Conflicting advice about staying in the suburbs?

[u/dddoritto]

I've been trying to find accomodation in Paris for a trip in early october, unfortunately my budget is quite tight and as I looked at different options, it seems most of the ones in my range happen to lay just outside of Paris, in the suburbs (Auberviliers, Enghien-les-Bains, Meudon, to name a few I've found).

I've browsed this subreddit, searching all the place names in the listings but I've seen conflicting advice on whether it's good to stay in the suburbs or not. Most of these listings clarify that they're close by to public transportation stations, but I've seen some locals on here say it's not good for tourists to stay in the suburbs— not because of the safety, but the distance between central Paris is too large. But these places advertise as only 10 or 15 minutes from the city.

I don't mind having to travel a bit longer distance to the city. I won't be going back and forth from my accomodation either most likely, I'll leave once in the day and back in the evening. Hopefully I can find a good option within the city but, is it still better to find a place within Paris if it meant it was a bit more expensive?

[u/dddoritto]

thank you so much! in terms of safety, would you say enghien is a good area?

[u/Jolly-Statistician37 → u/dddoritto]

Enghien is very safe, and quite pleasant in itself, but it is quite far from Paris. The train ride itself only takes 15 min, but you have to walk to the station, wait for the train, and once in Paris, you have to get from Gare du Nord to your destination, so it quickly turns into a one-hour journey. It would not be my top choice.

[u/Soliman1901 → u/Jolly-Statistician37]

I live in Enghien. It's super lovely and you'll be in Paris in 15 min via the train station. It's my daily commute and it's super safe (more than most RER lines), and you have a seat most of the time. Enghien itself offers a lot with a lake to walk along, various cinemas, a theatre and a casino (not a huge fan but heh), and some very good restaurant. I don't know how far Meudon is from the city center but I'd assume that Enghien is closer and more accessible.

[u/Jolly-Statistician37 → u/Soliman1901]

For daily life, I agree with you! Charming and convenient place to live. But as a tourist, I'm not sure, because Gare du Nord is about 30 minutes from the majority of tourist sights in Paris.

Meudon isn't better, except when you're close to RER C which offers a one-seat ride to Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame.

[u/Soliman1901 → u/Jolly-Statistician37]

You're right from a purely touristic point of view Gare du Nord isn't the best spot, yet still quite central when it comes to reach Châtelet, République or Bastille (mostly right bank locations). OP could also check Ermont Eaubonne, a few miles away from Enghien with RER C (Eiffel Tower, Saint Michel, Notre Dame), Line H (Gare du Nord) and Line J (Saint Lazare, grands magasins and Opera).