The 7th has been my favorite arrondissement since way before Rick Steves found it. I disagree with most of what was quoted above.

Every area has its fans and its critics. Many people love the 7th and the Paris Perfect apartments, and many people love the Ile St. Louis. The more I go to Paris, the less the concerns about specific neighborhoods bother me. I have stayed in several now (although neither the 7th nor the Ile St. Louis) and I have liked them all.

Hi Janiekins,

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary! DH and I rented an apartment through GuestApartment.com back in 2005. They are very good to deal with. I would wholeheartedly recommend them! Unfortunately the apartment we rented is no longer available otherwise I would recommend it to you! Our 2 bedroom apartment was located on the 5th floor and it overlooked the Quai de Bourbon. It's the only time we've rented an apartment in Paris and I have to say, the location is spectacular. I don't remember hearing street or boat noise outside. Actually, if there was a lot of noise I think that's something I'd remember since I'm a light sleeper. Maybe they have a listing of apartments that have soundproof windows? Might be worth asking...

Staying on the Ile is very special --it's very small so there aren't a lot of hotels. I absolutely loved this location!! I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it but, to each their own I guess??

Like StCirq, I disagree with most of what was included by OP. I haven't stayed in a Paris Perfect apartment but, most people love them and they look lovely. The 7th is a great location but given the choice between the two, I'd choose the Ile St Louis!

I stayed in the 7th for my first trip to Paris a couple of months ago and loved it. Would definitely stay there again.

There is always someone who doesn't like something. You have to weigh off the number of complaints about a particular place against the number of good comments. And then you have to just take some risk -- chances are it will be fine!

Having just stayed on the L'Ile de Cite I have to agree with ILUVPARIS about the Ile St Louis. The boats cruising the Seine don't do it past midnight I am pretty sure and suspect end their route well before. That's easily checked on the websites.
We loved our little 6th Floor (exclusive) hotel room in the Hotel Hospitel Deiu right outside the doors of Notre Dame Cathedral and is a terrific point for the main tourist destinations - but that was not our reason. We just wanted to stay on the island where Paris began all those centuries ago !

I've stayed on the Quai du Bourbon and had no problem with boat noise at all. That said, I tend to go out in the evening in Paris and come back late. What I appreciate is that noise doesn't disturb my sleep, even in the morning. The 7th largely shuts down after workhours, and almost completely on weekends, so it might be a better fit for people who turn in early in Paris.

I don't know what it is that people disagree with about my words about the 7th. One of the reasons I included a link to professional descriptions of the arrondisements by a relocation agency was to get it away from my just my personal assessments. Here's part of the description of the 7th.

"Other than a small pocket of restaurants and bars between the Champs de Mars and Invalides, the area is devoted to government buildings and other institutions such as the headquarters of UNESCO. "

http://www.intransit-international.com/arrondissement_7th.html

That's the deal breaker for me, which is part of the area's reputation for quiet. I also don't like the riverside areas of the 7th being so dominated by Eiffel Tower tourism, and the absence of truly charming public parks, since public parks in other arrondisements of Paris are among the cities greatest art works. I don't mind paying to enter the Rodin garden, but it lacks the great democratic feel and openess of the other public parks of Paris, easily accessed from other arrondisements.

I was pretty upfront about my words being my subjective reactions, so I don't know what basis people have for disagreement, since they aren't disagreeing that Rick Steves has found it. I've never stayed in a Paris Perfect apartment, so that isn't the issue either.

You just have to make some of these decisions yourself. I don't stay in the seventh and don't like it there, either, so Zeppole is not the only one. I haven't stayed on the island so don't know if it would be noisy or those things bother me or not. Paris is a very big, noisy city, and it can be noisy in lots of places, including perhaps the apt you want to rent there (I've rented apts in areas way out of tourist central and they were noisy due to neighbors with open windows across the street or in the courtyard, or any traffic on a nearby street.

You will never find a place that everyone loves and everyone only says it is perfect.

I do agree with a lot of what Zeppole says, except for the Orsay bit. I do like that museum although don't visit it every time, but consider that pretty irrelevant in terms of where to stay, anywhere. I don't stay anywhere because it is the same arrondisement as a museum I want to visit, and lots of the 7th is very far from the Orsay (all arrondisements are large enough that any part of them can be far from some particular building, of course).

Who knows what you will prefer or like in terms of places -- the island versus the 7th.

I agree with most of the above posters. For our next trip we are staying in the 14th; our usual hangout is around/on the Place des Vosges but figured we'd try something different.

I LOVE TripAdvisor BUT I think some of the reviews are EXAGGERATED just as some people are desperately trying to show off, etc. You have to take it for what it is worth and the risks advised above.

I've STAYED in rooms that were described on TA as "so noisey I couldn't sleep" by some as as "perfectly quiet" by yet others...I'll let you guess which people were correct.

Enjoy your trip AND your original destination decision.

Choose an apartment that looks good, has the amenities you want, and is within your budget. If you stay in the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th you'll be centrally located. You're not going to spend your entire vacation within one arrondissement. You can take buses, metro, taxis and explore the city.

I've stayed in the 5th, 6th, and 7th. Next trip I'm planning to stay in the 14th!

<<"Other than a small pocket of restaurants and bars between the Champs de Mars and Invalides, the area is devoted to government buildings and other institutions such as the headquarters of UNESCO.">>

I must have been imagining all the restaurants and cafés lining the Avenue Bosquet, Avenue de Tourville, Place Ecole Militaire, rue Ste.-Dominique, Avenue Duquesne, Boul. de la Tour Maubourg, rue de Grenelle, etc., that are open late and on weekends.

Just pick a nice apartment.

I stayed in the 14th my last trip, on Blvd. Raspail, around the corner and couple of blocks from the Edgar Quinet metro stop. I loved it there. It was a neighborhood feel, and there were a couple of neat markets (food and arts and crafts), and there were four metro stops close plus Montparnasse station if needed. Lots of restaurants, shops, and walkable to the river and Bon Marche (love their food court).

I stayed in I think the 9th, or right on the border between 8th and 9th, clost to the Grand Magazines and the Madeleine (sp) the time before that, and in the 6th the first trip. Each area has something to offer.

I have stayed with both guest apartments and with paris perfect. Both companies were excellent. Both locations good for different reasons, but I personally prefer the Ile just because I like being closer to the Latin Quarter and the Marais district (both within 15 min walk at most). I would give the edge to the quality of the paris perfect apartment and certainly our view of the Eiffel Tower. However, because I prefer to be closer to the Latin Quarter, I found myself always traveling to get there (it was a good 30-40 fast walk). Regarding the noise, when we stayed on the Ile we were up until midnight but didnt notice any noise and we faced the river. Also, didnt notice noise in the morning. The paris perfect apartment was noisy for us but that may have been because our neighbors were a bit noisy. Our apartment was on a corner so we heard quite a bit of traffic. Your best bet would just be to bring soft ear plugs for anywhere you stay in Paris if you are a light sleeper-they work miracles for me. You cant really go wrong with either place or either company.

I got a hotel that was completely quiet and then, out of the blue, my roommate started snoring. I needed earplugs for a sound sleep.

<<I must have been imagining all the restaurants and cafés lining the Avenue Bosquet, Avenue de Tourville, Place Ecole Militaire, rue Ste.-Dominique, Avenue Duquesne, Boul. de la Tour Maubourg, rue de Grenelle, etc., that are open late and on weekends.>>

I thought the same thing. I stayed in the 7th one year and enjoyed it and had no problem finding restaurants and loved the Poulaine bakery for perfect croissants and breads. However, I missed the Latin Quarter/Ile St Louis area so stayed there next visit.

TOD, I too enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Hospitel Dieu and will probably book there again.

My sister stayed on Ile St Louis and loved it, never mentioned street or boat noise. As someone else wrote, there could be noise anywhere so don't let that one review affect your decision.

We also tended to not go out to dinner until 8ish. and then walked along the Seine and watched the boats and street entertainment after that. By the time we returned to our St. Louis en Ile apt. there was never any noise at night at all.

So there is your solution----stay out later!

You are all truly wonderful. Thank you so much for your suggestions and feedback.

TPAYT - I just burst out laughing to your response. "Stay out Later!" That is so funny! I just might do that!

Everybody has different favorites. As people return to Paris, they tend to drift farther and farther from the center, but you have to start somewhere.

DH and i stayed on quai aux fleurs on ile de la cite. yes, we saw/heard the boats going by (we were in a 3rd floor apartment). but it wasn't disturbing enough to rob us of our sleep. i think the latest boat was maybe 11 pm? bring earplugs if you're really concerned.

janiekins,

We stayed in an apartment on the Quai d'Anjou of Ile St Louis in the summer of 2007. Not only do the boats pass by but the annual Paris Plage where they turn a bank and quai of the Seine into a beach was right across from us.

Since the apartment had no a/c the windows had to be open.

And guess what? By 11 o'clock every night things went quiet. The band on the beach would stop and so would the boats. My wife is a very light sleeper and we never once had a problem. Not once in the 6 nights we were there.

So whoever has told you about noise problems has never stayed by the river or goes to bed at 7 PM or has super sensitive bionic hearing!

Get an apartment on the river! You will be glad you did! If you'd like a link to the apartment we stayed in email me... my address is above.

Rob

I recently stayed at the Hotel du Cadran on the Champ du Mars. The rooms are tiny but I think they are at most hotels in Paris. The rooms have a modern feel and were very clean. We did not have breakfast there, instead went to nearby cafes or boulangeries. We really liked the location, less than 5 minutes to the Ecole Militaire metro as well as several buses.

Janiekins,

I hope you find just the right place for your anniversary. I've heard only wonderful reports about Paris Perfect apartments and many of them are as romantic as it gets, at least from what I've seen on their web site. Fortunately, mine is a mother/daughter trip, and we can afford to rough it a bit and focus on fun. Good luck with your search

Grace

You can't go wrong. I hate that you are stressing over this when you have such an amazing & romantic trip ahead of you. I have stayed close to the Eiffel (on rue La Bourdonnais) and loved being able to walk over to the park at night and watch the lights and the people. I also loved walking up to the Trocadero for dinner, after dinner drinks, desserts...it's great people watching.

I have also stayed closer to the Musee D'Orsay. I loved being able to walk down to tons of restaurants and I loved being close to the Seine.

Each area is different, but they are all the same. They are memorable and lovely. You can't go wrong.

How did people plan trips before the internet? Seriously, sometimes it is simply an "information overload" and makes planning impossible. I use guidebooks instead of the internet for these kinds of decisions. Sometimes too many people's personal opinions really AREN'T all that helpful!

I've always been curious about staying on the Isle St Louis. I think the 7th is a great area too. I've only been to Paris once and stayed on St Mich near Sorbonne in the 5th. Which was perfect for me.

Suze:

Thank you for reminding us.. So true. I assume I relied upon my travel agent for everything-airplane tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, etc.

I stayed in the 4th last time and will stay in the 5th this Sept. i wanted to be on Isle St. Louis, but ended up by Rue Mouffetard. Couldnt pass up apt. for 270euros/4 nights.

Rue Mouffetard! BLECH!!! I am gagging!!

I love the 6th. The 6th is pour moi, especially the area between Luxembourg Gardens and St. Sulpice.

HEAVEN pour Thin.

The 7th is very nice, but I think it is too quiet.

Thin

I was going to be cheeky and say, if you want "dead" quiet, find a place next to a cemetery. Odd thing is, though, our Paris "home" in Montparnasse is directly across the street from the cemetery, and we don't even have a problem with noise. To the contrary, we love the hustle and bustle of night life -- the better to fall asleep! On the up side, there's a street market twice a week almost directly below us, and walk one block and you're smack, dab in the middle of great cafes, bars and clubs.

Bottom line is, make of list of your "can't live with" and "can't live without", then narrow it down. We're all different and have different opinions -- you just have to figure out who is the most like you. As the French say, chacun à son propre goût.

I've stayed all over Paris over the last 30-plus years, including the 7th, but not the I'le St. Louis, but personally if I had to pick between the 7th and the I'le St. Louis, I'd pick the I'le St. Louis. Happy Travels!

Even I would do that, and I don't like either of those places!

Weekender- Well I never used a travel agent, so I didn't necessarily mean that It's just internet travel forums can be overwhelming with everyone's personal opinions. Which are just that OPINIONS. Good to read and consider, but if it is at the point it making a person "frustrated" as our OP said, then it may be time to step away from the keyboard and take a trip to the library or bookstore.

I'm one of those in the 'not the 7th' club. I get why people like it, but I love other areas. If I had my choice, Ile St. Louis would be great... or the Marais (esp. Place des Vosges)... or parts of the 6th.

Our next trip, we are staying in the 1st looking over Palais Royal. Many don't think this is a great area to stay, but it is great for our purposes.
- kids loved playing in the Palais Royal gardens at the end of the day and jumping on the black and white concrete things. they are looking forward to taking their brother there.
- close to metro on a convenient line
- I love to go out at night and take pictures and was especially enamoured of the Louvre sunset photos. I left ast the kids were heading to bed and could sneak out for an hour and do that. Not every location has a view worth sneaking out for.

So... what are your priorities ? What do you like ? Every place will have its pros/cons, figure out what is important for you.

If you stay on the I'le you might want to get Cara Black's book, "Murder on the I'le St. Louis." Perhaps you know her books, murders set in different arrondissements. The main character, Amy Leduc, lives on the I'le. They are fun reads especially if you know the areas.

Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful time in Paris!

We have stayed in the 7th and on the Ile and our preference is definitely for the Ile.

When we were in the 7th we frequently had to use the Metro however on the Ile we seemed to be able to walk to everything we wanted to see.

There were lots of nice restaurants in the 7th and on the Ile. Of course on the Ile you have the neighbourhood bistros plus easy access to the cafes in the 5th, 6th and the Marais so obviously more choice there.

If it were my decision I would take the apt on the Ile which is what we are doing in September.

I just saw your post on Trip Advisor (assume it's you?) and you mention the apt. on rue du Vieux Colombier. We stayed at 21, rue du Vieux Colombier in April, and it is a wonderful location; there is so much right there w/in walking distance, and to me, that is important. I don't want to have to take a metro every time I go somewhere. And the metro is less than 2 min. walk from that address when you do want to us it.

I replied in detail on TA.

Cries_Van_Notebook ,
having traveled to Paris only once before, i am innocent to many things Parisian.

What is wrong with Rue Mouffetard?
I have read many good things and have watched many travels youtube videos of the area and it looks like a fun neighborhood. DH and I both love food and shopping so we thought it would be perfect for us.

thanks

I have stayed near the rue Mouffetard in the past and would do so quite happily again. The food and the shopping in that area are less upscale than in the 6th arrondissement, which some people find more appealing and some less so.

Let's just say that the Goyard set doesn't stroll down hilly Rue Mouffetard. Lots of stoned hippie backpackers buying munchies at Franprix. (They should be buying soap instead. Pee-u!!!) Cheap souvenir shops abound. It is amospheric, however, and I think some would find it charming.


Thin

I've stayed in that neighborhood twice, there are many normal residents of the rue Mouffetard area, of course. People have their opinions, and some involve wanting upscale areas, which it is not. I never even noticed that many souvenir shops on rue Mouffetard, I suppose there are some, but it's not like around the Seine/Notre Dame or anything. They never really even stuck out to me. There are some backpackers particularly around place Contrescarpe (and more young Parisians, it's just a popular place for young people) and there is one hostel on that street, so some of the folks who stay in that hostel may be around the street at times, sure. The cafes right around the metro (Censier) have few tourists in them, actually, at least at night when folks are going out or stopping for a drink after work.

In any case, it really wasn't one of the choices of the OP, but it is not really like either the 7th or Ile St Louis, that's for sure.

I'll put forth one more opinion, although it's an unpopular one for this post...
DH & I have stayed on the Ile, in the 7th (near Eiffel Tower as well as near the Orsay), and in the 1st, very near to the Palais Royal (a beautiful oasis of calm, IMO). My preference is for the 7th near the ET for its quiet, open spaces, food market convenience, easy strolls to reasonably-priced dinners, easy access to rest of Paris via buses. I think Ile St. Louis is probably my least favorite. I had a claustrophic feeling there, way too many people always on the street, and higher food prices for the convenience of staying on the Ile. Yes, it's lots of fun to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. As kerouac noted above, everybody has to start somewhere when visiting Paris. And you really can't go wrong with the choices you've highlighted. Planning really is half the fun, just try not to obsess...easier said than done, I know. EJ

Hi everyone,

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and comments.

This is the apartment that I have chosen to stay in. It is in the 6th - St. Germain:

http://www.haveninparis.com/rental/VieuxColombier.php

That is one fascinating apartment! You do realize that you have to walk outside through the garden to get from the bedroom to the rest of the apartment, right? Depending on the time of year, that might or might not be an issue.

We are going in June so I am hoping that walking across the garden will not be a problem! Thanks!

I'll chip in my agreement on the Ile. For a first visit, this is a perfect central location. I've stayed a couple of times and would not say it was a noisy location. My last trip I stayed in the 16th to get a bit more of a "local" feel...but then again I've been 9/10 times so diversification was needed!
This is a prime location for walking.

The tour boata all seem to end around 11PM, so that will be fine. As someone else mentioned indirectly, people tend to go for dinner around 8PM, so your evenings will be in that time frame. I would be disappointed if you did not finish every evening on a bridge over the Seine or on one of its banks...just taking it all in.

I think the apartment looks absolutely wonderful!

And I'll add that the Ile does seem claustrophobic to me. It's true it's central, close to métro stops, and has a wonderful selection of shops and restaurants, but it's tiny, and in summer months it's jammed with tourists. Not necessarily noisy, but just packed.

Oh, that's just PERFECT!!!

You can walk over to St. Sulpice and hear the organ on Sunday and sit on a bench near the fountain in the pretty square.

You can also walk over to Gerard Mulot for some fabulous pastries!!!!!!

There are some very nice shops on that street--Christian Lacroix and Yves St. Laurent.

You are SOOOOOOOOOO lucky!

And about souvenir shops on Rue Mouffetard--I meant gift shops, not really the shops that sell mini Eiffel Towers and I HEART Paris t-shirts.

Thin

I think you've made a great choice. One of my concerns about the separate building would have been the bathroom issue, but since there are facilities in both sides, you'll be fine. It looks like a special property!

Congratulations! Looks like a very special apartment, and we'll all be waiting for a trip report. It's a great location and I know you'll enjoy. EJ

What a beautiful apartment, I want to buy it?!!!!!! Oh, it's not for sale and I can't afford it anyway....but to dream. I'll love to hear your feedback.

The flat looks stunning. Had I chimed in earlier, I would have suggested looking in the 6th--it's my favorite arr.

I have one word - WOW

(and yes we most definitely want a trip report, or an apartment report at the very least!)

Congratulations on your decision.

The apartment looks stunning and I hope you have a wonderful trip.

The apartment looks stunning! A truly amzing little piece of heaven. I did think it a tiny bit curious that there is not one photo of the kitchen, however...

I avoided the 7th for several trips because it doesn't have the metro access that I was accustomed to. Now that I use the bus, the 7th and Paris Perfect have moved to the top of my list.

I would say the same about the Isles: metro service isn't as convenient. I've also seen more dark apartments on the Isles (i.e. lack of sunshine). Of course, if you're overlooking the river that shouldn't be a problem.

What a gorgeous place you found!! Please report back after your trip. It looks absolutely charming and a wonderful location for exploring Paris. Happy Anniversary!

I've only been to Paris once so I can really compare neighbourhoods, but we did stay in the 7th at a hotel (Henri IV Rive Gauche) about a block away from the Petit Pont over to Notre Dame. We liked our location and thought it was very lively although it may be quieter farther in. Still, we walked through quite a lot of the streets and found them charming. I'd gladly take an apartment there. The metro stop we used was at the big square about a block away (the name escapes me right now).

Ugh. I meant to say "I can't really compare neighbourhoods...". Why do I always notice these errors the minute I hit submit!

The solution is obvious but unacceptable. First, we have stayed in the 3e, 9e, 13e, and 5e on our previous trips and found them all interesting areas and good home bases. Next Spring we will stay in the 17e--trying out another new neigborhood, yet always travelling easily to wherever we want to be at any given time. Now for the solution: your husband, being a first-timer should be centrally located (Ile St. Louis or fairly-close-to-the-river 7e would be fine) and you should stay someplace new, farther from the tourist-impacted areas--especially in June. I don't see that working well for you, however.

d_claude_bear, are you comments directed for me?

Goddesstogo, I don't know where the Henri IV Rive Gauche is, but if it's only a block from Notre Dame, it's not in the 7th. Maybe the 5th?

The Henri IV Rive Gauche is in the 5th arr, not far from Notre Dame.

Unless there is another one by that same name in the 7th also.

We stayed in the 9th. Great apt. 5 minutes to a park, 4 min. to a bus stop, bus 85. http://locationparis9.canalblog.com/tag/paris
No ac, so it is a bit hot in July and August. Rest of year, they have heat. Great little apt. for 2 people.

Ach! I've been making locations errors on here all day. Sorry!

I LOVE the look and location of your apartment. Aren't you glad that you did all that research? It looks like you found the perfect place for you in Paris.

We might look into renting it ourselves next year. This year we will again be on St. Louis en Ile, but that would be our 2nd location place to be.

Can't wait for your trip report.

My husband and I stayed in the 6th at the Hotel Odeon St Germain this June. Its a small hotel close to many cafes, Luxembourg Gardens, St Suplice, Notre Dame, The Louvre. The Rue De Buci is close by with food and fruit markets.

Just to update - the rental agency Haven in Paris has been absolutely wonderful to me.

My husband is very tall - 6' 7" so I am now concerned about the ceiling height in the apartment so someone is going to measure them this weekend. They are not very tall ceilings so I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out.

Thanks again to all of my friends on Fodors for your great comments and suggestions!

Hello. My husband and I just stayed in Paris in June. We ABSOLUTELY loved our stay at the Hotel Le Littre. It is a perfect location for walking and taking the subway. We loved Paris. Elaine Obermann, Donelaine@cox.net

Happy Anniversary! We also went to Paris for our anniversary in May, 2009. We had a fabulous time and stayed at a great 4 star hotel in the 6th arrondissement. It is between Saint Germain and Montparnasse. The staff was wonderful and knew everything. Each day they helped us with our itinerary. It is close to wonderful restaurants and transportation to everything. We couldn't have asked for a bettter hotel or location. We just loved it. Have a wonderful trip. http://www.victoriapalace.com

Have you considered staying just outside of Paris. Why? Unless money is not an object, Paris is pricey. And, the subway is so convenient. It can wisk you into/out of Paris quickly to so many nearby places. Just a thought. CentralCoastArtist

I have stayed in many different areas in Paris. Last time I stayed on the Ile St. Louis and I loved it. It feels so like a small neighborhood and there are plenty of shops and restaurants. The cheese shop that is on the main street is so nice. It is in a good spot to get to other places in Paris. I had no issue with noise, but I was on the third floor in an apartment. I think of all the places that I have stayed in Paris, it is the one that is most likely to please the majority of people. Each area has its pluses and minuses. I think no matter where you are you will have a lovely time. Paris is so wonderful.

I disagree that Paris is pricey. I think it's the best city in the world for getting nice accommodations at a reasonable price.

Janiekins:

I have been in several Paris Perfect apartments-each was wonderful.

I agree with St. Cirq. There is no way you could get a plethora of hotel rooms in New York City for 140 euros ($190) a night.

There are also plenty of cafes in Paris that offer meals for 10-15 euros. Plenty. Try finding a decent meal in NYC for under $25 just for an entree.

A sandwich at a chain place like Cafe Europa in NYC is almost $10.

Thin

Go to http://www.apartexchange.com/
They have the best selection of Apartments.
Look in the 6 arr

We loved the 7th and the Hotel Valadon, reasonable and very clean. One block from the Rue Cler, close to metros and near a park and great restaurants

We have been to Paris six times and really enjoy the Latin Quarter, we've had a wonderful apartment and also stayed at the Comfort Hotel Mouffetard, we loved them both. The neighborhood is friendly and closed to everything, we walked almost all the time. I also love the 18th , we had an apartment up on the butte.