What areas should you avoid in Paris?

Question

I am going to take my wife to Paris in a few weeks. Being from NYC, I know that crime can take place pretty much anywhere or anytime. Even though we are fairly street savvy I would love to hear some opinions on places that should be avoided. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

The French essentially banished the poor, especially non-white poor, to Stalinist style housing blocks in the suburbs many decades ago. They do not worry about being criticized for "racial profiling" and practice it on a level that makes the typical southern redneck sheriff look like a charter member of the NAACP.

So the central areas of Paris where tourists can be found are almost crime free while the suburbs teem with disaffected, violent, young people, chiefly North African in origin and Muslim, dealing with unemployment rates of 40+%.

There is a certain amount of violent street crime and much of that small (and I emphasize small) amount is directed at tourists who are seen as easy marks.

Its probably a good idea to stay out of the large parks called Bois de Boulogne on the west side of Paris and the Bois de Vincennes on the east at night. But then I doubt any native NY'er (I'm one) would walk in a large park at night in any case nor is there any real reason for being there at night.

Certain parts of the Rue St. Denis, a few blocks from the Centre Pompidou on the right bank can be a bit dicey. There's a fair number of hookers and junkies found there. Ditto the side streets around the Place Pigalle down the hill from Montmartre. Neither place should worry a NY'er very much.

Finally, there has been an ugly upswing in anti-Semitic violence which is never far below the surface in France. Act accordingly.

Answer 2

Areas Of Paris

Answer 3

As a general rule i would suggest to avoid the north east quarter of the city (divided it in 4 pieces to get the idea).
Barbes, Pigalle , La goutte d'Or , Menilmonant etc .. All these neighbourhood used to be inhabited by the working class now there is no word to describe what this became. Dangerous for everyone even during the daytime.
Like many people suggested, avoid the suburbs. Although there is nothing for a tourism to do outside of the city.

Answer 4

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RE:
What areas should you avoid in Paris?
I am going to take my wife to Paris in a few weeks. Being from NYC, I know that crime can take place pretty much anywhere or anytime. Even though we are fairly street savvy I would love to hear some opinions on places that should be avoided. Thank you in advance.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Even if I don't agree with Rillifane's explanation of the reasons for the situation in the suburbs: in general he is right - I don't mind the points... ;)

The only thing you should be aware of are the (very "professional") pick-pockets, not only in the touristy areas, but also everywhere and everytime in the public means of transport (which are always very safe - alarms everywhere and an very dedicated & experienced staff which knows how to act towards idiots). Parisians are very aware of the pick-pockets and sometimes even warn others when these have left their bags opened!

As Rilli already mentioned, you should (to some extent) be careful around Châtelet area (Les Halles at night isn't fun, the streets around the Centre Pompidou aren't that dangerous - only gays and prostitutes) and at the Seine banks at night. Montmartre and St-Denis can get really scary at nights, but in the evenings you just have to care about your credit card and your camera. And the area around the train stations are somehow bizarre at night... As in every other city in the world! (^_^)

But, hey! Relax and enjoy your stay! Have great time!

Answer 7

I live in Paris. The only friend of mine who got problems once (somebody stole her bag and break her arm) was living in the 16th arrondissement, which is the most exepsive place of Paris...

If you avoid the places like Saint Denis, La Courneuve, Mantes la Jolie... Well, you'll have no problem at all.

Paris is a safe city. I often come back to my appartment after 11pm, and I feel very safe.

Answer 8

The Barbes boulevard area, and the Forum des Halles are two places that is better to avoid at night, even if it's true that Paris is safe globally.
You should contact the US consulate to get a precise picture.
http://www.amb-usa.fr/
Or take a look at the official Paris council web page
http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/

Answer 9

It's not like the big cities in the USA. There is not really any crime. You can even feel safe walking around at night but very few Taxis run after midnight.

the City is safe but do not venture to the suburbs

Answer 10

I guess the banlieues during the riots. But I think that you should just be aware in high-tourism areas.