We are in the process of renting an apt. on blvd voltaire, close to metro voltaire and would like to know if it is safe to walk at night and if there are neighborhood boulangeries and grocers, etc. Thanks

Sorry, should have given the city also, Paris.

I took a fairly long walk around this area two weeks ago and it did not seem like the district that would frighten me...nor inspire me. A real ethnic mix as i remember but lots of stores, bakeries, cafes, etc. Just not the most Parisian looking district to match the picture most of us have sketched in out minds' eye.

if you have the street address, try the pagesjaunes.com. Upper right hand corner is the flag for the english language. You can take a virtual walk around the neightbood.

It is safe unless you are afraid of being run over by roller-bladers.