Living in the Paris region often means juggling crowded subways, endless traffic jams and a hectic pace. And yet, some communes stand out for their calmer quality of life. This is precisely what Le Figaro sought to identify, by drawing up a ranking of the region's least stressful cities and publishing it on January 20, the day after Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
To do this, we sifted through 19 criteria: population density, transport, green spaces, cultural and sporting infrastructures ... An invaluable list for all those who dream of taking a break without moving to the other side of the country.
Third place went to Rueil-Malmaison in Hauts-de-Seine, second place to Versailles in Yvelines, and the overall winner was... Saint-Maur-des-Fossés!
Nestled in a loop of the River Marne, this town in the Val-de-Marne region offers charm and calm, while remaining ultra-connected to the capital. Just 15 minutes by RER from Paris, it offers its 75,000 inhabitants a perfect balance between urban dynamism and unspoilt nature.
Saint-Maur tops the ranking thanks to its green spaces, pleasant living environment and relaxation facilities. The municipality, led since July 2024 by Pierre-Michel Delecroix, sees this distinction as recognition of a policy focused on quality of life.
Looking for a stress-free retreat without giving up the advantages of the Paris region? Saint-Maur-des-Fossés could well be the ideal address.
Île-de-France: 8 towns in France's top 50 places to live in 2025
Discover the cities of Île-de-France where life is the most pleasant, according to the ranking made by the association Villes et villages où il fait bon vivre and revealed by the Journal du Dimanche. [Read more]
Île-de-France: 8 towns in France's top 50 places to live in 2025
