Rentparis.com has several apartments in the Marais district. I am interested in one on rue Montmorency and one on Rue Chapon. Does anyone know if this is a safe, appropriate area for a family of 4 with 2 teens? We would like to be in an area convenient to attractions and close to grocery stores, bakeries, markets etc. Also, does anyone have experience with this apartment rental company? Any help would be appreciated. Laurie

I don't know those streets in particular, but the Marais is a fantastic area to stay in. It's a neighborhood shared by three different groups. It's a gay neighborhood, Jewish quarter and trendy boutique filled. You will find a couple of small grocery store chains here and it's the liveliest area in Paris on a Sunday. Check out Rue des Rosiers on Sunday and it's just a real treat-really authentic-people buying from the local butchers, bakers, deli's, etc. and filled with great, low key and reasonably-priced restaurants. <BR><BR>Notre Dame is just across the river. You should check out Rue des Mouffetards one day (probably Sat. is best), which is not far from the Luxembourg Gardens. This street is one of the most typical 'foodie' market streets in Paris. You can buy all sorts of fresh produce, cheese, etc. They also sell fresh rotisserie chickens and roasted potatoes (the smell is amazing).

rue Montmorency and rue Chapon are both in the Les Halles/Marais area near the Pompidou Centre. I have used rentparis and stayed near the area in an apartment and hotels. I think the area would be appropriate for any age and as in any area it is safe, and then again if you walk around certain spots after dark, it is probably not so safe. We walked all around there, (after dark) and only felt slightly uncomfortable over near St. Eustache where there is a park area. It is very convenient to attractions, metro, stores, markets, etc. We stayed near rue rambuteau, which is full of stores. We love the marais and the area. Rentparis was great. The apartment we stayed in was a studio on rue braque near the archives. It was more than we had hoped for. The agency was very good. They didn't answer the phone when we arrived at the airport, but I left a message and then when we got to the apartment we called from a payphone (bought a phonecard at the airport)and they came over right away. They spoke english if this is a concern. There were no problems, we loved the experience and plan to do it again with our family this time in november.

Thank you for your replies, Amy and Cindy. We are considering this area with rentparis or an apartment in the 14th district on rue Edgar Quinet. Someone mentioned that this is a very good area to stay also. The rental company is aparisianhome.com. I tend to like rentparis's policies for a security deposit better, since aparisianhome wants you to pay a security deposit that is the same amount as your rent. I know that the Marais is considered a gay district and I don't think that would be a problem as long as there are places to go where families with teens won't feel uncomfortable. Thanks again for your help. Laurie

Laurie,<BR><BR>I can understand your hesitation about your family being comfortable but I don't think this will at all be a problem. As I mentioned above, the neighborhood is shared with a large Jewish population which is obviously very family-friendly. There are many restaurants and unless you're into bars or clubbing, I don't think you'll feel out of place. The only thing we noticed was that many of the bars/clubs in the area were more aimed at the gay population but as this is not our style anyhow it was not an issue.

Thanks Amy, That is what I wanted to know. I just want to make sure we would "fit in". We won't be going to any bars/clubs. I hope to go to many cafes and bistrots, though. It sounds like we will be fine in this area. Thanks again for your help. Laurie