Paris 3rd district real estate guide

Paris 3rd arrondissement, friendliness and a traditional Parisian aesthetic area

An unusual neighbourhood in the heart of Paris

Investing in real estate in the Paris 3rd arrondissement

Considered one of the main hubs of the capital, the third arrondissement is not to be overlooked, and in comparison to the first and second it contains many advantages for families who rely on safety and friendliness, as well for young professionals wishing to make the most of Paris’ hot spots.

Paris 3rd arrondissement, friendliness and a traditional Parisian aesthetic area

A charming neighbourhood, the 3rd district has managed to preserve a certain Parisian desuetude that can now only be found in certain places such as the 2nd and the 18th. With its traditional bistros and timeless small businesses, the 3rd is one of the best conserved areas of Paris and remains “traditional", as our ancestors would say.

This is certainly the case of the Rambuteau neighbourhood, which borders the 2nd arrondissement, where small, intimate restaurants stand beside shops selling a wide variety of goods: from drugstores and haberdasheries to sneaker shops and concept stores. It’s easy to see why Rambuteau is described as having something for everyone and this is exactly the reason why this neighbourhood is so popular, with its allure of Paris from a different time, conjured up by its little cobbled streets, colourful shop fronts and typical Parisian inhabitants. 

The Parisians are also devoted fans of the desirable Enfants Rouges neighbourhood, just a few minutes from rue Rambuteau. Thanks to its famous covered market, the Enfants Rouges is famous worldwide. Recognised as a historical monument in 1982, it was built in the 17th century and is the place to go to find many traditional Parisian treats, each one as delicious as the last.

An unusual neighbourhood in the heart of Paris

If the 3rd arrondissement stands out due to its charming desuetude, its originality is certainly not something to be held against it and the fact remains that it is a frankly eclectic neighbourhood. Oscillating between well preserved tradition and a trendy atmosphere, the 3rd is also home to many favourite local Parisian institutions. Its secret bars, concept stores and contemporary art galleries near the rue de Turenne and the Arts and Metiers neighbourhood are characteristic of this surprising neighbourhood. 

In the same vein as the Pompidou Centre, nestled in the heart of this historic area, the 3rd defiantly mixes Parisian history with modernity in order to foster a contemporary vision of Paris on the foundations of its past.

In the Archives neighbourhood, you will find some of Paris’ most beautiful hotel particuliers. Considered the “upper” Marais, this is the starting point of a younger, more libertarian version of the capital, whose population stays until late in speakeasy bars or on popular rooftop terraces and then wakes up early to see an exhibition at the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation. 

Finally, the 3rd is also home to one of the most beautiful metro stations in Paris: the Arts and Metiers station, which is covered entirely in copper with several small portholes and was designed to give passengers the impression that they are in a submarine. Thus buying an apartment in the 3rd arrondissement means not only choosing tradition and history but also originality and eccentricity.

Investing in real estate in the Paris 3rd arrondissement

For investors, buying a studio or a one bedroom apartment in the 3rd is an excellent idea. With its location in the heart of the capital, between the Halles and the Marais areas, it is an area in high demand with the student population who tend to like to live in the city centre in order to be close to the trendy parts of town. For these same reasons, this area is also popular among young professionals who are generally looking to rent one bedroom apartments while they don’t have children. Thus, buying a rental apartment in the 3rd is a wise investment as it is sure to be rented quickly and there is little risk of it being left empty for too long.

If you’re thinking of buying an apartment in the Arts and Metiers area, which is the least expensive part of the neighbourhood, you will need to consider a budget of around €9,598 per square metre. Buying in the Archives or Sainte-Avoye area will cost you around €9,780 per square metre. The prices per metre square for apartments near the Enfants Rouges market and the rue de Turenne vary between €10,300 and €10,600. Finally, apartments for sale on the Place des Vosges cost approximately €11,000 per square metre.

Read more about the parisian arrondissements.