Discovering Hauts-de-Seine (Department 92)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Hauts-de-Seine (department 92) is one of the most affluent and densely populated departments in France, located immediately west of central Paris within the Île-de-France region. While best known for the modern business district of La Défense, the department also offers elegant residential suburbs, extensive parks, riverside walks along the Seine and excellent transport connections.
Living in Hauts-de-Seine appeals to professionals working in Paris, entrepreneurs, international families, retirees who enjoy city amenities, and anyone seeking a high standard of living with easy access to one of Europe's greatest capitals. Although property prices are among the highest in France, residents benefit from exceptional infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Île-de-France |
Historic name | Part of the historic province of Île-de-France |
Department number | 92 |
Department capital | Nanterre |
Largest towns | Nanterre, Boulogne-Billancourt, Courbevoie, Colombes, Asnières-sur-Seine, Levallois-Perret, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Rueil-Malmaison |
Population | Approximately 1.6 million |
Area | 176 km² |
Climate | Mild oceanic with warm summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Professionals, entrepreneurs, international families, commuters, retirees seeking city living |
Is a car recommended? | Usually not necessary in most areas |
English-speaking community | Large international community |
Lifestyle summary | Modern, cosmopolitan, prosperous, convenient and highly connected |
Why Choose Hauts-de-Seine?
Lifestyle
Hauts-de-Seine offers one of France's highest standards of living. Residents enjoy excellent public services, attractive parks, cultural venues, shopping, restaurants and quick access to central Paris without necessarily living in the heart of the capital.
The department combines urban convenience with surprisingly green neighbourhoods, making it attractive for those who want everything close at hand.
Community
The department has a sizeable international population thanks to multinational companies, embassies and international schools. English is commonly encountered in business environments, although learning French remains important for everyday life.
Many expatriate organisations, sports clubs and social groups help newcomers settle quickly.
Scenery
Although highly urbanised, Hauts-de-Seine contains numerous attractive green spaces including:
Parc de Sceaux
Bois de Boulogne
Île Saint-Germain
Seine riverbanks
Formal gardens
Historic estates
Many residential districts are surprisingly leafy despite their proximity to Paris.
Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the department's greatest strengths.
Residents benefit from:
Paris Metro
RER rail network
Transilien commuter trains
Extensive tram services
Comprehensive bus network
Cycle routes
Easy motorway access
Close proximity to two international airports
Travelling throughout France and Europe is exceptionally straightforward.
Food
The culinary scene is outstanding.
You'll find:
Michelin-starred restaurants
Traditional French bistros
International cuisine
Artisan bakeries
Food markets
Wine merchants
Gourmet delicatessens
Being next to Paris means almost every type of cuisine is available.
Culture
Culture is woven into everyday life.
Highlights include:
Concert venues
Art galleries
Historic châteaux
Theatre
Music festivals
Museums
Public art
Architectural landmarks
Many residents enjoy both local cultural events and everything Paris offers just minutes away.
Property
Property ranges from:
Luxury apartments
Modern developments
Elegant Haussmann-style buildings
Family townhouses
Riverside homes
Historic villas
Homes are generally expensive, particularly close to Paris and La Défense, although quality is usually excellent.
Pace of Life
Life is faster than in rural France but calmer than central Paris.
Residents appreciate:
Efficient transport
Excellent amenities
Well-maintained neighbourhoods
Green spaces
Safe residential areas
Strong work-life balance opportunities
Hauts-de-Seine Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Explanation |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent healthcare, transport and amenities, although living costs can be high. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding schools, parks, sports facilities and safe residential neighbourhoods. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Convenient but property prices make second homes less common than elsewhere in France. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of Europe's strongest business environments with exceptional networking opportunities. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Superb internet, co-working spaces and transport links. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Plenty of parks and river walks, though less countryside than rural departments. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of the best locations in France for urban living. |
Popular Places to Live
Boulogne-Billancourt
Description
One of France's largest and most desirable suburbs with excellent facilities.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Expats
Advantages
Excellent transport
Green spaces
High-quality schools
Vibrant shopping
Things to consider
High property prices
Busy during weekdays
Nanterre
Description
The administrative capital with modern developments alongside historic areas.
Ideal for
Professionals
Students
First-time buyers
Advantages
La Défense nearby
University
Good transport
Things to consider
Some neighbourhoods are more urban than others.
Rueil-Malmaison
Description
An elegant town combining history with modern residential living.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Attractive parks
Historic centre
Strong community atmosphere
Things to consider
Commuter traffic
Courbevoie
Description
Adjacent to La Défense with modern apartments and excellent transport.
Ideal for
Business professionals
Young couples
Advantages
Walking distance to major employers
Excellent rail services
Things to consider
Limited larger family homes
Levallois-Perret
Description
A smart residential suburb known for its safety and quality of life.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Advantages
Attractive streets
Good schools
Restaurants
Things to consider
Very competitive housing market
Issy-les-Moulineaux
Description
A technology and innovation hub with a modern feel.
Ideal for
Entrepreneurs
Remote workers
Young families
Advantages
Digital economy
Excellent transport
Modern housing
Things to consider
Property demand remains high
Sceaux
Description
An attractive historic town famous for its magnificent park.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Beautiful surroundings
Excellent schools
Relaxed atmosphere
Things to consider
Premium property prices
Cost of Living
Hauts-de-Seine is among France's most expensive departments.
Property affordability
Property prices are significantly above the national average, particularly in towns bordering Paris. Buyers pay a premium for location, transport and quality of life.
Shopping
Everyday shopping is straightforward with supermarkets, specialist food shops and shopping centres throughout the department. Costs are generally similar to Paris.
Utilities
Modern housing often offers good energy efficiency, although apartment service charges can increase overall costs.
Eating out
Dining ranges from affordable neighbourhood cafés to luxury restaurants. There are options for virtually every budget.
General value for money
While expensive, residents receive excellent infrastructure, public services, healthcare and transport in return.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is outstanding.
Main hospitals
Major hospitals include:
Hôpital Foch (Suresnes)
Hôpital Ambroise-Paré (Boulogne-Billancourt)
Hôpital Raymond-Poincaré (Garches)
Centre Hospitalier de Nanterre
Healthcare availability
Doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals are widely available throughout the department.
Access to specialists
Excellent. Many leading specialists work within the department or nearby Paris.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are plentiful, with many offering extended opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
Healthcare standards are among the highest in France. Registering with the French healthcare system as soon as possible after moving is recommended.
Education
Education is a major strength.
Schools
There is an excellent selection of:
State schools
Private schools
Bilingual schools
Faith schools
Colleges
Numerous colleges and higher education institutions serve the department.
International options
Several respected international schools operate within or close to Hauts-de-Seine, making the area especially attractive to expatriate families.
Language schools
French language schools offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, alongside private tuition.
Getting Around
Airports
The department is conveniently located for:
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Orly Airport
Rail
Excellent connections include:
Metro
RER
Transilien
TGV access via Paris
Roads
Major motorways include:
A86
A13
A14
Public transport
Public transport is among the best in Europe, with extensive bus, tram and metro networks.
Is a car recommended?
For most residents, no. Public transport is efficient enough that many households choose not to own a car.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Boulogne-Billancourt | Wednesday & Saturday |
Nanterre | Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday |
Rueil-Malmaison | Tuesday, Friday & Sunday |
Courbevoie | Wednesday & Saturday |
Levallois-Perret | Wednesday, Friday & Sunday |
Sceaux | Wednesday & Saturday |
Asnières-sur-Seine | Tuesday, Friday & Sunday |
Colombes | Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday |
Local Food & Drink
Although not an agricultural department, Hauts-de-Seine enjoys access to outstanding regional produce.
Popular specialities include:
Fresh pastries
Parisian baguettes
Fine cheeses
Charcuterie
French wines from across the country
Macarons
Chocolate
Gourmet desserts
Artisan coffee
Seasonal market produce
Nearby Île-de-France specialities include:
Brie cheese
Jambon de Paris
Champignons de Paris
Traditional French pâtisserie
Things to Do
Historic sites
Château de Malmaison
Domaine Départemental de Sceaux
Historic churches
Napoleon-related heritage
Outdoor activities
Walking
Cycling
River cruises
Parks
Running trails
Boating
Museums
Albert-Kahn Museum
Local history museums
Contemporary art spaces
Festivals
Music festivals
Food events
Christmas markets
Cultural celebrations
Open-air concerts
Nature
Enjoy:
Seine riverside walks
Formal gardens
Woodland parks
Botanical collections
Family attractions
Families benefit from:
Adventure playgrounds
Science museums nearby
Swimming pools
Sports centres
Easy access to Paris attractions
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
Although English is widely spoken in international business circles, daily life is much easier with a working knowledge of French.
Rural living
This is an urban department. Anyone seeking rural France should consider other regions.
Internet
High-speed fibre broadband is widely available, making the department ideal for remote working and digital businesses.
Seasonal tourism
Tourism is steady throughout the year but generally less seasonal than many coastal or rural departments.
Climate
The climate is relatively mild, with occasional summer heatwaves and cool, damp winters.
Community life
Neighbourhood associations, sports clubs, cultural organisations and expatriate groups provide many opportunities to meet people and become involved in local life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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