Paris, the City of Light, is not just a global icon for art, fashion, and romance — it is also home to some of the most prestigious and technologically advanced hospitals in Europe. Whether you’re a resident, an expat, or a medical tourist, having access to top-notch healthcare is a priority. France’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and Paris leads the way with cutting-edge hospitals that offer world-class treatment, highly skilled medical staff, and specialized care.
In this article, we highlight the Top 10 Best Hospitals in Paris, based on their reputation, medical excellence, facilities, and specialties.
1. Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière)
Location: 13th arrondissement
Founded: 1656
Type: Public Teaching Hospital (AP-HP)
As one of the largest hospitals in Europe, Pitié-Salpêtrière is a cornerstone of the French medical system. It is affiliated with Sorbonne University and is renowned for its work in neurology, cardiology, and surgery.
Key Specialties:
Neurology & Neurosurgery
Cardiology
Psychiatry
Organ Transplants
It is frequently ranked among the top hospitals globally, offering both acute care and long-term research-based treatments.
2. Georges Pompidou European Hospital (HEGP)
Location: 15th arrondissement
Founded: 2000
Type: Public (AP-HP)
Named after former French President Georges Pompidou, HEGP is one of the most modern hospitals in Paris, both in architecture and in its use of technology. It specializes in cardiovascular diseases, and is a pioneer in robot-assisted surgery.
Key Specialties:
Cardiovascular Surgery
Oncology
Robotic Surgery
Emergency Services
This hospital is also a teaching center for Paris Descartes University.
3. American Hospital of Paris (Hôpital Américain de Paris)
Location: Neuilly-sur-Seine (just outside Paris)
Founded: 1906
Type: Private, Non-profit
As the name suggests, the American Hospital of Paris caters largely to international patients and offers a high standard of bilingual (French-English) medical care. It is accredited both in the U.S. and France.
Key Specialties:
Internal Medicine
Surgery
Women’s Health
Preventive Check-ups
The hospital combines American efficiency with French medical expertise, making it ideal for expats and medical tourists.
4. Cochin Hospital (Hôpital Cochin)
Location: 14th arrondissement
Type: Public Teaching Hospital (AP-HP)
Cochin is part of Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) and is known for its specialized departments, especially in diabetes, endocrinology, and rheumatology.
Key Specialties:
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Rheumatology
Maternity and Neonatal Care
Urology
It also houses Institut Cochin, a leading research center in cellular biology and genetics.
5. Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital (Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades)
Location: 15th arrondissement
Founded: 1778
Type: Public (AP-HP)
This is the first pediatric hospital in the world and remains one of the best for children’s healthcare in France. It is also home to excellent adult care facilities, particularly in nephrology and immunology.
Key Specialties:
Pediatric Surgery
Pediatric Nephrology
Genetics and Rare Diseases
Pediatric Cardiology
It is affiliated with the Université Paris Cité and plays a major role in pediatric research.
6. Saint-Louis Hospital (Hôpital Saint-Louis)
Location: 10th arrondissement
Founded: 1607
Type: Public (AP-HP)
Saint-Louis is one of the oldest hospitals in Paris, known for its advanced dermatology and hematology departments. It is a recognized center for skin diseases and cancer treatments.
Key Specialties:
Dermatology
Hematology (Blood Disorders)
Oncology
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The hospital also has a strong research presence, working with the Institut Curie and other major research institutions.
7. Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital
Location: 18th arrondissement
Type: Public (AP-HP)
Hôpital Bichat is one of the leading hospitals in northern Paris. It is well-respected for its emergency services, intensive care, and advanced lung and infectious disease departments.
Key Specialties:
Pulmonology
Infectious Diseases
Cardiology
Intensive Care
It has played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be at the forefront of respiratory medicine.
8. Institut Curie
Location: 5th arrondissement
Founded: 1921
Type: Private Non-Profit Research and Cancer Treatment Center
Institut Curie is one of Europe’s best cancer hospitals, founded by the famous physicist Marie Curie. It combines cutting-edge oncology treatment with groundbreaking cancer research.
Key Specialties:
Oncology (Breast, Eye, Cervical, etc.)
Radiotherapy
Pediatric Oncology
Cancer Surgery
It is internationally recognized for treating complex and rare cancers with a high success rate.
9. Tenon Hospital (Hôpital Tenon)
Location: 20th arrondissement
Type: Public (AP-HP)
Tenon Hospital is a full-service public hospital with particular expertise in urology, ENT (ear, nose, throat), and gynecology. It also has a highly developed robotic surgery department.
Key Specialties:
Urology
Gynecology
ENT
Robotic Surgery
Tenon is also involved in various clinical studies, offering patients access to the latest treatment protocols.
10. Hôtel-Dieu de Paris
Location: Île de la Cité (1st arrondissement)
Founded: 651 AD
Type: Public (AP-HP)
The oldest hospital in Paris, Hôtel-Dieu has evolved into a center for public health, emergency medicine, and clinical trials. While it’s not as large as others on this list, its historical importance and central location near Notre-Dame Cathedral make it a crucial healthcare institution.
Key Specialties:
Emergency Medicine
Diabetology
Preventive Medicine
Clinical Trials
It is now being transformed into a new model of ambulatory care and digital health innovation.
Conclusion
Paris boasts a network of hospitals that combine centuries of tradition with the latest in medical innovation. Whether you’re seeking specialized pediatric care, advanced cancer treatment, or emergency services, you can be confident in the exceptional quality of healthcare available in the French capital.
From internationally oriented institutions like the American Hospital of Paris to public giants like Pitié-Salpêtrière and Georges Pompidou, the city offers something for every patient — local or international. Thanks to strong investments in research, education, and infrastructure, Paris continues to maintain its reputation as a leading global healthcare hub.