The truth about insecurity in Paris: Areas and neighborhoods to avoid

You are coming to Paris soon and want to know which neighborhoods to avoid in Paris to stay in a safe place.

Indeed, Paris, the city of lights and a global tourist destination, hides behind its charm a few neighborhoods where caution is recommended.

Here is an overview of the most sensitive areas in terms of security.

Well, to avoid choosing your apartment or hotel in a red-light district, find out which are the most dangerous districts in the center of Paris and the most sensitive districts on the outskirts.

Is Paris really dangerous?

Insecurity in Paris is a complex subject that cannot be reduced to a simple positive or negative answer. Here is the current state of affairs at the beginning of 2025:

The latest published crime rate for the city of Paris was 110,5 per thousand inhabitants, with 235 crimes and offences recorded.

However, a An unprecedented drop in crime was observed in Paris last year, surely linked to the measures taken for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Despite this progress, unfortunately Paris is still one of the most dangerous cities in France andEurope. Indeed, according to the latest city-data ranking, Paris is ranked 3rd among the most dangerous cities in France, just after Lille et Bordeaux .

And, according to the Numbeo.com ranking, Paris is ranked 9th most criminal city in Europe. It comes out more dangerous than Brussels, Athens, London, Washington ou San Francisco.

However, if Paris is in the high average it is also because of the high risk of terrorist attack and insecurity concentrated in certain specific neighborhoods.

It is important to know that, generally, violent crimes do not directly target tourists. They are mostly settling of scores between rival gangs, crimes related to drug trafficking. And these acts of violence are not present everywhere in Paris but only in certain suburban cities and a few sensitive districts (see list of neighborhoods to avoid in Paris below).

So, even if Paris has progress to make in terms of security, in 2025, You should no longer be afraid to visit Paris !

Neighborhoods to avoid in Paris

The security situation in the neighborhoods is constantly evolving and requires regular updates. Therefore, you will find below the latest information recorded at the beginning of 2025.

These are the 4 most at-risk districts and specific neighborhoods to avoid in the center of Paris, which are as follows:

• The 19th district is considered the least safe in Paris. Particularly problematic areas include:
  • Place stalingrad
  • Place of celebrations
  • Danube districts
  • Jaurès
  • Cite Cambrai
  • Mouzaia
  • White city
• 18th arrondissement : Despite the charm and security of Montmartre, certain areas require vigilance:
  • Drop of gold
  • La Chapelle
  • Red Castle
  • Barbès
  • Pigalle
  • Porte de Clignancourt
  • Around the Saint-Ouen Flea Market
• 10th arrondissement : Although the district is not generally dangerous, the area around Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est sees frequent attacks. La Grange aux Belles and Buisson-Saint-Louis are also unsafe areas.
• 20th arrondissement : Only sensitive cities like Banane, Saint-Blaise, and certain parts of Belleville.

La Brillat and Chevaleret in the 13th arrondissement, Porte de Vanves in the 14th, Rocket in the 11th and Les Perichaux in the 15th complete the list of the most sensitive neighborhoods in terms of security, particularly in the evening.

Paris red light district

As in all major capitals, there is a red light district in Paris that is best avoided, especially if you are traveling with family: This is the district of Pigalle.

Located in the 9th arrondissement, Pigalle has long been associated with adult entertainment. It is home to many cabarets, strip clubs and adult-only venues. The iconic Moulin Rouge, with its dazzling shows and famous cancan dancers, is also located in Pigalle.

Most dangerous neighborhoods on the outskirts of Paris

Here are the 15 most dangerous neighborhoods located on the outskirts of Paris, mainly in the north of the city and in the department of Seine-Saint-Denis (93) :

• La Plaine Saint-Denis and the northern districts of Saint-Denis
• Saint-Ouen
• Argenteuil
• Bondy
• Epinay-sur-Seine
• Sarcelles
• Villiers-le-Bel
•  Stains
• Aulnay sous Bois
• Clichy under wood
• Sevran
• Montfermeil
• Some areas of Aubervilliers
• Red light districts of La Courneuve
• Sensitive areas of Bobigny

These neighborhoods have high crime rates, including drug trafficking, delinquency and urban violence. However, the level of insecurity can vary within these neighborhoods, with some areas being more affected by these issues than others.

Which safe neighborhood to stay in Paris?

The most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris are located in and around the Golden Triangle. This area is located between the avenues Montaigne, Champs-Elysées and George V: View on Google Maps.

It is the most chic and prestigious area of ​​Paris with the most beautiful luxury hotels, such as the George V, the Plaza Athénée and the Fouquet's.

Avenue Montaigne and the surrounding streets are home to the biggest fashion houses and luxury boutiques, such as Chanel, Armani, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

This area benefits from an increased police presence and constant surveillance, which helps to significantly reduce crime. In addition, there are many theaters, cabarets, cafes and restaurants.

Close to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, this area of ​​the Golden Triangle is ideal for fully enjoying your Parisian experience.

Here is a hotel that I recommend for tourists who want to stay in one of the most beautiful areas of Paris:

View this hotel on Booking

See other articles on Paris: best areas of Paris - best cheap hotels in Paris - Visit Paris in 1 day, visit Paris in 2 days, Visit Paris in 1 afternoon