The Identity of a City

The district that I think best reflects the spirit of Paris is the 11th district, located northeast of the 12th district, east of the 3rd and 4th districts, and bordering the 20th district on the east. The 11th district is one of the trendiest, liveliest areas in all of the city. it features great food, great nightlife, and a great price tag. It is a family friendly district that is becoming the home to an increasing number of young families, but it still houses a majority of single adults.

Thanks to a diverse population with a healthy amount of immigrant influence, the culture in the 11th district is one of exercising your individual human rights for your own good. Along the large boulevards leading up the Place de la Republique, the district 11 locals gather to participate in markets and public forum events, it is no surprise that in this neighborhood, almost 250 years ago the people of Paris gathered to storm the Bastille and begin the French revolution. The former location of the Bastille is located on the border of the 11th district and its location is commemorated with a public monument, often a gathering place for the people that live around the district.

Becuase of this diverse population and progressive values, the 11th district was targeted as the first location by the ISIS terrorist attacks in Paris of November 2015. The cultural intermingling and atmosphere of individual freedom must have caused it to be a target to the terror group. Still, today the 11th district continues to grow and develop its culture of openness and freedom. Thanks to a strong economic environment in the district as well due to "wholesale commerce" and small businesses, the 11th district fosters an environment that empowers its locals to live a life full of both intellectual and economic freedom.

District 11 info:

Population - 156,831 (74.5% native Parisian // 15.7% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.72 Eggs (P/12) € 3.62 Steak (P/Kg) € 23.70

Hotel - Hotel de Nevers , 2 Stars, € 101 (night/double room)

My favorite place: This is a super cool mural on the side of the building featured in my architecture photo - rough translation: “on behalf of the bread of piss and the spice bread”

Tourist attraction: This square is the location of the Marché Popincourt, an open market that takes place every Tuesday & Friday between 07:00 - 14:30

Local business: This is a local, specialty photography shop - I thought it had a super cool camera selection

Architecture: This building, though hard to see from this angle, is actually free standing - I thought the sharp angles mixed with the free standing structure was very pretty!

The 6th district is where everything that epitomizes Paris comes together. History, intellectual tradition, class, art, fashion, and food are what the 6th district offers to the world, and as a result, it is actually the richest district in Paris in terms of per-capita income. The 6th district, followed by the 7th, 8th, and 16th districts make up the neighborhoods where the who's who of anything and everything lives. Thanks to its central location, close to the middle of the city and along the west side of the Seine, the 6th district is where all of these things seem to melt together into one grand "super-Parisian" culture. 

Paris's 6th district is home to the Saint Germain Abbey (founded in the 6th century CE), the École Nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (France's premier art conservatory), the Académie française (France's national council on the French language), and many high-quality restaurants and boutiques. This entertainment is also matched with lush green spaces like the Luxembourg Gardens to help free the peoples minds from the monotony of their daily lives, could this have been where Sartre and Beauvoir received their inspiration (Sartre and Beauvoir where the French intellectuals that created the concept of existentialism - both natives of the 6th district)?

The overall demographics of the 6th district are limited in their diversity. It is the most expensive district in Paris and thus has a majority of native Frenchmen living there with, presumably, successful, high paying careers. I did not see anything that remotely hinted at immigration into the district nor much of an attempt by the locals to help those below them. There were not even beggars on the streets, it was a sight I was not used to in Paris.

But if you are looking for great food and shopping, history and tradition be sure to pay a visit to the most affluent neighborhood in Paris!

District 6 info:

Population - 44,154 (79.6% native Parisian // 8.7% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.19 Eggs (P/12) € 3.07 Steak (P/Kg) € 26.50

Hotel - Hotel le Jean-Bart , 2 Stars, € 115.50 (night/double room)

My favorite place: This is my favorite gelato shop in all of Paris - Amorino in the 6th district

Tourist attraction: This is an open market that is held next door to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Local business: This is an oriental rug shop that I thought was cool

Architecture: The 6th district had many good examples of classic Parisian architecture juxtaposed with contemporary architecture

The 3rd district also feels very close to home for me because I am here about half the week in class. The district lies on the northern border of the 4th district and shares the same medieval “Le Marais” neighborhood that makes up most of the 4th district. The 3rd district also shares a more subdued version of the artisan culture that permeates through the 4th district.

The 3rd district has had a historically high population of Jews (similar to its neighbor, the 4th district) and as a result now, hosts the Jewish Art and History Museum of Paris. The 3rd district has a relatively diverse population, but not a large influx of immigrants, that I could tell. The overall class appears to be middle class, with a population made up of a majority of young, unmarried people.

What makes the 3rd district so sweet is that while it mirrors the liberal, progressive culture of the 4th district it is farther removed from the city center and thus has a slower pace than the 4th. Although the atmosphere is not technically more relaxing, the locals live in peace of swirls of tourists. Thus the 3rd district is a great place to go and observe Paris' young avant-garde culture, unspoiled by tourism.

Part of the fun of exploring the 3rd district is its medieval layout. The streets and buildings are very close together, you could almost call it a maze, and what is so fun about wandering around the labyrinth is that you discover new things around almost every corner. What I have enjoyed doing is going walking during my lunch break in class and trying to discover a new place to eat every day. If you put in the work to get to know the 3rd district, it can become a place where many memories are made.

District 3 info:

Population - 36,727 (73.4% native // 15.6% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 2.65 Eggs (P/12) € 2.48 Steak (P/Kg) € 28.76

Hotel - Hotel Jacques de Molay, 3 Stars, € 101 (night/double room)

My Favourite Place: This band was performing on the Fete de la Musique - they were located just south of the Place de la Republique and they were a riot to listen to

Tourist attraction: The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme highlights the culture, art, and history of the Jews in Paris

Local business: This is me overjoyed by all the food available at the Marché des Enfants Rouges - a local market that hosts vendors that sell goodies from all over the world

Architecture: The Musée des Archives Nationales has plenty of mediaeval architecture

The 7th district of Paris is located in the center of the city, right at the bend of the river where the seine changes from going northeast to southeast. The 7th district has been the home of the nobility since the 17th century and occupied by the wealthiest in French society every since. It's hard to see why not, the area is very beautiful and is home to some of the most notable destinations in the country.

The 7th district is where you will find, among other things, the Eiffel Tower, the Musee d'Orsay, the National Assembly, Invalides, as well as many other famous museums government embassies, and very fine housing. Due to these many tourist attractions, the district is almost overrun with tourists, street salesmen, and high prices. The 7th district is not the place to find much diversity or a true portrait of Parisian life at all. Due to the high cost of living int the 7th district, only the most successful can afford to live here.

Concerning the commercial opportunities that I observed in the 7th district, the majority of businesses consist of restaurants, tourist shops, and tourist destinations. Those that live here are rich and work in different parts of the city, many people come to take advantage of the gullible tourists by selling everything from alcohol to selfie sticks, and all the available food to visitors will cost an arm and a leg unless they can hold off eating until the cross the street (to the west) into the 15th district.

To be honest, I am not a large fan of the 7th district. I found myself frequenting it only a weekly basis throughout June and early July to watch the Euro Cup games at the fan zone - that I found very enjoyable - but now that they have taken it all down the appeal that the 7th district has for me is gone. Go see the sights, everyone should see these things once, but don't waste your time or money there.

District 7 info:

Population - 58,166 (78.3% native Parisian // 89.9% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.30 Eggs (P/12) € 2.59 Steak (P/Kg) € 28.15

Hotel - Hotel de Suede , 3 Stars, € 78 (night/double room)

My favorite place: I discovered the Jardin Catherine-Laboure in the 7th district - it is like a public garden where people can go grow things and relax on the grass

Tourist attraction: The 7th district is home to the famous Eiffel Tour - I took this photo on Bastille Day when we were out celebrating French Independence and enjoying a free concert

Local business: This is a bar that was watching the semi-final soccer game between Germany and France - we had a great time cheering

 Architecture: The Ecole Militaire building located in the 7th district - it is a prominent military hub for the city

The 2nd district of Paris is one of the smallest districts in the city, and as a result, is often overlooked by tourists - but this is a blessing because the gems that the 2nd district has are more easily accessible to you!

As one of the historical centers of business and commerce in Paris, the 2nd district is home to the old Paris Bourse (stock exchange - it was moved to its current home, the Bourse de Commerce, in 1889), the majority of the old Parisian covered passages, as well as many of the old gentlemen's clubs that the old Bourgeoisie were a part of in the 19th and 20th century.

Currently, the 2nd district maintains a relatively diverse population in relation to other Parisian districts. Almost 20 percent of the population are non-EU immigrants, but due to it's close location to the city centre, the 2nd district maintains a relatively strong Parisian identity. One of the shining aspects of the 2nd district is its many open markets that provide a unique selection of ethnic foods and ingredients as well as many artisanal French classics. Some of the best Middle-Eastern or Italian food you can get in Paris you will find at these markets and will be pleased with the cheap street prices.

Exploring the covered passages can provide similar pleasure to shoppers looking for unique, artisan goods that can only be described as "Portland-esc". Thanks to the young, specialty shopkeepers in the covered passages you will be able to find almost anything you might want, albeit you are in the market for antiques, artisan goods, or diverse textiles.

Take a stroll through the 2nd district, thanks to its small size it won't take you long to see the whole district. And who knows? You may just discover one of those treasures that Paris is famed to hold.

District 2 info:

Population - 22,558 (71.4% native // 17.9% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.44 Eggs (P/12) € 3.79 Steak (P/Kg) € 34.30

Hotel - Hotel Baby, 2 Stars, € 76 (night/double room)

My Favourite Place: This is a video I took from inside Club Rex on the Fete de la Musique - It is a classic European electro dance club

Tourist attraction: This is one of the old city gates of Paris 

Local business: Rue Montorgueil is a street full of businesses - it is the “centre de commerce” for the 2nd district - all of the local bakeries, meat shops, cheese shops, and wine shops are located on this street

Architecture: The covered passages in the 2nd district trace their origins back to pre-French Revolution history - they were the centers of commerce before the apartment stores came into existence

Welcome to my adopted home - where I would live if I could live in Paris. The 18th district is home to Montmartre, the hill that rises above the rest of the city and is capped by the striking Catholic Basilica, Sacre Coeur. Part of the magic that the 18th district has cast over my heart is the overall presentation and vibes that the district gives off. It somehow manages to make you feel like you are lost in a little French village. The change in elevation provides great variations in light and landscape imagery create an ambiance that cannot be beaten.

The 18th district has a spirited immigrant community and is home to one of the most famous African neighborhoods in Paris, Goutte d'Or, and this neighborhood has one of the most distinctive markets, the Marche Barbes.

Thanks to the tourism, a flourishing art community, and the overall relaxed attitude of the 18th district locals, small businesses flourish here. It is common for you to be able to tour small art galleries, find food at a quaint Parisian cafe, and watch the sunset through the trees and gardens that decorate the hill. The hill Montmartre shields the back side of the 18th district from the rest of the city of Paris. The Northside of the district roles into the suburbs around the north of Paris. Looking west you will see the financial district of Paris which lays just to the side of the northwest corner of the district.

In my opinion, the 18th district should be the only place you visit if you have a limited time in Paris. It is my favorite place, partly due to the panoramic views of Paris, and partly due to the peaceful atmosphere. The best part is that RATP (Paris metro) provides a gondola ride to the top of the hill if you don't want to walk.

District 18 info:

Population - 202,780 (72.5% native Parisian // 18.1% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.05 Eggs (P/12) € 4.05 Steak (P/Kg) € 25.73

Hotel - Hotel Des Arts , 3 Stars, € 73 (night/double room)

My favorite place: The “Wall of Love” located on Montmartre

Tourist attraction: Moulin Rouge

Local business: A used clothing store similar to the bodegas that I used to shop at in South Texas

Architecture: Sacre Coeur

A physical representation of contrast, the 19th district is full of a lively community of immigrants that are helping to breath new life into a once overlooked and dilapidated part of Paris. The diversity within the 19th district is very striking, as I explored the district I was very impressed with the many groups of African immigrants representing all of France's former colonies. There are many government subsidized housing blocks throughout the district, built in a much more contemporary style than that of the "classic Parisian" architecture. On top of a diverse community, the local government has been leading a large urban renewal project throughout the district. This has included developing two parks, a museum, an exposition center, and further development of the Conservatoire de Paris, one of the most renowned music schools in the world. 

In exploring the 19th district, you should consider paying a visit to the Cite de la Musique, a large music compound that houses the Conservatoire de Paris as well as the Philharmonie de Paris (a large concert hall) and the Musee de la Musique (a museum devoted to presenting the history of musical instruments).

Juxtapose this urban development with the concentration of struggling immigrants and refugees, it is common to find whole tent communities under the metro tracks that run along district 19's borders. Many of the basic needs of these people are not taken care of, like clean water and toilets. It was sad for me to see the poverty that was so pervasive among those trying to find a better life in Paris. I was unaware that large quantities of poverty could exist in a highly developed, socialist country.

Another interesting observation that I made was how many of the district 19 locals dress in their cultural/native clothing. There are many stores that sell traditional African and Middle-Eastern clothing and it was much more common for me to see the Parisians dressed like they would in their home countries.

District 19 info:

Population - 187,799 (74.5% native Parisian // Info not given for non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.18 Eggs (P/12) € 1.19 Steak (P/Kg) € 24.94

Hotel - Hotel de Nantes , 3 Stars, € 57 (night/double room)

My favorite place: I don’t think that this was my favorite place per se, but I wanted an image to represent the high capacity of immigrants that the 19th district has

Tourist attraction: Canal Saint-Martin

Local business: A hair salon that specializes in afro style hair, addressing the high African population

Architecture: I thought this was a cool looking vacant lot with some abandoned apartments

Quickly emerging as a bright light among the outer, working class districts, the 20th district of Paris is taking steps that are shaping the world around it. The 20th District of Paris lies on the outer eastern ring of the city, bordered by the 19th to the north, the 12th to the south and the 11th to the west. The 20th district has a high population of immigrants and working class Parisians that create a vibrant community that is attracting students and other young people to the area.

The 20th district is most widely known for the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, a cemetery that famously holds many old and modern musicians. More recently the 20th district has seen a development of its own Chinatown and art scene. Walking through the 20th district it is hard to miss the street art that is all around. I was also surprised to learn about all of the bohemian style bars and clubs that the 20th District holds.

Walking around the 20th district, I go the sense that things were always happening - that the population was busy. Unlike the 19th district where I found a lot of people passing time leisurely by, it appeared to be mainly immigrants who were not employed. In the 20th district things appeared differently, the streets were more empty and when I approached large public areas, I was more often greeted with a large beautiful mural than any sort of gathering.

What I liked about the 20th district was how diverse it was and how happy it was living with that identity. The people that are coming to this district, both Parisian and non-EU were working together to build trust and community together, at least that is what I sensed. It does help, I think, to have a larger population of people like you (that share your language and culture), especially if you aren't French.

District 20 info:

Population - 199,113 (74.7% native Parisian // 16.3% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.30 Eggs (P/12) € 2.37 Steak (P/Kg) € 29.95

Hotel - Hotel des Vosges, 3 Stars, € 76 (night/double room)

My favorite place: I loved this mural I found on a back street in the 201th district - I think it looks like Beyonce

Tourist attraction: Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant

Local business: A store that sells traditional African clothing

Architecture: Modern apartments built for immigrants and low-income individuals - you find many buildings like this in the 19th and 20th districts

The 16th district of Paris is home to some of the best and brightest individuals that have ever graced Paris with their presence. The 16th district has also been my home for the past 2 1/2 months, so like I said... The 16th district has been the home to some of the best people to ever have lived in Paris! I hope my dry humor doesn't bother you - dear reader, in all honesty, the 16th district is a wonderful place to live. It is very wealthy, very safe, and known throughout Paris as one of the most affluent areas in the city.

The demographics here are not very diverse, there is a low immigrant population and a high percentage of native Frenchmen. The 16th district houses many embassies and consulates for foreign governments. For example, just down the road from my apartment is a German consulate, an Iraqi consulate, and the Quebec consulate. Exploring throughout the district has lead me to find very little business outside of the spectrum of neighborhood markets. District 16 is highly residential and you will find mostly apartments, government buildings, restaurants, and a handful of museums mixed throughout. On the other hand, what the 16th district lacks in terms of being a commercial hub it makes up for in headquartering several multinational corporations. The likes of Peugeot, Veolia, and other companies maintain their headquarters in the 16th district.

While you may not find much to do in terms of entertainment as a tourist in the 16th district, you will be able to find access to areas like the Arc de Triumph, the Champs-Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower which all share borders with the 16th district. If you are looking for a location to enjoy a safe afternoon walk while enjoying classic Parisian architecture, the 16th district is the place to do it.

District 16 info:

Population - 170,239 (74.5% native Parisian // 12.5% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.46 Eggs (P/12) € 2.48 Steak (P/Kg) € 29.78

Hotel - Hotel Residence Foch , 3 Stars, € 83 (night/double room)

My favorite place: Here I am celebrating the Fete de Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Quebec’s “independence” day) - the Quebec consulate is right down the road from my apartment 

Tourist attraction: Trocadero is a famous palace built for the world's fair - it lies across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower

Local business: This is a restaurant near our apartment that often has a live band playing - in my opinion that is a great way to attract customers

Architecture: Hotel Saint James is a very luxury hotel in the 16th district - I like the way the building looks, it is an old chateau

The 14th district carries a rich history of art, literature, and culture that is still visible today to those that visit it. Formerly known as the "Montparnasse District", the 14th district acted as a center for art and literature throughout the 20th century. It is also home to a large population of the people of Breton, an ethnic community of the french population that traces its roots back through the middle ages to Brittany. On top of this history, the 14th district is also a commercial hub for Paris housing many corporations, media outlets, as well as the small businesses that you see throughout the entire city.

I had the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time in this section of the city because it is where I first stayed when I came to Paris in May. The effective integration of greenery into the district planning helped to curb the intimidation I felt about living in a new country. I also was impressed by the easygoing atmosphere of the district, while the 14th does house many businesses I got the sense from those that lived here an overwhelming feeling of peace and satisfaction in life. While it may sound odd, my observations were that the people that live in the 14th district are living a very high quality of life. Thanks to the successful economy and well-placed parks and infrastructure, it makes sense to me how the Parisians of the 14th district can feel so satisfied with their life.

Again, the 14th district does hold some hot tourist destinations, but it doesn't let this ruin its good vibes. Anyone looking for an area to explore, see happy people, and enjoy very good and relatively well priced (non-tourist inflated prices) food owes it to themselves to come explore the 14th district.

District 14 info:

Population - 142,535 (78.4% native Parisian // 11.5% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.47 Eggs (P/12) € 2.15 Steak (P/Kg) € 27.63

Hotel - Hotel du Midi , 3 Stars, € 84 (night/double room)

My favorite place :This is the Denfert-Rochereau metro station - the first time I came to Paris I came through this station, so I fondly view it as my gateway to this city

Tourist attraction: The main entrance to the catacombs is located in the 14th district - as you can tell, the thought of dead people thrills me

Local business: This is a cool seafood restaurant that I found in the 14th district - back behind the men in aprons are the customers that order their food and have it cooked fresh before them

Architecture: This is the main roundabout in the 14th district, classic Haussmann-style buildings with large boulevards

The 13th district of Paris is amazing, it is indeed one of my favorite spots in Paris and a place that all visitors to Paris should spend some time in before they leave. Thanks to the national library, a modern commercial and entertainment building initiative that is growing around the library, and a diverse community of Asian immigrants, the 13th district glows as one of the premier districts in Paris.

Located on the west bank of the Seine and on the southern most side of the city, the 13th district plays the part of a bridge from the "traditional Parisian" architecture and culture to the diverse culture and contemporary architecture found in the 12th district. Adding to this new age atmosphere is the influence of the latin quarter on the north side of the 13th district. The 13th district is home to Paris' own China town and a majority of the non-French population is made up of Asian immigrants. Around the national library appears to be a young and affluent population that is moving into the modern apartment structures, but deeper into the district you find the transition towards a larger middle-class community that is made up of a lot of small business owners.

A nice aspect of the 13th district is the rolling hills that make up the geography, I enjoyed the changes in elevation seeing that I don't often experience that when I find myself closer to the city center. This varying geography has also allowed the city planners to make creative work out of the district design, and you will find well designed metro stops and other forms of infrastructure integrated into the physical attributes of the district.

I highly suggest the 13th district to anyone looking to explore an interesting subculture within Paris and a community as diverse in demographics as it is in architecture and entertainment.

District 13 info:

Population - 184,235 (76.2% native Parisian // 14.6% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € .88 Eggs (P/12) € 1.71 Steak (P/Kg) € 19.66

Hotel - Quality Suites , 3 Stars, € 99 (night/double room)

My favorite place: My favorite thing to do in the 13th district was to visit the 2 story Decathlon store - a massive outdoor sporting good retailer

Tourist attraction: The river walk along the west side of the Seine has wonderful nightlife

Local business: Here you see McKay, Brandon, and me waiting for our dinner at  a local burger joint we ordered the night we visited the district

Architecture: The Paris National Library (the 4 towers across the river) is a beautiful structure in the 13th district

The 12th district of Paris is located along the east bank of the Seine river. It lies just down river from the two islands in the middle of the Sene, located across the way from the latin quarter. What makes the 12th district so cool is the overarching hipster feeling you find throughout the area. Due to its location, the 12th district gets the international influence from its neighbors on the north-west as well as the Parisian culture from the city center. The best way I could think to describe the 12th district is "Brooklyn-esc" and the raised walkway definitely adds to that vibe.

The 12th district is made up of a majority french population, most of them native Parisians. A local opera house (the second largest in Paris), the beautiful canal Saint-Martin, and the Bois de Vincennes makes the 12 district a very aesthetically pleasing place to visit. The Place de La Bastille connects the 12th district with its neighbors to the northwest and is a public gathering place for events. This year the Place de La Bastille was the location of the massive Paris Pride Festival this past June and managed to house a concert, food and merchandise sales, as well as a few thousand people.

Thanks to its location on the outer ring of the city, the 12th district is not highly visited by tourists and this helps to keep the neighborhoods quiet and peaceful. In my opinion, the 12th district would be a great place to have a family if you were to raise them in Paris, it is a good middle-class area, close to many good parks, and most of all it is peaceful. I imagine it to be a location where all the hip Parisian young adults move to raise their families once they settle down.

District 12 info:

Population - 146,527 (81.2% native Parisian // 10.3% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.75 Eggs (P/12) € 2.59 Steak (P/Kg) € 29.95

Hotel - Hotel ibis Styles Paris Bercy, 3 Stars, € 86 (night/double room)

My favorite place: This is a skate park I found at the Parc de Bercy - I thought it had cool graffiti

Tourist attraction: The Promenade Plantee is a famous raised walkway built on an old French railway line - it runs through the heart of the 12th district 

Local business: Every weekend along the Canal Saint-Martin local  Parisians hold what can only be described as one of the coolest antique markets I have ever seen

Architecture: This building is home to the Cinémathèque Française, a French film society that actually holds one of the largest collections of films in the world

The 10th district of Paris, known around the city as “little Turkey” is home to a large Turkish minority and is a large working class district near the heart of Paris. Many young adults, artists, and families have begun to make this district their home.

The 10th district is home to many hip clubs, the Canal Saint-Martin, the Place de la Republique, and the large train station Gare du Nord. Thanks to the immigrant population, there are also many great restaurants and markets that provide delicious middle eastern foods. From my observations during my visit to the 10th district, the 10th district appears to be on the economic rise. It is kind of a bridge district between the immigrant-heavy 19th and 20th districts to the north and the Parisian heavy districts of 2 and 3 to the south.

My favorite thing about the 10th district was visiting the Place de la Republique. It is a large public square at the eastern edge of the 10th district. At this square is a "public forum" where people from the diverse 10th district community meet with people from the 11th and 3rd districts. There are often markets, public speaking events, and art on display. Located near this place is also a memorial for those that passed away in the November terrorist attacks in Paris. The attacks actually began in the 10th district and many of the locals in the community lost their lives. You can still go and pay homage to their memory at the public memorial.

Overall, the 10th district offers you a look into the lower middle-class side of Paris. It exposes you to progressive art, free speech, a free flow of ideas, and a diverse community that is learning how to live in peace with itself. It is worth a visit for those travelers looking to get off the beaten path without venturing too far.

District 10 info:

Population - 95,436 (70.4% native Parisian // 19.8% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 2.07 Eggs (P/12) € 3.35 Steak (P/Kg) € 29.95

Hotel - Hotel Paix Republique , 3 Stars, € 81 (night/double room)

My favorite place: This is a memorial for those that passed away in the terrorist attacks that took place in Paris in 2015

Tourist attraction: The Place de Republique is a public square where there are often public forums and markets

Local business: This dude is chilling outside his specialty barbershop - he gives the public the fresh duggies they want

Architecture: This is the best example that I have seen of the window boxes that Paris apartments are famous for

The 9th district of Paris is located just east of the 8th district and is a little more middle class than its neighbor. The 9th district has historically housed a very bourgeoise population and the entertainment that the 9th district provides reflects that. Walking through the district you will find many theatres, galleries, and the Opera Garnier. The first department stores in France were also built in the 9th district. Some of the most famous department stores, like the Gallerie Lafayette, surround the opera house and run up and down the Boulevard Haussmann.

The 9th district of Paris is the closest thing to what I would call a “concrete jungle”. During my explorations of the district, I have been unsuccessful in finding public green spaces that I have enjoyed in many of the other districts that I have visited. The 9th district has a relatively low immigrant population, and I would think this is because of the higher (middle class) prices that are throughout the city. There are also many “green/health-centered” shops which I think is a reflection of the district population. One of my favorite places that I visited was an organic food store that had stationary bikes you could ride to charge tour cellphone, needless to say, I got a kick out of it.

A notable place to visit when you are here is the Gallerie Lafayette, it is a huge department store that is famous for not only its products offered but also the massive stained glass that decorates its stores. There is also a nice rooftop cafe available to the public above the Gallerie Lafayette. It is a good place to get a free city view and enjoy some tasty food while you take a break from the hustle and bustle down below. It is also highly encouraged to enjoy a show at the opera whenever possible!

District 9 info:

Population - 60,293 (78.3% native Parisian // 10.7% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.45 Eggs (P/12) € 1.85 Steak (P/Kg) € 31.45

Hotel - Hotel Avenir Hotel Montmartre, 2 Stars, € 99 (night/double room)

My favorite place: This is the health food store where I got to ride my bike and charge my phone!

Tourist attraction: The Galerie Lafayette

Local business: This is the oldest chocolate shop in Paris, turns out their chocolate is still very fresh.

Architecture: The Opera Garnier

Located near the heart of the city, right along the north side of the Seine, is the 8th District of Paris. Located in the 8th district is the commercial center as well as the homes of many of the affluent citizens of the city.

The 8th district is laid out in the classic Haussmann-style seen throughout the city. The boulevards are large and the apartments are the classic beige, Parisian style. The 8th district is home to some of the most famous locations in Paris. It houses all of the fashion giants of Paris (Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent). Along the Champs-Elysees and along some of the roads off of the boulevard you’ll find each of their stores and boutiques. This sense of luxury spreads through the whole district. On late nights you’ll often see large parties happening in the penthouses above the district. As I have explored the district it reminded me of those high-class liquor adds where a generic attractive young man chases a mysterious young lady through a labyrinth of parties until they emerge above the city of Paris on a roof to enjoy a drink together.

The demographics are not very diverse in the 8th district. The environment fostered by the expensive boutiques spreads into rents and food prices. From my observations, the majority of the people that I saw living here were well integrated French. I did not find any sign of immigration in district 8.

For those who are looking for an expensive, overcrowded location, the Champs-Elysees is your place to go. But there are other great places to visit in the 8th, like the Madaline Cathedral, the Grande Palais, and the Arc de Triumph. Be sure to enjoy the gardens down below the shopping center on the Champs-Elysees.

District 8 info:

Population - 39,409 (75.4% native Parisian // 10.6% non-EU)

Food Prices - Milk (P/L) € 1.26 Eggs (P/12) € 1.85 Steak (P/Kg) € 27.70

Hotel - Hotel D’argenson , 2 Stars, € 65 (night/double room)

My favorite place: Parc Monceau

Tourist attraction: The famed Champs-Elysees at night

Local business: This is a local stationary store across from the Hotel D’argenson

Architecture: La Madeleine - a cathedral built under the commission of Napoleon Bonaparte I, reminds you of ancient Greece, no?