The 18th arrondissement
You can say that there are two sides to the 18th arrondissement of Paris. And they just so happen to be the neighborhoods that make up the area. On one side, there's Montmartre, a fairly trendy, bohemian hub that's also family-friendly in many ways. Perched on a hill, it's an enchanting district where young people hang out, families spend time with each other, and history is preserved for all to see. And then there's the Pigalle Quarter, the more “adult” side of the arrondissement and of the city altogether. Home to the red-light district of Paris, this is where the fun is had once night falls.
Perhaps the crowning jewel of the 18th arrondissement and of Montmartre is the stunning Sacré-Cœur. Perched atop Butte Montmartre, this architectural marvel, with its standout Roman-Byzantine style, is one of the most famous churches in the city. Its fame almost equals that of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. And for the locals in the area, the slopes of the hill, Square Louise Michel, make for a great place to hang out, relax, and spend time under the sun.
Over the years, however, another spot has stolen much of the hype of Sacré-Cœur and has become a definite must-see in its own right: the Moulin Rouge. This iconic crimson-colored cabaret on Boulevard de Clichy in the Pigalle district is the pinnacle of nighttime entertainment in the city. It's also emblematic of the French cabaret art form, having been the purported birthplace of the famous can-can dance from the late 1800s. And thanks to Baz Luhrmann's hit 2001 jukebox musical film, “Moulin Rouge,” fans would visit the place from all around the world.
In truth, the 18th arrondissement truly flourishes at night. Not just because of the cabarets and red-light district here, but also because the area becomes the playground of the hip, young locals who want to enjoy a night out on the town. They frequent the lively bars, eat at the chic bistros, and relax in quaint cafes. In a way, the district brings out the cosmopolitan side of Paris, one that continues to enchant tourists to want to relocate here themselves.
Notably, the 18th arrondissement is also rich in green spaces. Jardins d'Eole, for example, is as urban as it gets. It's not exactly the most picturesque park in Paris, but it nevertheless serves as a great place for people to take a break and relax. As well as for families to have fun, enjoy picnics, and the like. And in a sort of weird but fascinating way, Montmartre Cemetery has also become a go-to place for locals and tourists to enjoy a less urban atmosphere. Despite the nature of the place, it's actually a hauntingly beautiful graveyard. The peace and serenity here are second to none.
In terms of its location, the 18th arrondissement borders with the 8th arrondissement, the 9th arrondissement, the 10th arrondissement, the 17th arrondissement, and the 19th arrondissement.
Transport
As one of the most popular districts in the city, the 18th arrondissement has no scarcity in public transport systems. Countless taxis and buses pass by here, as well as metro and Réseau Express Régional (RER) lines. Specifically, metro lines 2, 4, 12, and 13, as well as RER lines B, D, and E run this area.
The RER B travels to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
The RER D travels to Melun, Essonnes, and the Stade de France
The RER E travels to Rosa Parks, Pantin, Noisy le Sec, Bondy, Chelles, Magenta (Gare du Nord)
Schools
Even though it's a bohemian hub, the 18th arrondissement still has its fair share of educational institutions. The more prominent ones include École de Théâtre l'Éponyme, École de Théâtre à Paris and L'école du jeu.
Offices
Since 2019, the SeLoger Group has had its headquarters in the 18th arrondissement. It remains the only prominent business operating in the area as of this writing.
Real Estate
For a world-famous neighborhood, it's fairly affordable to rent or purchases properties in Montmartre. Even when it's a tourist-heavy area, the real estate market here remains low-priced but still popular. Even more so in Pigalle since it's not exactly the most suitable district for families. Students, young professionals, childless couples, and even senior citizens mostly make up the population here.
As one of the most popular districts in the city, the 18th arrondissement has no scarcity in public transport systems. Countless taxis and buses pass by here, as well as metro and Réseau Express Régional (RER) lines. Specifically, metro lines 2, 4, 12, and 13, as well as RER lines B, D, and E run this area.
The RER B travels to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
The RER D travels to Melun, Essonnes, and the Stade de France
The RER E travels to Rosa Parks, Pantin, Noisy le Sec, Bondy, Chelles, Magenta (Gare du Nord)
Schools
Even though it's a bohemian hub, the 18th arrondissement still has its fair share of educational institutions. The more prominent ones include École de Théâtre l'Éponyme, École de Théâtre à Paris and L'école du jeu.
Offices
Since 2019, the SeLoger Group has had its headquarters in the 18th arrondissement. It remains the only prominent business operating in the area as of this writing.
Real Estate
For a world-famous neighborhood, it's fairly affordable to rent or purchases properties in Montmartre. Even when it's a tourist-heavy area, the real estate market here remains low-priced but still popular. Even more so in Pigalle since it's not exactly the most suitable district for families. Students, young professionals, childless couples, and even senior citizens mostly make up the population here.