Arrondissements - Paris
 

Can someone please give a brief discription of the different arrondissements in Paris. I am a 45 year old single female looking for accomodation in Paris for 1 week. Any reccomendations for a suitable area that is safe and easy access to major attractions

I've always liked staying in the 1st arrondissement (on the right bank). It's in the center of everything.

In terms of being central and a great area, I would recommend the 6th, St. Germain des Pres. Also, very central are the 1st, 2nd, and the 8th. The first and the 8th are particularly central to the larger tourist attractions and the Champs Elysees, if that's what you want. The 4th (The Marais), and the 5th are not quite as central, but are also good choices. I find central Paris to be extremely safe.

It really also depends on what type of hotel you are looking for, and what your budget is.

a vote for the 6th.

This might help with the description you asked for. As far as recommendations for a safe, easy access area I would recommend any of the arrondissements that are fairly close to the Seine for ease of access to things you will want to see. I have stayed in the 5th and the 6th and always felt safe. I hope you have a lovely stay in Paris, when are you going?

http://www.parislogue.com/paris-neighborhoods

Well, I am not qualified to decribe them all, here is a bit as I see it:

The first and eighth...right bank, close to most big tourist sites and with loads of luxury hotels, lots of tourists in area and doesn't have the "feel" of the sixth (for me)

seventh: close to Eiffel tower, Musee Rodin and lots of boutiques, very elegant

sixth: my personal fav; great cafes and shops, lots of metro stops, it feels Parisian to me; easy access to Musee d'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Notre Dame & St Chapelle and very close-fun walking area

Fifth-very close to Notre Dame, St Chapelle, good cafes, but just not on par with the sixth (for me)

The good thing it's Paris...can't go wrong!

My favorite is the 6th. As described above, it is central, lively but not noisy at night, lots of cafes and restaurants, nice botique hotels, great walking and people watching area.

Hi Hap,

The arronds are numbered in a spiral, beginning at the center and working outward.

If you look up Paris at www.viamichelin or www.maps.google.com you can see the numbers.

My take:

1 and 2 center Right Bank with lots of sites.

8 very upscale and somewhat stodgy.

4 fairly young and hip

5 (Latin Quarter with a lot of schools) very young and not quite so hip

6 Yuppie fashionistas

7 Older Tourists who are fond of Rick Steves

In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 138E dbl w/bkfst. It is just around the corner from Place St. Sulpice, near 3 metro stops and 4 bus routes. Has AC and an elevator.

The staff speaks English well, and is very helpful. The front desk is staffed 24/7

They can arrange a shuttle pickup to/from CDG for you.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
[email protected]
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search the forum" box.

You might also find these helpful.

Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34519236

100 Great Things to Do in Paris
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...=2&tid=1277898

Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34712768

Kerouac’s Ethnic Walk
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=35095155

Jacquemart-André Museum
http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/jacquemart/

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/arrondissements.htm

Shows a map and gives pretty good list of what major site is in each arron. I am so NOT able to keep them straight!

Just don't forget that only zombies and ruffians roam the streets of the outer arrondissements.

Then we are a ruffian and a zombie. We love the 9th, 14th 13th, etc.

happy53: There is another thread floating around about "unsafe" areas in Paris. Bois de Bologne at night, Pigalle (again at night) and I can't remember the others.

Anyone help here?

When we could actually stay awake, DH and I were never afraid in Paris. That being said, just take normal precautions (don't go up dark alleys, etc.) and you will be fine.

What types of things are you planning to visit? It's so easy to get around by bus (and metro), you could almost stay in any area!

Have you looked at Trip Advisor yet for hotel reviews?

Hey TD,

I wouldn't describe Pigalle as unsafe, day or night. Too many tourists.

((I))

A lot of people seem to confuse 'sleazy' with 'unsafe'.

Well.... sleazy areas and main railway termini tend to attract various unwelcome hangers-on and chancers - though on the whole they will push off quick enough once they realise there are no pickings for them.

I would plan my location based on it being near some of the sights (walking), ease of access to other sights (Metro wihout too many transfers) and access to airport (RER, if you are taking the train). And, busier at night, restaurants, close to Seine,etc..

To meet the above, 4/5/6th are good choices for a first trip.

Thanks for clarification, Ira. I was just passing on info I heard (or mis-heard?)

kerouac, it's better to be sleazy in many circumstances....

I vote for 6th too. Very good location and easy walk to the Seine.

I stayed in the 14th last trip, on Blvd. Raspail, close to Edgar Quinet, and loved the area. I didn't find it difficult to reach any other area from there and enjoyed walking to the river from there. I liked the vibe in that area.