The ultimate dream is to wake up in Paris and see the Eiffel Tower from your window, isn't it? It's the type of romantic fantasy that you've probably seen in movies or on TV. But the thing is, that's not necessarily a far-fetched fantasy. You can easily live out this dream if you move to the 16th arrondissement of the French capital. It's a fair distance away from the iconic landmark, yes, but that's one of the best parts of it. That you're not in the busiest and most probably the most crowded area in the city. Moreover, there's a lot to discover in this arrondissement!
A Heavily Bustling Arrondissement
Though it's far from the hustle and bustle of the
7th arrondissement—which is where the Eiffel Tower really is—the 16th is just as busy. It's a different kind of busy, however, as you'll realize when you
relocate here. For one thing, the crowds here are a fair balance of tourists and locals. With every two snapshotting foreigners, you'll see residents
drinking coffee in a café or a bunch of kids riding their bikes to school. It's no exactly the dreamy part of Paris you see
in movies and such, but this arrondissement presents a good picture of what living in this city is really like.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Accessible Via Public Transport
As is it is quite a bustling area, trust that
public transport here is alive and well. The 16th arrondissement is far from those silent corners of Paris where the nearest metro station is a few blocks away and there are rarely any taxis driving by. This part of the city is one where you won't have to rely on a
transportation app to hail a ride. Or you don't have to walk a kilometer or two to get to the nearest metro stations. Since it is fairly near some of the city's most famous landmarks, it's no surprise that there are many ways to go to and from here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A Great View of The Eiffel Tower
One of the main districts in the 16th arrondissement is the
Trocadéro district, and it's here where its eponymous gardens can be found. What's so good about them, you ask? Well, it's arguably the best place to see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. Located straight up from the iconic landmark, it's a hotspot that's almost as famous as the tower itself. And while it's often busy here, there's no denying that it's a great place to go to, most especially when you just want to clear your head and remind yourself that you're already living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
All Fresh French Produce
Your wallet will thank you if you move to the 16th arrondissement. With so many great markets here, your food costs will be so low, you'll have more money to eat out. Which is pretty ironic, right? Anyways, you'll love shopping in this part of the city, not only because it's cheaper, but the produce on offer here are all fresh and mostly organic. The Passy Covered Market, Rue de L'annonciation, Saint-Didier—these are only a few of them you'll find in this arrondissement and more! You won't have to spend hundreds of Euros on food anymore!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
All The Sweets You Can Eat
Everyone knows that Paris is all about the sweets! From
the many cafés in the corner to the famous patisseries, the French capital is also the capital for the sweet stuff. And a good number of them are in the 16th arrondissement. There's
Nomicos which, though it's a Michelin-starred restaurant, people go here for the desserts as they do for the delicious main courses. Headed by Chef Jean-Louis Nomicos, you just know the delectable sweets on offer here are truly top-notch! Then there's
ROY, a chocolatier which, apart from their chocolate treats, is a
great place for macarons too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A Good Mix of Classical and Modern Art
For all you art lovers—or those who moved to Paris specifically for the art—you'll definitely appreciate the beautiful mix of old and new in the 16th arrondissement. People often forget that, while classical art reigns supreme in the French capital, it's also home to modern art as well. One of the city's best places for that is the
Palais de Tokyo, a part-museum, part-exhibition hall that showcases the best contemporary pieces and informative retrospectives in the art world. But then, in the same arrondissement, there's
Musée Marmatton-Monet, a mecca of all things Monet. Whether you go for the classical or the modern, it's up to you!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A Number of Beautiful Parks to Go Around
If there isn't a park in your arrondissement, are you really in Paris! Nope! Partially all arrondissements have parks, and the 16th is no different. And the ones here are definitely must-visits! Bois de Boulogne, for instance, is practically a forest within the French capital. With so many trees here, it's come to be known as the 'lungs of Paris.' And, of course, the Trocadéro gardens. A beautiful patch of greeneries and flowers with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower on its path. What could be better than going to these paradise-like parks when you need to relax?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things about living in Paris is that the different arrondissements here offer different lifestyles and experiences. And if you choose to live in the 16th, expect a very French-type of lifestyle, one full of sweets and a great view of the Eiffel Tower!
Of course, your life in Paris would be great if you chose a
luxury rental to go home to! Nothing could be better!
