Arrondissement 9 - Opéra Property Insight

Situated on the right bank of the Seine River, it is one of the smallest districts of Paris with a 217 ha area. It has common borders with five other arrondissements: the 2nd, the 8th, the 10th, the 17th, and the 18th. For long, this area stayed a simple market gardening and was part of the former rural provinces Montmartre and Clichy. It is only during the 19th century that the district begins to liven up and to become a full arrondissement.

The Opéra district is multifaceted. It has both small quarters and prestigious boulevards in the south with highly frequented department stores and numerous banks. Besides, the cultural offer is rich and diverse, with first the famous Opéra Garnier, but also with plenty of theatres and cinemas. This district is really much appreciated. Indeed, it accounts for 58,497 inhabitants but some 200,000 transient visitors per day.

This arrondissement used to be the centre of the Parisian high society and it has kept all its elegance, especially in the architecture. It is bordered with major roads and crossed by two famous ones: the rue Lafayette and the boulevard Haussmann. Otherwise it is characterized by a tangle of one-way small streets. It benefits from a good transport service since it has no less than 19 underground stations.

All arrondissements in Paris are divided into four quarters; as follows are the quarters of the 9th arrondissement.

• Quartier de la Chaussée-d’Antin: it distinguishes itself with its numerous ancient constructions. The reputed Condorcet high school is in the former Capucins convent, built by Brongniard, an architect of Louis XVI. It is mostly known for its famous opera, the Palais Garnier. As for religious art, it nestles the beautiful Grande Synagogue de Paris and the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette church, which is supposed to have kept remains of Mary’s house.
• Quartier Saint-Georges: thanks to its particular architecture, it was nicknamed “the new Athens” during the First Empire. Former literary quarter, it today offers lots of more or less artistic cabarets. Spanning on the 9th and 18th arrondissements, Pigalle is a red light quarter however touristic for its rue des Martyrs, known as “slice of village life”. It also nestles the Second Empire Holy-Trinity church, built during the beautification of Baron Haussmann and famous for its former organist, Olivier Messiaen. An interesting 19th hotel rue Victor-Massé is also to mention.
• Quartier du Faubourg Montmartre: a very lively quarter. Lots of cultural events take place and creation is encouraged, notably with the reknown Paris conservatoire. It nestles the famous Hôtel Drouot and the Folies Bergère cabaret. The beautiful Saint-Eugène church with its cathedral appearance and its warm inside lightness is also worth the visit. Besides, the town hall is situated in a town house of the 18th century and several ancient houses are to see, especially rue du faubourg Montmartre.
• Quartier de Rochechouart: it is a peaceful quarter. With 4,500 sq m, its Montholon square is the arrondissement’s biggest. Designed by an Hausmann’s engineer in the 19th century, it has a rich diversity of flora. It is a real haven and also offers a children’s playground. Otherwise, the Jacques Decour high school (formerly Collège Rollin) has been laid out in a handsome ancient construction. It welcomed famous pupils like the painter Edouard Manet or the philosopher Bergson.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Paris Ile de France.

Arrondissement 9 - Opéra Immobilier & Property Market Trends

After having soared these last five years, the Paris real estate market is slowing down. During the first half of 2009 property prices remained quite stable. The 9th arrondissement for its part saw its prices increase of 61.5 % from 2003 to 2008. However, last year it recorded a tiny drop of 0.1 % and is currently still falling slightly. Paris real estate prices are becoming more affordable, it is therefore the right time to take the most of it before a next surge in prices.

The average area is 90 sq m but it can vary according to the quarter, so do the prices too. The most expensive is the quartier de la Chaussée-d'Antin and the cheapest the quartier Saint-Georges. For an apartment you can count about €647,142 and €1 134,600 for a house. The average buying price is €6,576 /sq m and the renting one is €24.64 /sq m. As this latter is twice more than the national average and since Paris is a high demanded town, the 9th arrondissement can represent good opportunities in terms of buy-to-let investment.

To get updated info about the property prices in Paris, please browse our Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

Characteristics of the Arrondissement 9 - Opéra

• Palais Garnier: most important symbol of the 19th century baroque style, this prestigious opera cannot be missed. This temple of lyric and choreographic arts impresses by its shows as much as by its magnificent architecture. Its interior is so luxurious than it can be compared with Versailles. Just for the anecdote, its small underground lake is the hiding place of the famous Phantom of the Opera.

• Hôtel Drouot: the biggest worldwide auction place. It is one of the most important art market place, especially in decorative arts, modern style, arts premiers as well as Chinese and Japanese art. Lot prices vary from €1 to several millions euros. It is currently being refurbished in a new architectural style; its area will also increase.

• Square Louis XVI: located in the boulevard Haussmann, it is a soothing green place. It has beautiful gardens with lots of different floral species like viburnums, mock oranges and elder trees. At its heart, the atonement chapel built at the beginning of the 19th century is a little marvel of neo-classicism. It has outstanding sculptures and used to nestle the mortal remains of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.

• Musée Grévin: the French wax museum. There you can discover different areas and find yourself nose to nose with characters of the Middle ages as well as present stars. 300 wax statues are to be seen. Besides, it regularly organizes cultural events. The astonishing Palace of the Mirages is worth the visit and discovery courses are offered to learn about the sculpting process.

• Folies Bergère: hybrid concept between café, concert and theatre; this Parisian music hall had its hour of glory during the late 1890’s until the early 1920’s. It was patterned after the Alhambra music hall in London and had then inspired numerous shows, like the Ziegfeld Follies in New York. Its first shows were mainly popular but it has widened its range and today welcomes miscellaneous shows within a kitsch décor.