Buying a Pied-à-Terre in Paris 16th: A Guide for International Families
The 16th arrondissement of Paris is a timeless destination for families seeking a prestigious and peaceful pied-à-terre. Known for its elegant Haussmannian architecture, leafy boulevards, and family-friendly amenities, it combines charm, security, and investment value. For foreign buyers looking for a second home in the French capital, the 16th stands out as a residential haven with lasting appeal.
This guide explores the arrondissement’s most sought-after areas — Passy, La Muette, and Avenue Foch — and offers practical insight into the property market, lifestyle, and legal steps involved in buying in Paris as a non-resident.
Why the 16th Arrondissement?
Nestled on the Right Bank, Paris 16th offers an unparalleled quality of life:
- Peaceful, prestigious residential streets
- Classic Haussmann buildings with high ceilings and balconies
- Proximity to international schools and green spaces
- A secure and family-oriented atmosphere
- Easy access to central Paris and western suburbs
Its architecture, lifestyle, and discretion make it the perfect location for international families wanting to blend into a refined Parisian environment.
1. Passy: A Village Feel in the Heart of Paris
Passy is a top choice for families. Once a rural village, it retains a charming, almost provincial character — but with all the upscale amenities of Paris:
- Quiet, walkable streets
- Excellent bakeries, boutiques, and food markets
- Access to the Bois de Boulogne and Jardin du Ranelagh
- Several of the city’s top bilingual and international schools
Properties here are typically spacious Haussmannian apartments, often with decorative moldings, parquet floors, and balconies. Some buildings offer concierge services and private courtyards — a rare luxury in Paris.
Passy is ideal for: Families seeking walkability, safety, and a close-knit community feel — all just minutes from the Eiffel Tower.
2. La Muette: Tranquil Elegance Near the Parks
Adjacent to Passy, La Muette is a tranquil neighborhood with stately buildings and a discreet, upper-class ambiance. The streets are wide and tree-lined, the buildings elegant, and the atmosphere relaxed yet refined.
Key advantages include:
- Proximity to the OECD, several embassies, and international institutions
- Spacious apartments with historic charm and modern updates
- Easy access to Jardins du Ranelagh and Bois de Boulogne
- Walkable to shopping streets and cultural institutions
It’s especially attractive for buyers looking for a calm lifestyle near green spaces, while staying connected to central Paris via metro and RER lines.
3. Avenue Foch: Prestige and Grand Architecture
Avenue Foch is one of the most prestigious addresses in Paris. Stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to the Bois de Boulogne, it is lined with grand Haussmannian buildings, embassies, and discreet private mansions.
Key highlights:
- Ultra-wide avenue with landscaped medians
- Elegant apartments often occupying entire floors
- Properties with doormen, private parking, and balconies
- Peaceful yet central — moments from Trocadéro and Champs-Élysées
Avenue Foch is perfect for buyers prioritizing space, prestige, and exclusivity in an extremely secure and low-traffic environment.
What Makes Haussmannian Apartments So Desirable?
Haussmannian buildings define the 16th’s architectural charm. Typical features include:
- High ceilings (3m+), crown moldings, and herringbone parquet
- Marble fireplaces and large windows with Juliet balconies
- Grand salons and long galleries with original doors and details
- Limestone façades, ornate iron railings, and mansard roofs
These apartments are prized for their historic character and investment potential. Restored or renovated, they command strong resale value and enduring appeal among both local and international buyers.
Paris 16th Market Snapshot (Mid-2025)
- Average price: ~€13,000/m²
- Range: €11,500 to €16,000/m² (higher for penthouses or view apartments)
- Top-tier properties: €20,000–€28,000/m² for premium addresses
- Availability: Limited supply of family-size flats (3–4 bedrooms) in top buildings
- Demand: Stable, especially among foreign families and expats returning post-pandemic
While prices are high, the market is considered resilient and low risk for long-term ownership or rental yield.
Amenities for International Families
Paris 16th is home to some of the best bilingual and international schools, including:
- International School of Paris (ISP)
- Kingsworth International School
- French private schools like Saint-Jean de Passy and Franklin
This concentration of top institutions makes school commutes easy — often walkable.
- Bois de Boulogne: Paris’s largest park with lakes, gardens, and play areas
- Jardin du Ranelagh: Great for kids and picnics
- Trocadéro Gardens: Stunning Eiffel Tower views
- Rue de Passy: Fashion boutiques, food markets, and everyday essentials
- Upscale cafés, pastry shops, and gourmet groceries
- Quiet bistros and terraces ideal for families
- Multiple Metro lines (1, 2, 6, 9, 10)
- RER C and bus routes for quick connections to La Défense or the Left Bank
- Well-connected for both car owners and transit users
Legal & Financial Considerations for Foreign Buyers
Yes, you can buy as a foreigner. There are no nationality restrictions. Here are key things to know:
- Offer accepted
- Preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente) with 10-day cooling-off period
- Notary due diligence
- Final deed signing (Acte de Vente) and keys handed over
You can assign power of attorney if you’re not present in France.
- Notary & taxes: ~7–8% for resale properties
- Legal structure: Most buy in their own name or through an SCI
- Financing: Local or international mortgages possible; some banks finance non-residents
- Property tax (taxe foncière): Generally modest
- Second-home tax (taxe d’habitation): Applicable
- Real estate wealth tax (IFI): If net assets exceed €1.3M
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