1. Montreuil (93)

• Travel time from Paris: 10 to 15 min by metro (line 9)

• Advantages: dynamic, artistic, more affordable than central Paris, very well connected

• Profile: students, freelancers, young professionals

• Atmosphere: friendly, lively, undergoing a full urban transformation

2. Saint-Ouen (93)

• Travel time from Paris: 5 minutes on line 14

• Advantages: close to Paris, new eco-designed neighbourhoods, flea market

• Profile: young professionals working in Paris or at Plaine Saint-Denis

• Less stressful: the very airy Docks district, with recently created green spaces

3. Issy-les-Moulineaux (92)

• Travel time from Paris: 10 to 20 minutes by tram or metro

• Advantages: a modern, well-connected town, ideal for digital and media professionals

• Green spaces: Suzanne Lenglen park, landscaped Seine riverbanks

• Safety: rated very highly for peace and quiet

5. Ivry-sur-Seine (94)

• Travel time from Paris: 10 minutes by RER C or line 7

• Advantages: quick access to Paris, more affordable housing, urban diversity and a lively student scene

• Who it suits: students (Université Paris Cité), young researchers

• Greenery: Cormailles departmental park

Here are also some lesser-known towns that are very attractive for a peaceful flatshare

6. Cachan (94)

• Travel time from Paris: 15 minutes by RER B

• Advantages: home to leading higher-education institutions (ENS Cachan, ESTP), calm small-town atmosphere

• Green spaces: Raspail park, the south Paris green corridor

• Less stressful: a residential, student-friendly atmosphere

7. Massy (91)

• Travel time from Paris: 20 minutes by RER B or C

• Advantages: TGV station, scientific hubs close to the Saclay plateau, more affordable rents

• Profile: engineering students, young tech professionals

• Green spaces: Tuilerie park, green corridor

8. Fontenay-aux-Roses (92)

• Travel time from Paris: 20 minutes by RER B

• Advantages: a residential town, very calm, with a good quality of life

• Safety: renowned for its tranquillity

• Less stressful: a leafy, low-density environment

9. Colombes (92)

• Travel time from Paris: 15 minutes by Transilien

• Advantages: attractive rents, good transport links, fast-growing family-friendly neighbourhoods

• Green spaces: Pierre-Lagravère park, Seine riverbanks

10. Créteil (94)

• Travel time from Paris: 20 to 25 minutes

• Advantages: Université Paris-Est Créteil, leisure park, plenty of new-build housing

• Green spaces: Créteil lake, Dupeyroux park

• Safety: a variety of neighbourhoods, some very residential and calm

According to the available data (Ministry of the Interior, local statistics) and residents' feedback:

The safest towns are said to be: Rueil-Malmaison, Boulogne-Billancourt, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Issy-les-Moulineaux. These towns have a low crime rate.

If you are looking for calm, greenery and quality of life, go for:

• Fontenay-aux-Roses: a quiet, flower-filled town close to Paris

• Sceaux: elegant and green, with the Parc de Sceaux

• Saint-Maur-des-Fossés: on the banks of the Marne, with a village feel, very residential

• Meudon-la-Forêt: with its forest and rolling streets

The main differences between flatsharing or coliving in Paris and in the suburbs are:

• The price

• The size of the homes and rooms

• The possibility of having a garden

• The proximity of cultural venues and services

Most people start their search in Paris, then discover the advantages of the suburbs thanks to the transport network, and end up choosing a flatshare or coliving a little further from Paris.

What does flatshare life in Ile-de-France look like with Colonies?

Flatsharing or coliving with Colonies lets you benefit from more attractive rents, particularly with APL housing benefit, and find the best listings for rooms in flats and houses.

We place great importance on giving you a great experience with your fellow flatmates, offering pleasant homes with private bedrooms plus shared living rooms and, in some cases, additional services.

Our experts are at your service to help you with your search and to lend a hand once you have moved in.

How do you apply for a flatshare in Ile-de-France with Colonies?

Simply visit our website and enter your criteria: availability, number of bedrooms, number of beds, number of tenants — we then show you the room and flat listings that match your choices. You complete your application, and your room is then reserved.