lovetoseetheworld

I'm taking my first solo trip to Paris and have the following questions for my fellow travelers out there please:

1)What are the main characteristics/look/feel of The Latin Quarter, The Marais and Saint Germain des Pres?

2) Which ones are a good fit and a safe area for a 40 something, solo female to walk around in and stay in?

3) Any two star, budget hotels to recommend in any of these arrondissements? Looking for one near reasonably priced cafes, a grocery store and a post office.

4) Is the Metro safe for solo female travelers?

5) Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much!

suze

2) Any of the 3 areas you mention would be safe and a nice central area to stay in solo/female.

4) I found the Metro confusing but I'm not very good with public transit generally. I preferred to stay above ground, mostly on foot. I think it is physically safe enough, but watch your pocketbook or wallet.

5) I found Paris an easy city to tour around with little or no plans. Using a free map from the hotel lobby, I just picked a couple place to see each day, then centered my walking to getting to those and back. Seeing what was along the way as I went.

Best tip: Carry the business card from your hotel and enough cash for taxi fare back, in case you get lost or tired, it's a nice fall-back plan.

suze

Best tip #2
post this also over on the European forum for greater readership

lovetoseetheworld

Thanks Suze. Your tips are very helpful.

jockeyfox

On my first trip to Paris, I went alone, and had no problems at all. I used the metro, went to see an international horse show in Bercy, and hit the large flea market north of the city...no problems at all. I got a map prior to leaving the states and studied it. Paris is well laid out and things are very easy to find. I got lost once, but a couple of French ladies, who did not speak English, and I speak very little French, were able to help me on my way. I stayed at the Hotel de la Tamise, which is across the street from the Tuillerie Gardens,the Louvre, Metro and Rue de Rivoli. This was a 2 star hotel. For your first time in Paris, I would strongly recommend you try to stay right in the center of Paris, it may not be as charming as some neighborhoods, and a little more money, but I think you may feel safer, and more confident to strike out in unfaviliar areas if you are comfortable at your home base. Have fun, you will love Paris.

traveller2007

I would not recommend staying in some of the streets nr Gare du Nord (unless you dont intend to wander around at night). The areas you mention are all fine, but a bit pricier. Place Clichy isnt great (nr red light area) but its always well lit and buzzing and youre likely to feel ok there.
The Metro is safe for women, however do watch out for pickpocketers! especially on the metro line that included the champs elysee and rivoli and louvre. I have witnesses a lot of women suddenly finding someone else's hands (esp little ones) in their handbags!
Taxis in Paris are cheap so as the previous post indicates, dont hesitate to take one if its late.
I lived in Paris for several months and enjoyed it. I hope you do to.

lindasp62

Hi, I hope I can help. I have traveled to Paris, and my first time was solo when I was in my 30's. I am now 44, and plan to return solo again.
To answer your questions;
1.I have always stayed in the StGermain area. It is classy, and "authentic"...tourists there, but mainly a feel of Paris authentique! You will feel safe walking around, even at night. It is hip, classy, great shops, walking, parks, and close to many things. For me, it is classier than the Latin Quarter, and Le Marais is getting very touristy.

2. I would recommend St Germain area.

3.I have stayed all times at Au Manoir St Germain des Pres. It is a Best Western. The rooms are small, but the location is perfext, right on Boulevard St Germain, next to Brasserie Lipp, and across from Cafe des Deux Magots. It is also just across from the Metro stop (St Germain) and there is a taxi stand just out the front door. I like the decor of this hotel.

4. Yes, Metro is safe for a solo female traveler. Of course, like anywhere, stay in good areas, always guard your purse, etc. I think the metro is super efficient, fast, and easy to negotiate. Learning the lines is easy. The bus route, for me, was impossible to figure out. I would take the Metro when you have to go far, but otherwise just walk....you discover all kinds of great places along the way, and Paris is just beauitiful to spend a whole lot of time underground.

Best tip. ENJOY!

Lilyparis

Hello

I am just looking for information on Japan and read your post. I'm french, from Paris (hum... subburb now).

1) Latin quarter is maybe one of the most touristic place from Paris. Very close to La Seine, many restaurants, not especially the best ones (a lot of turkish, typically french). Walking around during the summer is very pleasant, a lot of young people playing music nearby. The corner is known as a tourist and student place. Place Saint Michel is the place where all the young people meet. The younger quarter maybe. But a place to see.

Saint Germain des prés is more a chic place. Saint Germain is a very long avenue! A) Near bd Saint Michel, you can feel the typical Paris, little streets, people walking, going to the restaurant. Less young people than Latin quarter, most suited to 25 to 45 aged people, going out to eat or movies, plays. The metro 'Saint Germain' is located nearby. Rue de Buci, the Marché Saint Germain are some pleasant quarters. B) Near rue de Rennes, it becomes more 'chic' with old the old cafés, luxuous outlets. C) Near rue de l'Université, it is known as a residential luxuous area or places like Ministery or political places (so not very fun even if luxuous).

The Marais is very pleasant to have dinner etc and you can feel like living in a village. Bastille is very close and reachable by walk. Republique too. Many restaurants near Bastille. In the Marais, you will find very good restaurants (even if sometimes it is calm, it is not a crouded place) but you should note that the Marais is the gay and lesbian quarter (near rue de Turenne for example).

So if you can afford it, Saint Germain is a very pleasant place to stay. But it depends on the total budget for your stay (2 nights maybe better in central place), and if you don't mind taking the metro and walking a little bit, you can easily reach all the quarters from Paris if you stay in other quarters. Cheaper places but still 'good places' might be hotels near Montparnasse, 9th district near Opera, Luxembourg (not very far away from Saint Germain/Michel, Latin quarter), Bastille, Montmartre.
You can also stay in 13th, 14th district (Denfert Rochereau is not far from Montparnasse).

Paris is quite safe. But you should take care if you walk alone very late in too quiet areas (especially 18/19th district).

Generally, 2 star hotels are ok : enough to have a nice stay. Not luxuous...

I suggest you to take to metro. Once you get into it, it is quite easy to change lines with a map. I find taxis quite expensive in Paris, except if you have not so much distance, it can be ok if you are lost...


You can write if you want I will do my best to help you. [email protected]

Lily

lovetoseetheworld

Thank you for all of the great information!