It's surprising, but the Paris region has the highest number of towns where life expectancy is high! Despite the stress and pollution, one might think otherwise, but according to Insee, Paris offers the highest average lifespan, followed by Neuilly-sur-Seine and Boulogne-Billancourt in the inner suburbs. According to data, the average life expectancy reaches 86.2 years for women and 81.1 years for men in the city!
What commonalities do these cities share? Their socio-economic status and environment, with better access to healthcare, improved housing, and more green spaces. The reality, however, varies across the capital depending on the arrondissement and its financial standing — with the 16th district boasting the best indicators, while the 18th and 19th are considered more working-class and less affluent.
However, that hasn't always been the case. The capital was once plagued by a high mortality rate compared to other regions, especially during the 19th century, due to the spread of infectious diseases. Since then, Parisians’ life expectancy has increased by nearly 25 years, thanks to improved living conditions, medical advances, a well-developed transport and sanitation networks, and the concentration of renowned hospitals in one accessible area.
