which are also in the 16th and 17th arrondissements.
- The Élysée Palace, the French president’s residence.
- The Grand Palais and Petit Palais exhibition and events centers.
- Parc Monceau, a large neighborhood park popular with Parisians due to a relative lack of tourists.
- The Gare Saint Lazare train station, both a major commuter station and a launch point north to Lille, Normandy, and Brittany.
- Pont Alexandre III and Pont d’Alma, two of the best-known bridges across the Seine.
The Grand Palais
Why live in the 8th arrondissement?
Despite its hectic reputation, some Parisians are very happy to live in the 8th. Here are some of the key reasons why you might be attracted to this neighborhood.
You work nearby
Let’s start with the obvious: the 8th arrondissement may be a convenient and attractive place to live if you work in the 8th itself, or the nearby 1st, 2nd, or 9th. People come from all over the city to work in commercial hubs like the Champs Élysée, Saint Lazare, or Galeries Lafayette in the Opéra area of the 9th.
You have a passion for fashion
No arrondissement comes close to having the number of grand, flagship stores as the 8th. On and around the Champs-Élysée you’ll find every major fashion house in France, plus most of the leading logos from around the world. A few streets over, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has the quieter, more exclusive addresses for the same brands.
For a fashion fan, it’s an absolute dream. Paris Fashion Week occurs each year, with many of the most exciting events taking place in and around this area.
You’re also not far from the Palais Galliera, Paris’ fashion museum which exhibits changing each season. And the 8th also has plenty of smaller galleries and museums, each adding to the rich history and colors of Paris as a fashion capital of the world.
Finally, the 8th is home to the Institut Français de la Mode, one of Paris’ many highly-regarded fashion schools.
You want to live among the elite
While some parts of the 8th lack in vibe, you can also find some of the city’s most expensive and luxurious homes and apartments. The 8th is home to Paris’ “Golden Triangle,” a section nestled between the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Avenue Montaigne, and the Avenue George V.
Because of its location between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine, in a neighborhood full of high-end restaurants, boutiques, plus the extraordinary Grand Palais, living in the Golden Triangle is a rare delight. It will of course cost an arm and leg, but renting or owning property lets you rub shoulders with the crème de la crème of Parisian high society.
You’re in love with Parc Monceau
The 8th doesn’t have a huge number of parks and green spaces, but it does include one of the most popular. Parisians come from all over the city to enjoy picnics and long lunches, or simply to spend time sitting on the grass.
Parc Monceau is an expected oasis in an otherwise loud and busy part of the city. The possibility to live near this Parisian gem is too good for some to pass up.
You enjoy events, exhibitions, and museums
Living in the 8th arrondissement puts you right at the heart of many of Paris’ biggest events. The 14 July (aka “Bastille Day”) parade and final stage of the Tour de France come through the Champs-Élysées every year. So does Fashion Week, of course. The Grand Palais hosts major touring exhibitions and one-of-a-kind performances all year round, as does its sister site the Petit Palais.
The 8th is also conveniently located for regular trips to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, L’Orangerie, and many other leading cultural sites. If major crowd gatherings and spectacles are your thing, you’re in a great spot.
Why not live in the 8th?
Not everyone feels at home in this busy business district. Here’s why you might not want to live in the 8th.
You prefer a neighborly vibe
The 8th is not exactly famous for its residential feel. It’s a busy commercial district, and very close to popular nightlife areas (like Clichy), as well as transport hubs. Most of the amenities are there to serve the busy workers and flocks of tourists, rather than local residents.
You can, of course, find plenty of very nice apartments in the 8th. But the nicest ones tend to be behind high fences or hidden away in stately buildings. Unlike some other arrondissements, you don’t get that community feeling when you visit the local boulangerie or coffee shop.
You want to avoid tourists
As a world-famous shopping district, and home to sites like Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, life in the 8th is full of international tourists. If you’re moving to Paris to enjoy the classic French joie de vivre and calm lifestyle, it will be harder to find here.
Even the less touristy areas are still likely to feel crowded. Gare Saint Lazare is a busy commuter hub, and there’s virtually nowhere between there and the Seine that doesn’t attract traffic.
There’s a lot to see, do, and love about the 8th. But you should expect it to always be bustling.
You have a tight budget
The 8th isn’t the most expensive to rent or buy in Paris—the 6th and 7th are at the top, followed by the 4th, 1st, and 3rd. But the 8th is next, and the relative shortage of suitable accommodation also makes it highly competitive. Plus, the surrounding amenities are designed for tourists, which can also drive the cost of living up. Many of the restaurants are of the high-end, white tablecloth variety, and basic necessities like supermarkets are rarer and more pricey.
While there are more expensive places to live in the city, the 8th is not the best option for the budget-conscious.
The 8th arrondissement: live in the heart of the action
The 8th arrondissement is a lively and exciting neighborhood, particularly for fans of events, fashion, and luxury. It is at the same time a tourist hotspot and site of major attractions, and a prestigious address with deluxe private homes and apartments—with price tags to match.
It may not be for everyone, especially those who want more green spaces, quieter streets, and a local feel. But the 8th has just enough of each to make most people feel happy and at home.
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