Is It Worth Staying Outside Of Paris? (+ 8 Best Areas)
If you’re traveling to Paris on a budget, you might be wondering is it worth staying outside of Paris to save money on accommodation.
Paris and its 20 arrondissements are quite small compared to what I thought Paris was. Everything outside the Boulevard Périphérique is actually a different town.
I live in Paris, well to be fair, just outside of Paris, and when I visited Paris in the past, I stayed in Nanterre, Suresnes, Villejuif, and many other places outside the ring.
Short answer? It can be totally worth it to stay outside of Paris if you’re on a budget and choose the right area.
Long answer? Keep reading!
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My Experience Staying Outside Of Paris
Before moving to Paris, I used to visit a couple of times a year, and I stayed in so many different areas.
Many people will say that you’ll waste more time on transportation than you’d save by staying outside of Paris, but I disagree. Many suburbs are within the metro or RER network, which makes it easy to get to the main tourist areas. Also, while Paris is walkable, you’ll probably take transportation once or twice, even if you stay next to the Louvre.
A one-week Navigo pass will cost you less than the price difference of staying in the popular areas of Paris for one night.
The second aspect you might be worried about is the safety. Many suburbs are safer than certain areas inside Paris! I’d stay in Puteaux every time compared to Barbès or La Chappel.
Finally, you don’t need to be on a strict budget if you’re staying outside of the city. Maybe you just want a nice 4-star hotel for the price of a 2-star hotel inside the city, and that’s also valid! I’ll give you some options for that, too!
Honestly, the only downside was that once you’re out for the day, you’re out until dinner. You can come back for a quick change before going out at night again, but you can’t go to your hotel for a nap midday without losing 5 hours. I don’t think that’s a huge issue, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Also, it’s good to consider whether you want to party at night, hw many times during your trip, and how you will get home. I was home by midnight most times I visited, but there were times when I had to get an Uber back, and those are not cheap for longer trips.
So, where to stay outside of Paris? Some areas I stayed in and recommend for those traveling to Paris on a budget are La Defense area, Villejuif, Vanves, Puteaux, Suresnes, Montrogue, and Levallois-Perret.
Best Areas To Stay Outside Of Paris
So, where should you actually stay outside of Paris? Not all areas are the same, and choosing the right one is important.
I only care about two aspects when choosing a place to stay: transportation and safety.
Ideally, you’d pick a place that’s within the metro network. You lose a lot of time when you also have to take a bus or a tram to get to the metro or RER, which will take you to the city center of Paris. If it takes you more than an hour to get to Paris, it starts to not be worth it, in my opinion.
Safety-wise, I stayed in all the areas I recommend in this article and felt safe as a young woman, even at night. I also checked with locals to ensure that they’re generally considered safe, and it wasn’t just my experience.
Finally, don’t expect much entertainment in most of these areas. The idea is really just to sleep there, not to find the most romantic spots in Paris. Here are the best places to stay outside of Paris!
1. La Defense Area
I was surprised to learn that La Defense is outside of Paris’ ring, because it feels like it’s part of the city. The area is cheaper because it’s not actually Paris, and you’re right on the metro 1/RER A line, so you’re in the city center in 15 minutes.
The downside of La Defense is that it is still kind of pricey, compared to other areas on this list.
TOP Pick: Melia Paris La Defense
Melia Paris La Defense is a place for those who want to stay in a luxury accommodation for a fraction of the price of a luxury accommodation in the city center of Paris. It is a beautiful 4-star hotel with Eiffel Tower views.
Budget Pick: Aparthotel Adagio La Défense
Adagio is a popular pick for those who want to stay in an aparthotel, so the room with a kitchen. This 4-star Adagio La Defense is a great option if you’re on a budget but want to stay in a large room and have an option of warming up some meals at home.
2. Issy-les-Moulineaux
Issy-les-Moulineaux is on the metro 12 line, which takes you right into the city center of Paris and Montmartre. This area has a lot of hotels close to the ring of Paris, and that’s where I suggest you stay.
TOP Pick: Motel One Paris-Porte de Versailles
This 3-star hotel feels like staying in a luxury accommodation with beautiful, large rooms and modern shared spaces. Motel One is a great option if you want luxury on a budget.
Budget Pick: Aparthotel Adagio Porte de Versailles
I stayed in this Adagio and it felt way more high-end than the price. It was clean, with large rooms, and easy access to metro.
3. Vanves
I stayed in Vanves when I visited Paris for Christmas, and I really liked this area. It’s on the metro 13 line and Transilien N – which is like a suburban train that takes you to Gare Montparnasse and is included in your Navigo Pass.
TOP Pick: Rose Blossom
Rose Blossom is a great option for those who’re staying in Paris for longer than 2 or 3 days, and they want more space (two bedrooms!) and a fully equipped kitchen. The flat is beautiful, bright, and just outside metro station.
Budget Pick: Aparthotel Adagio Access Paris Vanves
Another Agadio I stayed at and thought it was great value for money. Room are clean, large, and modern. Location is great, just a 5 minute walk to the metro 13 or line N if you want to get to the Montparnasse area quicker.
4. Montrouge
Montrouge is another great option just outside Paris, located at the southern end of Metro Line 4, which takes you directly into the city center in about 15 minutes. It’s a calm, residential area with plenty of cafés, bakeries, and local shops, giving you a taste of local Parisian life without the crowds.
TOP Pick: ibis Styles Paris Porte d’Orléans
This 3-star ibis Styles hotel is clean, modern, and bright. It’s just a short walk from the metro station, so you’ll be in the city in no time!
Budget Pick: B&B HOTEL Paris Porte d’Orléans
This B&B HOTEL is a reliable opton if you’re looking for something budget friendly close to the metro. Rooms are basic, but clean and bright, so it makes for a great place to sleep.
5. Villejuif
I liked that Villejuif is on the Metro 7 line, and there are several hotels right next to the metro. I stayed literally right next to the metro station, so I didn’t see anything else in the area. To be fair, I was there in the winter, so it was dark when I left in the morning and dark when I came back at night.
TOP Pick: Appart’City Confort Paris Villejuif
I loved my stay at Appart’City Confort Paris Villejuif. The hotel is literally right next to the metro station and there’s a supermarket right next door. Rooms are a bit basic, but they are large and clean. I stayed there for 3 nights, and it was a great base.
Budget Pick: Ecla Paris Villejuif
Ecla Paris Villejuif is a simple hotel, but you have everything you need if you’re looking for a clean and comfortable place to sleep. It’s a short walk from the metro station, modern, and quite affordable for Paris.
6. Puteaux
I know Puteaux and La Defense are technically the same, but I think they should be separated because they have a completely different vibe. You can take a bus, tram or walk from La Defense, but I always take a bus for one or two stations because I find it too confusing at night.
TOP Pick: The Social Hub Paris La Défense
The Social Hub is a great modern pick right in the center of Puteaux. There’s a bus station right in front of the hotel that takes you to La Defense, and you’re just a short walk from the tram station.
Budget Pick: Hotel Vivaldi
Hotel Vivaldi is a lovely 3-star hotel in a historic building in Puteaux. It has that classic Parisian hotel charm, and it’s just a short walk from the tram station and bus to La Defense.
7. Suresnes
Suresnes is right next to Puteaux and another area on this list that’s not directly on the metro line. However, it’s just two tram stops from La Défense and Metro line 1/RER A. I’ve stayed here several times, and you can find excellent accommodation options for a fraction of the price you’d pay in central Paris.
TOP Pick: Aparthotel Adagio Paris Suresnes Longchamp
I stayed in this Aparthotel Adagio several times because it’s truly one of the best value for money options in Paris. Rooms are huge and beautifully decorated, the area is calm and just a short walk from the tram 2 station.
8. Levallois-Perret
Finally, we have Levallois-Perret, which is one of the nicest areas in Paris. So, why did I rank it so low? Hotel prices here are quite similar to those in central Paris. However, it is possible to find good deals, and the area is easy to reach and nice.
TOP Pick: Hotel Boris V. by Happyculture
Hotel Boris is one of the best value for money 4-star hotels in the city, and it’s located so close to the most touristic area of Paris that it’s basically in the city.
Budget Pick: Hôtel Biskui
Hôtel Biskui is one of the most beautiful It’s beautiful and modern, with large comfortable beds and Instagramable decorations.
Summary: Where to Stay in Paris on a Budget
Staying outside of Paris is worth it if you’re on a budget. Many suburbs are within the metro network, making it easy to reach the city center. There’s not much difference between staying on the border of the Paris ring and the neighboring town.
Don’t listen to people who tell you that you’re not really experiencing Paris if you’re not staying in a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view. It’s better to visit Paris and save money on accommodation than not to visit Paris at all!
I stayed in Paris and outside of Paris, and at the end of the day, the hotel is just a place where you sleep, as there are so many things to do in the city.
Choosing the wrong area to stay is just one of the mistakes you can make in Paris. Be prepared before your big trip!
