Favorite district to stay in Paris for first-timer?
 

Well, we're holding tickets for October in Paris, and we're thinking about the first 2 nights taking the train to Bayeaux and then 5 nights in Paris.

In Rome this year, we loved staying at the Residenza Canali, because we could walk out the door and be on an antique, cobblestone street filled with stores and were near the sites.

So what area would be best for first-timers to Paris? We at first considered near the Eiffel Tower because friends have suggested that, but now I'm not sure. We've found a few apartments that look good, too, but I'd like to narrow down the district before we decide on specific hotel or apartment.

We'd love to be able to walk most places. We plan on seeing the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler Market, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, and love little out-of-the-way places to explore.

What are your pros and cons of each area for a Paris first-timer? And do you have a favorite place to stay? We'd love to pay under $150-$175 per night.

Thanks!

The 6th followed by the 5th. You can walk to many attractions and they have good metro connections for cross city ventures.

When we first went to Paris I always thought wouldn't it be fun to stay on the Ile Saint Louis, It took us five trips, but this last time we finally stayed there. We stayed at Hotel des deux iles, It may be slightly more than you want to pay, but you may be able to negotiate a better rate if you call. The rooms had just been renovated and were very modern. It is a perfect location, smack dab in the center of Paris and as charming as can be.

Heres some photos of our room and the nearby area share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2EZsWbNy2YvxA

Thanks, Degas and happytotravel! I'll be checking these out.

Any more opinions?

I agree with Degas -- first 6th then 5th. We walk every where when we're in Paris. Our 2nd visit we stayed in the 6th and never had a problem. Our 3rd time we stayed in the 5th and felt it was too far away from everything. Our 4th time we stayed in the 8th because I thought the Eiffel Tower would be fun. It was fun to walk out of our hotel and see it -- but it wasn't as fun to have to walk another 30 minutes to get anywhere. Have fun. Paris is wonderful!

My first trip, I had a "thing" about le Rive Gauche...the left bank, artsy, studenty area. That's where I stayed, in the 5th. I was on a way slashed budget from yours and stayed at the St. Andre des Arts. Er...pretty gritty little hotel. But I usually recommend forthe first time American in Paris anywhere from the 1st thru the 8th.
Then spread out.
Have fun planning.

Our first trip we stayed on the right bank (near the Opera) and did not like it. We were much happier on our second trip staying in St. Germain and much prefer the left bank. While the area around the Eiffel Tower is nice, it is not quite as central to everything. I agree with HappytoTravel -- Ile St. Louis is quite central and a great area. It would be my choice for my next visit, and the hotel looks lovely.

On our first trip we stayed for 2 weeks in the Marais and were really happy. We loved the quaint streets, the clothing boutiques, and the proximity to everything. We were far from the Eiffel Tower, but we only went there once. However, we were 20 min walking distance from the Seine, 20 min from the Louvre, close to the cheaper areas around the Bastille, and just felt it was the perfect base from which to wander. So, my vote goes to the 3rd/4th.

Hi S,

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 128E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC and an elevator.

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 this forum" box.

Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/ludgd

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

I thought a first time stay near the Eiffel Tower would be best too. It was nice but too quiet and in hindsight I would have chosen Ile St. Louis had I known how beautiful and more convenient it was. You might want to enquire at the Hotel Saint Louis on Ile St. Louis. I stayed at both Deux Iles and Hotel de Lutece before also but prefer the Saint Louis. It's simple, very plain, but the staff is very helpful and friendly, and the best thing are the rates which are very reasonable (your budget range more or less) for this location.

Another vote agreeing with Degas and BKP. You won't be disappointed.

Well, it really is different strokes for different folks. We've been traveling to Paris annually for the last few years, always staying in the central arrondissements, but changing neighborhoods. So far our favorite is the 7th, near the Eiffel Tower. For us it's the right combination of shopping, restaurants and transportation conveniences. It's really a no-brainer however for a first time visitor to stay in the 6th: there's lots to do in close proximity, but also lots of crowds. If you like things a little calmer but near all the sights, consider the 7th just behind the d'Orsay, bordering the 6th. Our most recent trip, we were based on Ile St.Louis. While it's centrally located of course, we found it too touristy for our tastes. Next trip we'll be with several first-time visitors and are staying just north of the Palais Royal, where the 1st meets the 2nd. In truth, any of the central arrondissements offers easy access to le tout Paris, just put on your walking shoes (or hop a bus or metro). EJ ((#))

I've stayed in various areas on many visits to Paris and agree that the Ile St. Louis is by far the most convenient for a first time visitor. On one of my visits last year I stayed at the Deux Iles and walked virtually everywhere, from the Marais to the Louvre and all over the 5th, 6th and parts of the 7th..

On my first trip to Paris, we rented an apartment on Ile St. Louis. I agree with ekscrunchy that it is a very convenient location, walkable to many, many locations and also several nearby metro stations to choose from (although none on the Ile itself). We also used the batobus (3-day pass) for a fun way to travel along the Seine.

However, as much as we loved Ile St. Louis as our temporary home, I also feel that a first timer really can't go wrong in any of the inner arrondissements.

Okay, this is probably a dumb question, but is the Ile St. Louis the island in the Seine?

Yes..it is an island in the river and is part of the 4th arron. There are short bridges to the 5th on one side and and to the Marais on the other, and also bridges to the adjacent Ile de la Cite which is where you will find Notre Dame.. The Ile is quite charming with small shops and cafes. It is one of the oldest parts of the city.

I was very happy staying in the 1st, the same arrondisement as the Louvre, and across the Seine from the 6th. I was able to walk everywhere I wanted to. But no suggestions on something in your range. Sorry...

We stayed in the 6th during the strikes in November and loved the convenience to so many things we wanted to do. We walked almost everywhere - the Louvre, D'Orsay, Rodin, ND, Ste. Chappelle. Plus, at night, it's a wonderful neighborhood to "walk home to". The Eiffel tower area was a bit of a long walk to other "first time" spots but we did go there twice at night because we loved seeing the twinkling lights.

I think next time, I'd stay in the 6th again or Ile Saint Louis.

Have fun!

I think the 1st arr. is the ideal part of Paris for an easy walk to the major attractions. For a more reasonably priced hotel, try Hotel du Louvre. For one of the great "palace hotels" of Paris, nothing beats the location of Le Meurice.

I would vote for the 1st or 2nd arrondissement for first timers. The 7th arrondissement would be one of the last places on my list.

I agree with the recent posts, either the 5th or 6th. I like the feel of the 5th; old and artsy. Hotels are reasonable and there are lots of good and inexpensive cafes and bistros. If you look at a map, the 6th is a little closer to the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, etc., but you can't miss in either arrondissement. There is no better city in the world to walk, but when I get tired I do take the metro which is clean and easy. Let us know where you end up!

Well, I found an apartment on vrbo.com (#74471). I've started another thread asking about it.

It's pretty small, but it's an extremely good rate, and it seems to be near most things (it's in the 6th). What do you think?

We still haven't decided for sure. Since we used frequent flier miles to get our tickets, we had to decide the dates way ahead of time, so we have lots of time to find our place to stay.

Thanks for all your help!

Samsaf,

I go to Paris often. I have my preferences of where to stay, for me.

I think this apartment will be great for you. You are not going to be doing a lot of cooking, or spending a lot of thime in the apartment.

You are in a busy, tourist area, which is good for a first timer.

I have rented an apartment on rue Dauphine for April, when I am taking my granddaughter and husband. They are first-timers! When they leave, I will move to the 7th.

Don't wait too long to book your apartment. They do fill up fast. I have had my April apartments for some time. I have also reserved my Sept/Oct. apartment. Can't reserve too early!!

Planning is half the fun..enjoy.....

kerouac: You've voiced your displeasure with the 7th on several threads. Just curious as to what, specifically, (if I may be so bold) makes this neighborhood such a buzz-kill. I'm always interested in the locals' perspective on things. Thanks.

The 7th is the arrondissement where the largest number of embassies and government ministries are located, turning many of the streets into a complete no man's land. Most of the other streets are nearly as dead, as the apartments are owned by the ultra rich of the Middle East, who only occupy the apartments for a few weeks a year. It is also the arrondissement with the highest average age and income, and the market streets such as rue St. Dominique or rue Cler reflect this in their prices, as most fresh fruits and vegetables are sold for just about double the price of 'normal' markets. This may appeal to some people. I am not one of them.

I agree with kerouac, those are pretty much my opinions, also. If you just want a place to stay and are near public transportation around Ecole Militaire, you can get out of there fairly quickly (although the connections may not be as convenient as elsewhere -- like trying to tell someone how to get there from the airport is complicated). It isn't the lack of "nightlife" that people talk about a lot, it's just all the govt. buildings and nothing around and all the expats, expensive rue Cler, etc. I just don't like it much. But lots of folks on here do, I see.

I wouldn't dismiss the VIIe solely on the basis of proximity to transport. Métro Ligne 8 from École Militaire cuts right across many of the major east-west lines, making one-connection trips to almost anywhere possible.

http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...aux&fm=gif

Note that one of the connections at Opéra is to the CDG Roissybus.

I always stay on Rue Jacob in the 6th. Love the location, great neighborhood.

Our last trip to Paris we spent a week at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles: www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75005ecoles2.htm. It's in the 5th near the rue Mouffetard and its market. Definitely a residential neighborhood but close to lots of sights and the Metro. The hotel itself is built around a courtyard in from the street, very quiet. Probably in October you won't be able to eat brakfast in the courtyard, but there are cafes just up the street at the Place Contrascarpe. And lots of restaurants in the immediate neighborhood. This is a popular hotel; you have to book early.

I would never discourage someone from renting an apartment, but would suggest second thoughts about renting from VRBO. There have been some fairly recent cases of fraud -- in Paris. Since you have to pay up front, I prefer the greater safety of an agency and paying with a credit card.

For first timers, I would stick to the 4th, 5th, or 6th. The Marais (4th) is usually the neighborhood that I stay in-you can walk to many sites and it's located on Metro Line 1 that takes you to the Louvre and other tourist attractions. There are also great bars and restaurants in the Marais-Bastille-Oberkampf area. The Latin Quarter is also convenient to many attractions by foot or metro. You can easily find hotels or apartments in the Marais and the Latin Quarter for under $150 a night. On my next trip (with my mother), I'm staying in the 6th in a more residential area.

Like kerouac and Christina said, the 7th is a little quiet, and the prices in the neighborhood tend to be higher than the rest of the city. I would stick to the central arrondissements (4,5,6) for your first trip.

Kathy

"We'd love to be able to walk most places."

Expect not to. Just to give you an idea of scale: it takes an hour to walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, or from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame. Paris is more compact than many cities, but it's still pretty big. You can waste a lot of time walking "most places."

I recommend you dope out the bus system, starting with your hotel:

fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?tid=34987572

"You can waste a lot of time walking "most places."

I've argued this point before, and I know that Robespierre and some others may not agree. Yes it takes time to walk a lot of places in Paris. And if you have a very limited time and want to see all the major stuff, then you have a problem. But I have never ever thought than ANY walking in Paris is a "waste of time".

But I'm a big believer in the 6th (St. Germaine) or possibly the 5th (near St. Michel and Notre Dame) as being the BEST of the areas to stay for a first time to Paris.

"You can waste a lot of time walking "most places."


I fear people who make posts like the above really don't know what Paris is all about. To not "walk" in Paris is close to being a travel crime.

I agree that walking is a major part of being in Paris -- even for Parisians.

Although I love to read the trip reports here, I often cringe when reading about trips to Paris where it was considered normal to jump into a taxi to go from place to place, or even just because "we were tired." Being tired is one of the signs of a successful trip.

"I fear people..."

Fear not. I know Paris intimately, having walked its streets and boulevards joyously for going on 45 years.

Walking is walking and an end unto itself. But walking to get somewhere distant is a waste of a 5-day sojourn.

Being tired to the point that one has to return to the hotel to rest is the sign of poor energy management.

Sorry, but I respectfully disagree. More than once we have walked to Village Bercy or back from the 6th. One day we went to Defense in the morning and then spent the entire afternoon walking back to St. Germain -- yes, you read that right. We have walked to Republique from St. Michel. One day we walked back from Sacre Coeur

To have called any of those walks "a waste of a 5 day sojourn" just points out that some of us travel to check things off on a list while others love to breathe the environment. To each his own. But I much prefer my method, thank you.

I do a mixture... walk when I feel like it, jump a bus or metro when I want to 'get there now'. You don't have to do only one or the other.

Oh, gee, of course not. I don't think that was anyone's intention, but this all came about because the poster said they'd like to "be ABLE to walk most places" and were told that was a waste of time!

"You don't have to do only one or the other."

No disagreement here.

But let's be real. It's <i>possible</i> to walk to Nice - but I don't think anyone here thinks it would work on a 5-day trip.

We're just talking about where the line is drawn, not its existence.