Paris 4e Arrondissement

Background

Home to the Île de la Cité, the site on which Paris was founded, as well one of the oldest surviving neighbourhoods, the Marais, the 4e arrondissement is steeped in history. Once an area of marshy swampland, it was developed during the 12th century when a royal palace was built nearby. Aristocrats began to construct their mansions (the hôtel particuliers) in the vicinity of the palace and the area boomed until the aristocracy moved away in 17th century. The district then became a hive of commercial activity, predominantly dealing in the rag trade, but the neglected neighbourhood  was not though prestigious enough to feature Baron Haussman’s extensive rebuilding of the city in the 19th century meaning that much of the original medieval architecture and features survive today.
With the Beaubourg quarter being revitalised by the construction of the Pompidou Centre in the 1970’s and the Marais now considered one of the most charming and intriguing areas of the city, the 4e has now developed into an lively and fashionable neighbourhood with its own distinct ambience.

Profile

With a price per square metre way above the Parisian average, this Right Bank district attracts a high level clientele of wealthy buyers. Its location in the heart of town appeals to single professionals and also foreigners who represent one resident in every ten (amongst which 40% are Italian). Thanks to its four desirable neighbourhoods Arsenal, Notre-Dame, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Merri, the 4eis one of the most sought after areas for luxury property, particularly on the Île, around the cathedral of Notre-Dame but also around Place des Vosges. The Marais, a medieval area which has become trendy and lively and is favoured by the gay community and young professionals.
In this arrondissement there are mainly apartments of 4 or 5 rooms situated in historic buildings dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries which in most cases have been renovated and are in good condition. There are also some elegant 1930’s buildings available, most notably in the Saint Merri quarter.