bbarton

We are a family of three traveling to Paris for the first time and are considering renting an apt. We found one on rue Xavier Privas, a pedestrian street, that meets our budget. Does anyone know anything about this area? Is it safe? Will we be near the food markets? On the map, it looks like a good location, but looks can be deceiving.

travelbunny

..very central, non residential in the heart of the latin quarter..just opposite ile de la cite (notre dame) on the left bank..lots of tourists and busy..should be safe as the streets are full of people at all hours..some petty theft(pick pockets)..i know nothing about the traffic or noise on rue Xavier Privas...hope this helps

adrienne

It's an area with lots of night time activity (people walking through the area, street vendors, stores that stay open late) and budget restaurants.

If you'll be in Paris during the warm weather and will need to have your windows open you'll find lots of street noise. I personally would look for an apartment elsewhere.

It's a safe area to walk through at night; you might find pick pockets because of the numbers of people.

This area is very close to the rue de Buci market.

travelbunny

..if you do change your mind and want a more residential area, 7th, the 15th near the 7th, the 16th....the 6th near the 7th are my favorites....farther away neuilly and sceaux

virginia4

Many years ago, I actually stayed in an apartment on Xavier Privas for 6 weeks & just last week, went back to see the street. It is in the heart of the student restaurant district of the Latin Quarter, a tiny street that is very quiet during the day but fairly noisy in the evening when it comes to life. If your bedrooms face the rear, you will be fine. If not, expect lots of "people" noise at night. Lots of Greek & Moroccan restaurants, lots of foot traffic. Anticipate small rooms in your apartment typical of the area and of Paris. It is safe (as most of central Paris is) and well situated, with food markets & Metro nearby.
We just returned from a family vacation in Paris & it was simply splendid.
One word of advice - spend the extra money on a museum pass. This bypasses the ticket lines & allows you to simply walk up to the ticket takers booth & on through - to us, it was worth every penny. Keep in mind that youngsters under 18 generally get in free, so if you are 2 adults and a child, you only need 2 passes.
Bonne journee.

bbarton

Thanks for all your comments. This will help me make a decision. I just found an apt on Rue Cler for about 50 euros more, but need to check on availability. Our daughter is 22 and she would probably enjoy Latin Quarter, but I need sleep instead of noise. I will keep searching. Thanks

mdocherty

Ecellent choice on Rue Cler. Stay on Rue Cler and visit the Latin Quarter at night.

Try the crêpe stand for breakfast and and for a delightful meal in a quaint and cosy restaurant nearby try le P'tit Troquet on rue de l'Exposition - just ask for directions. They'll ask you to order desert ahead of time since some of it takes time to prepare - the Moêlleux Chocolat is to die for. If you try and and want the recipe when you get back - let me know.

bbarton

Thanks mdocherty,I wrote that restaurant in my notes. We love chocolate.

Lesli

For what it's worth, I would think that Rue Cler would also be noisy, due to the market vendors unloading trucks and setting up for business early in the morning.

As a light sleeper, this street would not be my choice either. Though a block or two away would be fine.

Singletail

All of these supposed "noise" probelms might be solved if you closed windows at night but you do not say when you are traveling and everyone here seems to assume that the place you rent won't have air conditioning or that you can't close the windows. Enlighten us or you'll end up bouncing all over the city at everyone else's whim and never find a place to stay!

Lesli

Good point, Singletail.

I like fresh air and open windows. I usually stay in 2 start hotels that do not have a/c. And I manage to sleep, because I specifically avoid streets that are busy/noisy.

But if the apartment has air conditioning and the OP is happy with the windows closed, then rue Cler is a fine choice.

bbarton

Both apts are air condition. I just emailed the owner about rue cler so we will see what he says. Really would prefer an apartment over hotel room since we will be staying 7 nights. Any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks