Paris

Haussmann apartment blocks with wrought-iron balconies line most streets, broken up by squares, markets and the Seine. Each arrondissement has a distinct mood, from the cafes of the Left Bank to the galleries of the Marais.

The Metro is among the densest in the world, and most residents rely on it, buses and bikes rather than cars. The RER links the suburbs, the airports and Disneyland.

In 2026 the median sale price is about €740K, roughly €10,300 per square metre, and a typical 2-bedroom rental costs about €2,300 a month. Prices are down 1.8% on a year ago and homes take around 78 days to sell, which points to balanced demand.

Most flats are in copropriété buildings with annual charges and a Diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE) rating, which now affects rental eligibility for the worst-rated homes. Check the carte professionnelle of any agent you work with.