Paris Banlieues

Parisian banlieues (suburbs) have gained attention as sites of poverty and racism, though in fact they run the socioeconomic gamut. The nearest suburbs, the proche-banlieues, are accessible by metro and bus and include the Vallée de Chevreuse towns to the south; St-Cloud, Neuilly, and Boulogne to the west; St-Mandé and Vincennes to the east; and Pantin, Aubervilliers and La Courneuve to the north. Farther afield and home to some striking sights (see Daytrips), the grandes banlieues ( Chantilly, St-Germain-en-Laye, and Versailles ) can be reached by RER. The banlieues also host exciting cultural productions. Every summer brings the Banlieue Jazz and Banlieue Blues festivals (see Festivals ).

More Neighborhoods in Paris

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