krm

Hi,
I'm considering a lovely apartment on Rue Des Gravilliers in the Marais. I have areas mixed reviews about the area. I've never been to Paris. My husband and I are 50, taking our teenage kids for a few days. Is this area safe at night? it seems like it's central to many sights.
The other apartment I'm considering is on Rue du Palais, lie de la cite.
Thanks

justineparis

Both those areas are good and perfectly safe.. most likely safer then where ever you are from! Your teens will enjoy being able to wander around on their own.. and you can relax knowing they won't be gunned down in a drive by..

pariswat

Area is great.
Paris is globally very safe, and this area is perfectly situated

enjoy your stay..

Ps :night doesn't start before 11pm or later in Paris, and the area will be populated until early in the morning.
no prob.

manouche

Did you mean boulevard du Palais Ile de la Cite? This will be noisy unless the apartment is in the rear of the building. It's a major thoroughfare.
The rue des Gravilliers has better spots than others. Do a Google Street view of the address to make sure you're not near a bar or any other nuisances.

krm

Thanks! I did look at the street view. It's not as charming or picturesque as I would prefer, but the apt is really gorgeous, high end and luxurious. It faces a courtyard, so no street view to speak of, but that means it will be quiet at night. A trade off I suppose. It's a 10 minute walk to Notre Dame so it does seem like a good location- I was mainly concerned about the major roads nearby and if they were seedy or hangouts for prostitutes or vagrants. i don't mean to sound insensitive or snobby, but for our first time in Paris I want the location to be memorable.
So...
does anyone have any great dining recommendations nearby Rue des Gravilliers that don't require reservations?

manouche

There aren't any obvious prostitutes on rue des Gravilliers, and it's not a favorite street for vagrants because they want the heated vents on larger sidewalks. This is not a very charming street and if you are afraid that you might see something offensive you should probably go with the other apartment. There is a lot of fast food and not very exciting cafes near this street so I would advise going elsewhere to eat. Ambassade d'Auvergne is a nice restaurant nearby but you need to reserve for anyplace decent. Usually you can reserve the same day in person just go there about half an hour or so before you want to eat.

pariswat

Uum.. I smell the 'aligot' already.