Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Apartment rental in Paris-Which Arrondissement?

Search

Apartment rental in Paris-Which Arrondissement?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 15th, 2013, 04:37 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Apartment rental in Paris-Which Arrondissement?

I have been looking for an apartment rental in Paris for 4 adult women.
Would like 2 bedrooms - and 2 baths. Would like at least 1 set of twin beds and
if double bed at least 140-160+ cm. Price range is $400. day tops. Will need for 7 days
next May. I think I am starting my search early enough but want to just get the job done!
Would like a decent kitchen as we would definitely do breakfast and perhaps a night or 2 self catering.
I am interested in the pros and cons of various arrondissements. Location and convenience are top priority.
Somehow I am STUCK in the 7th! Really seem to prefer this area but am I limiting myself too much? Is Rick Steves's Rue Cler REALLY that important? When I look at ALL arron. it is just too daunting. What other areas are also good?
I also like good value! (doesn't everyone/).
Want to stay in convenient areas. (ie. the 18th seems WAY too far out.)
Thank you for taking the time to help me.
MA
nannibray is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2013, 05:38 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The 6th is more centrally located than the 7th. While I don't think the Rue Cler is the most "important" location in Paris, it is certainly easy to get there from any of the more central Arrondisements and not at all far from the Eiffel Tower. For convenience, I would suggest the 1st through the 8th Arrondisements. You can get almost anywhere in the center of the city from those.
mamcalice is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2013, 07:41 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would say the 1-3 and 5th or 6th. The 7th doesn't interest me at all. It's a matter of opinion. I've stayed on the Isle (actually both Isles) and in the 1st and 5th. They are closer to the things I want to walk to. Wherever you stay, you will have a good time. And, Rick Steve's Rue Cler is really not that important at all! Have a great trip!
CarolJean is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2013, 08:39 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've almost always stayed in the 6th. It's my favorite spot for getting out and about, as well as being close to multiple metro stops.

Rick can have the 7th.

The 5th would be my first second choice.
Rastaguytoday is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2013, 10:02 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have used My Paris Visit three times with good results. Last August we stayed in #111 Louvre Terrace, which has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. I'm not sure it would work for you as both beds were doubles, so not real large. You might take a look at their site, here's one that looks good:

http://www.myparisvisit.com/rental-t...-paris-96.html

As far as area, I have stayed in the 1st a couple times, 8th, 7th, 2nd, this fall we are staying in the 6th. The Rue Cler is a nice area but not necessarily central to all the sites you'll want to visit. No matter where you stay, I'm sure you'll have a great trip!
tracilee is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 02:20 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You might try this:

Print out a map of central Paris and put an X on every sight you know right now your group will want to see.

If you also have a list of restaurants any of you are dying to try, to put an X where they are.

See if that "personal" map of Paris gives you a better idea of where you would like to be located. All Parisian neighborhoods have charm, interest and good places to eat and buy food, so don't worry too much that you will lack atmosphere or access to goodies.

Speaking personally, I like to be able to go back to my apartment during the day, and I also like to be able to eat dinner in my neighborhood without needing a taxi or subwary ride back from the restaurant.

If your group is planning major shopping, think about how far you want to be carrying those bags back to the apartment. You might want to stay in a prime shopping area.

I agree with you that Montmartre is inconvenient to many of the major sites (it is also hilly) and for me, the 7th arr. has the same problem. Most of what I want to see in Paris is not reachable on foot from the 7th arr., and I like to walk.

I also share the opinion that the 7th arr is not why I go to Paris. Yes, the Eiffel Tower is there, but otherwise it is largely a affluent neighborhood with an overload of large government complexes and its parks and straight grid streets are uninteresting in comparison with lively, charming and beautiful mix of winding medieval layout and sophisticated urban life you find in most of the rest of Paris, mixed in with glamorous shops and lovely public space and cafes.

Rick Steves zeroed in on Rue Cler, I think, because of its proximity to the Eiffel Tower. It is probably the closest street to the Eiffel Tower that represents "ye olde cute Paree in a nutshell", so he tells tourists this is a "MUST" to include along with the Eiffel Tower.
stevewith is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 03:23 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hr
Huggy is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 03:47 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Marais - 4th arr.
Great location - wonderful historic area; central Paris is easily accessible - flat and walkable; well serviced by Metro lines; is there a nicer square in the World than Place de Vosges?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Marais
bendigo is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 03:50 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Every person who adds to this will do so with where they like to stay. No, rue Cler is NOT that important. there are many other similar streets actually.
The Metro and bus system in Paris is excellent for getting you wherever you want to go--and you will want to go from one end to the other. SO perhaps choosing an apartment close to Metro or bus line stop would be a consideration also.
the fifth and sixth are very lively, hence will have more cafes, shops, things going on for "off times".
Gretchen is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 04:15 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We have made 5 visits to Paris and two of them were in apartments where we stayed for a week. Our preference is the Ile St. Louis as we found we were able to walk to most of the sites that interested us.

The Rue Cler is a good stop for lunch after seeing the Eiffel Tower but I wouldn't stay in the 7th just for that reason.

Last year we stayed in a lovely apartment just steps from the Rue Rivoli in the 1st. It was very convenient but at times was noisy.
Royal is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 04:27 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In Feb we stayed in the 6th on Rue Dauphine, excellent location, turn one direction and there's the Point Neuf then a short walk to Lourve or walk the other direction and the immediate area was full of little streets with loads of places to eat/drink/shops meaning we just had to walk a few minutes back every night.(Great afer a long day walking!) We stayed in a hotel so I cant comment on apartments, but would definitely stay in Saint Germain again! Also there's some food markets in the area so this might help with cooking in!
I though the area near the Eiffel Tower or the Lourve had less happening at night so if I had to pick I'd go with the 6th, then the 7th then the 4th.
Donna82 is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2013, 04:29 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ooops sorry I meant the 6th then the 5th then the 4th.. Latin Quarter seems to have a lot happening!
Donna82 is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2013, 03:35 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Other posters (especially Stevewith) have good input that you should check where you intend to spend time and also check the metro lines if you intend to use Metro to get around. You'll quickly notice that areas like the 6th have much better access to key metro lines that criss-cross than the 7th. I have spent a lot of time in Paris and my personal view is that the 7th is nice and has some good restaurants but is also full of large residential and govt buildings and mostly I'm just trying to "get through it" to be somewhere else.
I usually stay in the 6th, 4th, or edge of the 5th for combination of proximity/metro access, restaurants, and personal preference on neighborhood feel.
NorCal_Jo is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2013, 03:50 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been going to Paris for many, many years, I stay for about 2 months each trip...that keeps the hateful flight coming too soon!

I have stayed all over Paris and have my own personal thoughts about different areas. Fortunately we do not all prefer the same places! Just like here in Asheville, I live in the south part of town and it is my favorite area.

I have seen posts above that think Rick Steves and rue Cler is what the 7th is! The western part of 7th (not the part close to the 6th)is my definite preferred location. Saint Dominique/Rapp/Bourdonnais area. Rick Steves I can do without and my trips to rue Cler are mainly for flowers and Davoli. I don't cook, so occasionally Davoli can be great.

I have stayed on Ile St. Louis and found it to be not easily accessible to other places. I have been to the Marais a number of times to try to 'get it'..has never happened! I have stayed in the 6th and the Hotel l'Abbaye is a lovely hotel to stay in. A regular clientele. Have also stayed in apartments there. The 6th is quite touristy for a Paris regular. I go there for my mussels lunch at Leons and check out some other restaurants and shopping in the area. A short bus ride to all! Have also stayed on the right bank and have enjoyed my accommodations there. But not for a regular place to want to be.

I can walk across the street or a block or two away and catch a bus to wherever in Paris in minutes. I rarely take the metro. It is a pain. I can walk across the Seine to perhaps the best market in town (Pres Wilson), to all the high fashion shops...some Georges V dining. I have wonderful restaurants all around me..which tends to make me lazy about going across town! I can get to Bon Marche in minutes..bus and or walk. I enjoy the many shops in the Commerce area in the 15th..along with some good restaurants, too.

This part of the 7th is most desireable for living for the local Parisians....I have many Paris friends...it is difficult to find a place and the prices follow a top place to live.

I have my personal preferences, as everyone should have. There is no best place, no right or wrong place. It is all what you alone feel is what is right for you!

I feel very much at home when I arrive in Paris and to my apartment, in my part of the 7th.

a bientot...

Joan
gracejoan is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2013, 03:51 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,393
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments...xcellence.html

We've used this agency and had a great experience. This apartment looks perfect for you, the inky downside is that it's a 4th floor walk up, no lift. 2 bathrooms and a separate toilet is a big plus.
cathies is online now  
Old Jul 18th, 2013, 03:53 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,393
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hmm don't know where 'inky' came from, should be 'only'.
cathies is online now  
Old Jul 21st, 2013, 08:23 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Rue Montorgueil neighborhood in the 2nd was wonderful and overlooked by many. I love that area. Our last apartment there was only big enough for two so won't link it for you but we enjoyed all this area offered.
flpab is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2013, 11:29 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Another vote for the 7th! We stayed in the 6th and in the 4th the last time we were in Paris and I missed the sparkles of the Eiffel Tower at night. I agree with the area Joan recommends.
rbnwdln is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2013, 11:39 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have just returned from a week in Paris and loved the apartment we used with

http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com

We also stayed in the same area as Cathie and is was wonderful!

I am 90% sure our bed was actually two beds connected so I am sure they would be able to split it.

We were on a first/second level. There was a lift but as it was only one flight of stairs it was fine to just go up and down if the lift was busy etc.

two bathrooms . .except the second bathroom doesn't have the toilet in the room ...the second toilet is located in the laundry.

You will love it and the area . .we felt incredibly safe and walked to Notre Dame etc . .can't speak more highly of the area.

Good luck!
crazyfamilyof4 is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2013, 12:25 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The 7th does have more of a residential feel. Rue Cler really has no bearing on it as far as whether you will enjoy it. If you love the ET, it may be for you. There are a number of great restaurants in the 7th, also.

We stayed in the 7th two years ago and liked it. We prefer the 6th as it is livelier at night and we have a corner that we love for its cafes....it just worked better for us. We are staying in the 5th this Christmas and like our location as it is close to out old haunts and closer to more of the central attractions.

We did get a little burned visiting the 6th on Friday night as the bus service stopped (back to the 7th) early, as did the RER train service and we had to exit the train earlier than our "usual" stop and walk the rest of the way. Not a huge problem but a minor annoyance- it was only around 10pm.

It is really an individual preference. Many love the Marais and I just don't. You can't really go too wrong if you rent from a reputable company and make sure your apt is located for easy bus/Metro access. Would I stay in the 7th again, yes-just not my favorite.
denisea is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -