Levallois-Perret is a north-western suburb in the Hauts-de-Seine department of Île-de-France (the greater Paris region). Only 6km from the city center and very well connected by public transport, life here feels like an extension of living in the city itself.
Often known simply as “Levallois,” it combines many of the best aspects of living in a big city, with a quieter, more gentle feel. Unlike a small town or far-flung suburb, you have everything you need to live comfortably: restaurants, services, sports facilities and shopping. And you’re mere minutes from the center of Paris, should the need arise.
But Levallois is also calmer, cleaner, and likely safer than most Paris arrondissements. Which means many residents enjoy the benefits of Paris life, without its most common complaints.
This article explores life in Levallois-Perret, and the pros and cons of living here. Read on to figure out whether this is your perfect Paris suburb to live in.
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About Levallois-Perret
Somewhat surprisingly, Levallois-Perret is one of the most densely populated town in Europe. With roughly 68,000 people living in a 2.5 km-square area, its urban density is similar to Bogotá or Dhaka.
But you would never know it living here. Levallois is one of the most expensive and wealthiest suburbs in Paris, known for its quiet streets and beautiful apartment buildings. Much of this wealth comes from tax-paying businesses, including major corporations like Alstom and BNP Paribas Real Estate. And while there are some of the high-end stores and fancy bistros you’d expect from an affluent suburb, it’s less obvious than in the chicest parts of Paris.
Levallois also feels more modern than much of the city, while retaining the classic Paris charm. The suburb itself has wide roads and sidewalks, large white buildings, good public and private schools, and several well-known sports clubs.
NBA stars including Victor Wembanyama and Joaquim Noah both played for Levallois, and five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner represents Levallois Sporting Club.
But the most famous Levallois resident has to be Gustave Eiffel. Both the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower were constructed in Eiffel’s workshop here.
Why live in Levallois-Perret?
Levallois is an excellent option if you want the quiet, clean suburban life, but essentially still living in Paris. You’re just outside the 16th and 17th arrondissements, and it’s a short, easy metro ride into town. It can be hard to know where these arrondissements end and Levallois begins, which may be exactly what you want.
And while rent and purchase prices are high compared with most of France, you’re likely to get more for your money than in the city center. Rental prices are generally lower in the suburbs than Paris’ 20 arrondissements, and you’re more likely to find a larger apartment or the odd house to rent at a good price.
You may not have the same diversity and range of food and nightlife options that you’d have in the city proper, but there is still plenty to do, eat, and drink. And it’s a quick trip into St Lazare station, Bourse, Sentier or even République within half an hour taking the Metro line 3, should you wish to visit the city.
Levallois-Perret may suit you if you prefer:
- Apartment-style city living, but with more space than inside Paris.
- Peace and quiet on the weekends, with easy access to your job in the city.
- More classic French cafés, bars, and bistros, and less English spoken in the streets.
- A neighborhood feel, albeit a high-end, affluent one.
Overall, Levallois feels most like an extension of Paris’ most affluent neighborhoods. So if you’d love to live in the 7th or 16th arrondissements but just haven’t found the right location, here’s your next best option.
Why not live in Levallois-Perret?
It’s a lovely neighborhood, but not a perfect fit for everyone. So who would likely not enjoy life in Levallois?
You probably shouldn’t live in Levallois-Perret if:
- You want a high level of diversity in food, culture, and activities at your doorstep.
- You like the hustle and bustle of city life.
- You plan to be out at bars and parties every night of the week.
- You want a large house and garden—you’re more likely to find this in other suburbs.
- You work in the south or east of the city, and don’t want a long commute.
In short, you’re probably better off within Paris itself if you want the big city life. And if you want pure peace, quiet, and green spaces, there may be better suburbs for this.
Similar neighborhoods to Levallois-Perret
- Neuilly-sur-Seine: one of the few suburbs more affluent and elite than Levallois, it is similarly beautiful, clean, and quiet.
- 7th & 16th arrondissements: the two most stately inner city neighborhoods, both are home to international organizations and organizations, famous museums, and very fine dining.
- Courbevoie & Asnières-sur-Seine: these suburbs are neighbors to Levallois, but less expensive and feel more residential. They’re a good option if Levallois is either too pricey or too competitive during your housing search.
- 14th & 15th arrondissements: these are similarly quiet neighborhoods within the city, but much less expensive and exclusive than the 7th and 16th.
Enjoy the urban/suburban balance in Levallois-Perret
There are plenty of great reasons to live in Levallois-Perret. It offers larger rental properties than you’ll find inside the city—often cheaper—with clean, open streets, and a very high quality of life. You’ll also find excellent sporting and cultural facilities as both an audience member and participant, and wonderful extra-curricular opportunities for children.
It may not be as spacious as more distant suburbs like Versailles or Sèvres, and doesn’t have the luxury of being adjacent to the Bois de Boulogne like Neuilly-sur-Seine or Boulogne-Billancourt.
But it may be the perfect landing spot for people and families looking for the convenience and access of big city life, without the noise and grit that comes with it.
To see what life in Levallois could look like, explore furnished apartments in Hauts-de-Seine.
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