Courbevoie, France

Capital City

At 82,902 residents, Courbevoie is no quaint suburb. This Parisian commuter town bears the bustle and bureaucracy of a major city. While the stone bridge and historic convent allude to an old-world charm, the reality is a modern, densely populated municipality servicing the financial hub of La Défense. Navigating the metro, train, and bus routes is a necessity, and the police have historically targeted local anarchists. Yet for those drawn to the convenience of living adjacent to Paris without the capital's sticker shock, Courbevoie may be an appealing compromise.