kureiff

in early December, 2011 for seven days or so with your spouse and a 7 year old, where would you stay?

I've been looking at apartments mostly in the 7th and 6th. We want to be able to walk to some of the museums, and I'd like to be in a neighborhood with a boulangerie nearby and some good casual restaurants. I know we can't be close to everything, and we'll use the Metro, of course, but I would like to be near some of the museums and other sites.

Our budget is probably going to be around 155 euro/night. We really don't need a large apartment. A small one bedroom with a foldout sofa is fine, or even some studios would work. We do anticipate cooking in the apartment.

I want an apartment that is pretty as well as clean. I know that doesn't matter to some people because you're only there to sleep, right? But I also know that when we travel with our daughter, we end up with more down time in the apartment, and I'm willing to pay extra for something that is pretty. I'll gladly exchange size for pretty, too.

My husband and I were in Paris ten years ago, but we were backpacking and staying in cheap hotels on the outskirts of town. It was easy to hop on the Metro and go wherever we wanted to go. But this time, I'd like to be in a better location since we'll have our daughter along on the trip. I anticipate mostly walking and doing a few museums this trip.

Any suggestions for a good arr. for us? Thanks!

Michel_Paris

I'd say the 5th or 6th. Lots of restaurants and sights nearby. If you stay close to Seine, that would add that to the mix. You also have the Luxembourg Gardens to entertain the younger one.

trvlgirlmq

We are going to Paris for a week next July and have rented through Vacation In Paris www.vacationinparis.com. They have a lot of choice in all the arrondissements in many price levels. We are staying in the 4e just a short walk from the Seine and Notre Dame. Very easy to work with as well. Have fun planning!

sassy_cat

I'd stay here http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_230.htm

I've not stayed in this particular apartment but the one we have rented with vacationinparis in the past seems to be no longer be available.

This place is modern, light, (important in December), pretty is in the eye of the beholder but I like clean lines and this place has a nice view with a balcony and is within your budget.

Good luck!

tatie

I've stayed in the 5th and 6th in December and January and both are lively with many sites accessible on foot. There are lots of casual places to eat in the 5th because of the large student population.

Have a great time! The Christmas lights and decorations in Paris in December are lovely.

avalon

I'd definitely say 4,5 or 6. I am renting this place for 2 weeks in 2 weeks time.

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_201.htm

Loads of cafes, boulangeries, service and excellent transport across the street at St Paul Metro and bus stop

tod

Hey Avalon, that apartment looks awesome! I particularly like the fact it has a PROPER SHOWER not some nozzle hanging over a bath. I hate those! I also like the set-up for dining indoors or if not, a place to prepare food! The little outdoor garden is teeny but that's all you need.
Well done, I hope you report back to us on your experience.

Byrd

We have rented this apartment for Thanksgiving week.

http://www.vrbo.com/245938#features


Obviously, we haven't stayed there yet, but we think the location will be perfect for us, since we takig our granddaughter for her first trip to Paris.

Our dealings with the owner have been very good, as are the reviews.

I can give you a final verdict after our trip.

Byrd

avalon

The shower is what sold me too, tod! I hate French bathtubs and those puny hand held shower nozzles! I'll take pictures and report back . The location is excellent!

kureiff

Thank you for your suggestions!

Byrd, I actually have that same apartment bookmarked.

It seems like most of the suggestions are for the 5th or 6th, and not for the 7th. Is the 7th more residential? Thanks!

Michel_Paris

Byrd,
Nice one. Bookmared and looking forward to your review.

7th is nice, just a bit further out from main sites. More..genteel.

jpie

If you rent in the 7th be sure to look the specific location within the neighborhood. If you are close to the Eiffel Tower that is good for folks with kids in order to run around, but lots of the 7th has lots of monuments and distances can be very long to walk. So you want to make sure that the apartment itself is well located in terms of restaurants, markets, boulangeries, etc. I can tell you from experience it is a drag having to schlep across the Invalides to go get bread. That said the neighborhood is quiet and lots of little parks and family oriented.

The metro lines and connection in general aren't as good in the 7th as in the 6th if that is a consideration.

Ackislander

what jpie said

frogoutofwater

I used to live in Paris. Another area to consider is the 8th around Trocadero or the 16th around La Muette. The 8th near Trocadero is very close to a lot of the sights but a bit removed from the crowds in the 5th/6th. The 16th is an upscale residential neighbourhood, near a couple of parks where your 7 year old can let off steam. It will give you more of a feel for what it likes to live (as opposed to just visit) Paris. It has good metro and bus connections for the Right Bank (where it's located) and the Left Bank, too.

kureiff

Thank you for the additional suggestions. I've been looking at maps and apartments. It's fun to look!

Gretchen

I sort of agree about the 7th, but if you are closer to Ecole Militaire, etc. there are BUS lines. Buses are GREAT for kids--you can see somthing!!
I know most of this is about an apartment, but hotels offer some amenities that might be fun also for a youngster.

txhomes

We stayed in this apt in March and loved it. It meets your requirements of pretty and clean. The best part will be having a glass of wine on the balcony after putting your daughter to bed at night. The view is the best! We enjoyed staying in the 7th. It was about a 2 block walk to the metro and there were some nice casual restaurants nearby.

http://www.rentalfrance.com/index.ph...effeil-terrace

kerouac

If didn't already live in Paris but were coming for a December holiday, I would want to stay near rue Montorgueil in the 1st which is one of the best decorated streets with some of the best seasonal food specialties.

Otherwise, as is my wont, I would stay in a more outlying area where the streets are full of real life. Since it gets dark so early, it is wonderful to watch all of the people hustling around buying their baguettes and picking up stuff in a charcuterie. I know that I would find the 7th and most the 6th completely depressing.

ParisJo

I second Kerouac's suggestion on rue Montorgeuil. I stayed in a tiny studio just off this street with my daughter in May and we loved the area, as well as being walking distance to many other great places. You are also close to good bus and metro connections.

We stayed in VIP # 179 but I would have loved to stay in this one,(in the same building) which has more space but was booked for our stay. It's in your budget, so take a look:
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_79.htm

Good luck!

Jo

gracejoan3

I will be there for the month of Nov and early Dec. I always stay in the 7th..St. Dominique/Bourdonnais..so very convenient to all, and wonderful restaurants. I looked at your budget and you can find several on their website, www.parisperfect.com that would fit your budget, Kir, Grenache, Pastis and Provence. Treat yourself to a Paris Perfect experience! You will most certainly enjoy!

Enjoy your planning..

Joan