Rose

We are planning a trip to Paris in September and can't decide which district to stay. Le Marais and the Latin Quarter/St. Germain have been recommended...but we just can't choose between them? We are a couple in our late 20's looking for a safe and quaint area. We would prefer an area without alot of noise and commotion at night so we can sleep, but also an area where we have some choice in terms of dining, cafes, etc. We would like to stay in a pretty part of town where we can experience the Parisian life and culture. So...which area would you recommend?????

Richard

Not being flippant here, but you might consider lodging in the Marais and eating in the Quarter, the Metro is very convenient to both. I think you can experience the culture in the Marais, and the llife in the Quarter. Most of Paris is safe, but pick-pockets are more prevalent in the Quarter. Safe being the operative word, I have never been in a section of Paris where I felt threatened, including Montmarte, but then, I'm a naive 60 year old.

Richard

Not being flippant here, but you might consider lodging in the Marais and eating in the Quarter, the Metro is very convenient to both. I think you can experience the culture in the Marais, and the llife in the Quarter. Most of Paris is safe, but pick-pockets are more prevalent in the Quarter. Safe being the operative word, I have never been in a section of Paris where I felt threatened, including Montmartre, but then, I'm a naive 60 year old.

Sanne

Hey Rose.

I think you would like the Marais. It's nice and have all the culture and cafees you want. Of course there are tourists, but I don't find it as crowded and "touristed" as Latin Quarter.
Have a nice stay
Sanne

Monica

Hi there,

I was in the Latin Quarter (can't suggest the other area as I don't know it), but just wanted to say I felt very safe in this area, and all areas of Paris. Yes, it's probably a more touristy area, but the restaurants were good (less expensive than on the other side from what I was told), it was great walking around seeing lots of people enjoy their evenings. It's close to Notre-Dame and the Seine which we would walk to in the evenings. The metro system in Paris is great, so any location is easy to get to. Nearby on Rue de Seine is a wonderful little outdoor market.

No matter where you travel, you should always be aware about your surroundings.

Arizona

Find yourself a small hotel near or in the Place des Vosges. Quiet, dignified, clean. Check the Michelin Red Guide, get yourself a Michelin Green Guide for Paris, and just have fun. The Marais (French for "swamp") has only lately become a tourist destination. True, the Place des Vosges, has been a wonderful square for 300 years, and today retains much of its distinct, Parisian quality. So many of the Latin Quarter boulevards are neon jungles, noisy and messy. Great place to spend an evening, but no place to spend a night and expect to get any sleep. I know, having been hooked on Paris for almost 50 years -- bon voyage!

Richard

Rose: If you opt to stay in the Marais, a nice hotel is the Hotel Saint-Louis Marais, within easy walking of the Place des Vosges, and the Metro at either Place de la Bastille or Pont Marie. We have not stayed here, but did visit it, and decided to stay at the sister hotel, Hotel Saint-Louis on the I'lle Saint Louis (for no special reason). Rates, as of January '98 when we were last in Paris, are 610F double, 710F twin, each with shower or bath and toilet. Breakfast is 40F. (Aside to Arizona above, you're really Old Al, I've nicknamed you Old Always Loquacious to my wife, and we know you probably live in Scottsdale, with your collection of kachina dolls and complain about the humidity from the sprinkler systems. You give good advice, I thought we were the only ones who knew about the ice cave and Krimml falls).

Neal Sanders

If you can only choose between the Marais and the Latin Quarter, pick the Latin Quarter. Yes, the Place des Vosges is beautiful, but it is also a medley of the greatest hits of the Marais. Seeing anything else in Paris requires a subway trip, and the Metro's charms go only so far. One of the great things about a centrally located hotel is the ability to go back to your room, shed a sweater, drop off a package, or just put your feet up for half an hour. If you stay in the Marais, that's not practical; the Latin Quarter offers that kind of convenience. There are also moderately priced hotels on the right bank: one of my favorites is the Hotel Tamise on the Rue de Algier. Lovely rooms, quaint in the best sense of the world, and a friendly staff; and you can hit the Tuilieries or the Louvre with a well-thrown baguette.

Linda

I lived in an apartment in the Marais and actually walked to all the touristy spots without much trouble including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. The metro I took at night or when I was in a hurry. I loved the Marais. Actually the Left Bank natives were a bit rude, but when you see all the tourists I can't blame them. I vote Marais. But then I am Prejudice.

Jody

Either one is just fine and offers everything you have in mind. You'll just be sleeping, showering and dressing at your "base point". Once there, you will definitely want to return, so recommend that you go all over and collect ideas (and brochures) for your next visit.