Discovering Seine-Saint-Denis (Department 93)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Seine-Saint-Denis (department 93) is located immediately north-east of central Paris in the Île-de-France region. Often referred to simply as "le 93", it is one of France's most diverse and multicultural departments. While it has traditionally been known for its industrial heritage, Seine-Saint-Denis is undergoing significant regeneration, with major investment linked to the Grand Paris project and the 2024 Olympic legacy continuing to reshape many neighbourhoods.
Living in Seine-Saint-Denis offers easy access to the French capital without paying central Paris property prices. It appeals to professionals, entrepreneurs, students, commuters and those who enjoy urban living. Although it is not typically considered a retirement or second-home destination, it offers excellent opportunities for people seeking affordable access to one of Europe's largest metropolitan areas.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Île-de-France |
Historic name | Part of the historic province of Île-de-France |
Department number | 93 |
Department capital | Bobigny |
Largest towns | Saint-Denis, Montreuil, Aubervilliers, Aulnay-sous-Bois, Drancy, Noisy-le-Grand, Pantin, Bondy |
Population | Approximately 1.7 million |
Area | 236 km² |
Climate | Temperate oceanic with warm summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Professionals, entrepreneurs, commuters, students, investors |
Is a car recommended? | Usually no within urban areas; useful for travel outside Paris |
English-speaking community | Moderate, particularly among professionals and international businesses |
Lifestyle summary | Fast-paced, multicultural, urban and well connected |
Why Choose Seine-Saint-Denis?
Lifestyle
Life in Seine-Saint-Denis is energetic and diverse. Residents benefit from excellent public transport, cultural variety and easy access to Paris while enjoying more affordable housing than many neighbouring districts.
It suits people who enjoy city life, international communities and having shops, restaurants and services close by.
Community
The department is one of the most multicultural parts of France, with residents from across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East creating a rich mix of cultures.
This diversity is reflected in neighbourhoods, food, festivals and local businesses.
Scenery
Although highly urban, there are attractive green spaces including:
Parc de la Villette (bordering Paris)
Parc Georges-Valbon
Canal de l'Ourcq
Canal Saint-Denis
Numerous local parks and riverside walks
Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the department's greatest strengths.
Residents benefit from:
Direct Metro services
RER rail lines
Extensive tram network
Major motorway connections
Close proximity to both Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget airports
Fast access into central Paris
The expanding Grand Paris Express continues to improve connectivity.
Food
The area's multicultural population means exceptional international cuisine.
You'll find:
Traditional French bistros
North African restaurants
Lebanese cuisine
Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants
Turkish bakeries
Indian and Pakistani food
West African specialities
Modern cafés and bakeries
Culture
Highlights include:
The magnificent Basilica of Saint-Denis
Street art
Contemporary art centres
Music venues
Sporting events
Local festivals
Historic architecture alongside modern redevelopment
Property
Compared with Paris itself, property remains relatively affordable.
Housing includes:
Modern apartments
Renovated industrial buildings
Family houses
New-build developments
Investment properties
Many buyers see strong long-term potential as regeneration continues.
Pace of Life
Life is busy and urban.
You'll rarely experience the quiet village atmosphere found elsewhere in France, but you'll enjoy convenience, diversity and access to almost everything you need.
Seine-Saint-Denis Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Good healthcare and transport but busy urban environment may not suit everyone. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent schools, parks and transport, although neighbourhoods vary considerably. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Better suited to investment or commuting than holiday homes. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent business opportunities and access to Paris markets. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Superb internet, cafés, co-working spaces and transport. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Parks and canals are plentiful but countryside is limited. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of France's strongest locations for urban living. |
Popular Places to Live
Saint-Denis
Description
A historic city famous for its royal basilica and major regeneration projects.
Ideal for
Professionals
Students
Investors
Advantages
Excellent transport
Historic centre
New developments
Sporting facilities
Things to consider
Some districts are still undergoing redevelopment.
Montreuil
Description
One of the department's most popular towns, known for its creative atmosphere and cafés.
Ideal for
Young professionals
Families
Artists
Advantages
Metro access
Vibrant culture
Independent businesses
Attractive residential streets
Things to consider
Property demand has increased significantly.
Pantin
Description
A rapidly changing town along Canal de l'Ourcq.
Ideal for
Creative industries
Commuters
Advantages
Waterside redevelopment
Excellent transport
Modern offices
Growing restaurant scene
Things to consider
Some areas remain industrial.
Noisy-le-Grand
Description
A modern town with extensive shopping and residential developments.
Ideal for
Families
Commuters
Advantages
Good schools
Green spaces
RER connections
Things to consider
Can feel suburban rather than traditionally French.
Aulnay-sous-Bois
Description
A large residential town close to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Ideal for
Airport workers
Families
Advantages
Good transport
Local shopping
Affordable housing
Things to consider
Traffic can be busy.
Bobigny
Description
The department's administrative capital.
Ideal for
Professionals
Public sector workers
Advantages
Government services
Metro connections
Healthcare facilities
Things to consider
Less character than some neighbouring towns.
Le Raincy
Description
One of the department's greener and more residential communities.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees wanting city access
Advantages
Attractive streets
Good schools
Quieter atmosphere
Things to consider
Higher property prices than many surrounding towns.
Cost of Living
Compared with central Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis offers considerably better value.
Property affordability
Housing is generally more affordable than Paris while still benefiting from excellent transport links.
Prices vary considerably depending on:
Metro access
Regeneration projects
School catchments
Local amenities
Shopping
Residents benefit from:
Large supermarkets
Shopping centres
International grocery stores
Weekly markets
Specialist food shops
Competition helps keep everyday shopping reasonably affordable.
Utilities
Utility costs are similar to the national average, although apartment living often reduces heating costs.
Eating out
Dining options suit virtually every budget.
You'll find everything from inexpensive street food to Michelin-starred restaurants nearby in Paris.
General value for money
For those wanting access to Paris without Paris property costs, Seine-Saint-Denis offers excellent overall value.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is excellent.
Main hospitals
Major facilities include:
Hôpital Avicenne (Bobigny)
Hôpital Delafontaine (Saint-Denis)
Hôpital Jean-Verdier (Bondy)
Hôpital Robert Ballanger (Aulnay-sous-Bois)
Healthcare availability
Residents have access to:
GPs
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Pharmacies
Specialists
Waiting times vary depending on speciality.
Access to specialists
Excellent, particularly thanks to nearby Paris teaching hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are plentiful throughout the department, with many offering extended opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
Healthcare quality is high, although registering with a local GP soon after moving remains advisable.
Education
Families have access to extensive educational options.
Schools
The department offers:
Public primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Private schools
Colleges and universities
Nearby institutions include:
Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
Numerous technical colleges
Specialist vocational schools
Central Paris universities are easily reached.
International options
Several international schools can be reached within Paris and surrounding suburbs.
Language schools
There are numerous French language schools serving expatriates, students and professionals.
Getting Around
Airports
The department benefits from exceptional air connections.
Nearby airports include:
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Paris-Le Bourget (business aviation)
Paris Orly (via public transport)
Rail
Excellent services include:
RER B
RER D
RER E
Transilien trains
Roads
Major routes include:
A1
A3
A86
Boulevard Périphérique connections
Public transport
Public transport is one of the department's strongest assets.
Residents benefit from:
Paris Metro
Trams
Buses
RER
Cycling routes
Grand Paris Express expansion
Is a car recommended?
Not necessarily.
Many residents comfortably live without one thanks to outstanding transport links.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Saint-Denis | Tuesday, Friday & Sunday |
Montreuil | Saturday |
Bobigny | Thursday & Sunday |
Pantin | Wednesday & Saturday |
Aulnay-sous-Bois | Sunday |
Noisy-le-Grand | Wednesday & Saturday |
Drancy | Wednesday & Saturday |
Bondy | Thursday & Sunday |
Local Food & Drink
The department reflects both traditional French cooking and global influences.
Popular specialities include:
Fresh baguettes and viennoiseries
French cheeses
Charcuterie
North African couscous
Moroccan tagines
Algerian pastries
Vietnamese cuisine
Lebanese mezze
West African dishes
French pâtisserie
Nearby regions also provide easy access to Champagne, Burgundy and Loire Valley wines.
Things to Do
Historic sites
Basilica of Saint-Denis
Medieval heritage
Historic churches
Outdoor activities
Canal cycling
Walking routes
Urban parks
Running trails
Museums
Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget
Contemporary art galleries
Cultural centres
Festivals
Music festivals
Cultural celebrations
Food festivals
Local community events
Nature
Enjoy:
Parc Georges-Valbon
Canal de l'Ourcq
Community gardens
Urban green spaces
Family attractions
Science museums nearby
Sports facilities
Aquatic centres
Easy access to all Paris attractions
Olympic legacy venues
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is essential for daily life, although English is increasingly spoken in international businesses.
Learning French will greatly improve integration.
Urban living
Unlike rural France, life here is fast-paced.
Expect:
Busy streets
Apartment living
Excellent local services
Diverse neighbourhoods
Internet
High-speed fibre broadband is widely available, making the department ideal for remote working.
Tourism
The area experiences visitors throughout the year due to its proximity to Paris, but tourism is generally concentrated around major attractions and events rather than dominating everyday life.
Climate
Expect four distinct seasons.
Summers are warm rather than excessively hot, while winters are generally cool with occasional frost.
Community life
Many neighbourhoods have active community groups, sports clubs and cultural associations. Joining local organisations is one of the easiest ways to settle into life in Seine-Saint-Denis.
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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Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
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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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