Bastille apartment
 

My wife and I are thinking of renting an apartment in Paris in September. While web browsing, I saw this place and was intrigued by the alley, Cour Damoye. It looks very charming, but since browsing through the different posts, I am a little hesitant as some have described the Bastille area as being a little sketchy....Any thoughts on renting an apt there, we have never been to Paris and would appreciate any input. Thnks.

http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/cour.html

The Bastille area is NOT sketchy at all. To the west of Bastille Square (3rd and 4th arr.), you'll find some of the best restaurants and shops, such as Bofinger and Dallayou, that attract an affluent, mature crowd.

To the east (11th and 12th arr.), it's filled with yuppies and the scene is very lively at night on certain streets such as Rue de Lappe, which is quite similar to Bleecker St in NYC.

Before I went to Paris last year, I read about the Bastille area and how it WAS a working class neighborhood, blah... Well, that was a long time ago and now it's a totally gentrified area.

The location looks just fine - and you'll be so close to the Richard Lenoir market!

No problem with the neighborhood. Damoye was renovated from top to bottom and end to end a few years ago. Interesting shops along it. Rue de Lappe is a mess, in my opinion, too much young nightlife in too little space, but there's no reason to go there if it doesn't appeal. Do not neglect the area east of Place de la Bastille for restaurants, Square Trousseau (modern French), Main d'Or (Corsican) Temps au Temps (modern French) Paul Bert (more classic French) Ecallier du Bistro (seafood) and Chez Ramulaud to name a few.

jep, it's a fine neighbourhood.

Did you notice that the apartment is on the "third (French) floor" and that there is no elevator? That's four flights of stairs; not a problem for some, but not something you want to overlook if you have any aversion to stair climbing.

Anselm

This apartment, just east of Place de la Bastille, is on a lovely courtyard. It's a walkup, too, but only two flights up, and quite a bit less expensive:

http://www.slowtrav.com/cl/detail.asp?l=2636

We stayed in it for a week not too long ago. My review is posted on slowtrav.com.

thanks everyone, it helps to get input from those that were just recently there. I was doing some more research (google,hehe) on Cour Damoye and found another apartment, with elevator this time (thanks for pointing that out) that will work for us...thanks for the link Dave, I'll check that one out as well.

jep - can you share the apartment information with us? I'm always looking for that perfect Paris apartment for my next trip!

Merci!!

joy/luvparee

sure, it's another apartment on Cour Damoye...the web address is

www.perfectparisrental.com

Thanks! Looks very promising! Love the private little street.

Please do a review when you return. I'm not planning a trip until at least next year in the summer (or when the dollar gets a little stronger!!) and would love to read an apartment and trip report!

Merci and enjoy!

joy/luvparee