SFDink

Hi all,

I will be in Paris for the first time the week of Thanksgiving. After looking at numerous hotels, I'm now leaning towards an apt rental. I've narrowed it down to 3 apts in 3 different areas of the city:
1) 8e, just off the Champs Elysees on the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt
2) 3e, 3 blocks south of the Place de la Republique
3) 6e, on Boulevard St. Germain 2 blocks from Eglise St. Germain des Pres

Since it's my first time in Paris I will be hitting all the major sites. I know I can take the subway but my husband and I prefer walking as much as we can. When we travel we do enjoy spending a bit of time just taking in the feel of a city so I would also like to be close to markets, shops, and cafes to experience more the "Parisian" life. Also, we're in our early 30s with no children and do like to get out and enjoy the nightlife (jazz clubs, wine bars, even an occasional nightclub). Taking all that into account which of the 3 locations would be best for us? Thanks so much for your help.

Michael

I would choose the St. Germain area or the Marais which is south of the Place de la République. But the Blvd. St. Germain is a major avenue, and might be noisier than the other sites.

Robdaddy

I heartily second Michael's opinion. Whatever you decide, have fun and be safe. Paris is my favorite place on the planet. (next to home, of course!)

Christina

I'd also def. choose St-Germain from that list, then the 3rd arr. However, St-Germain is one of the most expensive real estate areas of the city, and the 3rd would be a lot cheaper area than the other two, so I would expect there must be some difference in price or the apt for these locations, isn't there? If not, that's amazing.

Ryan

St. Germain, hands down. You are within walking distance of Notre Dame and the Louvre and numerous side-walk cafes.

ira

Hi

One more vote for no. 3

SFDink

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses. Surprisingly, all 3 apts are roughly the same price because I was able to get last minute discounts on the ones in the 8e and 6e. My main concern with the one in the 3e is that it's seems pretty far north of the Seine. How long would it take to walk to the left bank from there?

Now, of course, what makes this decision harder is in terms of the quality of the apts (size, decor, ammenties, referrals, etc.) the one in the 8e is the nicest, followed by the 3e then the 6e. Is the 6e a clear hands down favorite and worth giving up some space and decor?

mclaurie

Wow, that's a hard choice, especially without knowing you. There's no question the 6e is the area you'd prefer based on what you tell us, but if that apt is not very nice or faces the front on a low floor, you might be miserable. Have you tried looking at the 3 streets on pages jaunes? If you go to pagesjaunes.com you can put in an address & see the outside of the building & then do a virtual walk along the street.

Beatchick

I'm voting for the 6th/St. Germaine area!!

Beth

G.o for the 6th! You will love it

elaine

without knowing the hotels, most people would vote for the 6th.

But as mentioned, rooms vary within a hotel and from property to property.
You could be getting one of the best apts in one of the buildings, and one of the worst in the other. Also consider other amenities like elevators,
view/no view, etc.

The nightlife issue isn't much of a factor to me--Paris is really easy to get around. When I'm at home I don't limit myself to venues that are within walking distance.

applejacks

We stayed in the Ecole Milatare and though it was fine. It is true the Metro zips you everywhere so the location of The Eiffel tower was our determiner! that siad just a reminder someone tried to pickpocket my husband in the tunnel, so be alert, wear your valuables in a safe place and keep your eyes out for people appearing to be tourists and walking too close. Once you figure out the scam you can pretty much relax though.

sanschag

My wife, her parents, and I stayed in the area of 2 last May, specificially on rue Charlot S of rue de Bretange. (You're not looking at RentParis' #14 by any chance, are you?) The area was okay, perhaps somewhat more "real" Parisian than the more touristed sections. There's many cafes and food shops in the area. We took the Metro most places (roughly 5 min walk). We liked the area, but tended to spend more time away, e.g., for dinner and sightseeing.

Enjoy your trip (and if it does happen to be the same apt, let me know if you want more detailed comments),
Paul

car

It is obiously the 6eme, but my answer is more directed into the walking issue.
It is very nice to walk in Paris but, distances are long and you should keep your breath for all the major sites. I suggest you combine Walking and bus.
Buy a good map with bus lines and use it, keep the metro for long or complicated distances and nite outing.
Your feel of the city by bus will be much better than in the metro.

SFDink

Thanks for everyone's help. It sounds like the 6th it is!

jason888

Hi, SFDink!

I might be a bit late coming to this thread, but had to add my 2 cents!

Be VERY careful which apartment you take. Several years ago, we rented two separate apartments in Barcelona. The second turned out to be a dog, which was not obvious from the pictures nor from its location (close to Las Ramblas).

I would suggest that you post the names of the apartments here on Fodors and ask people's opinions of the specific properties. Fodorites are extremely helpful people!

Just my opinion,
Jason

Huitres

I've stayed in both the 6th and 8th Arrs. Between the two areas, I would lean towards staying in the 8th since the Champs-Elyees is very central to all the monuments you will want to see (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Tombe des Invalides, etc) that you can get to on foot without having to take the Metro. I've stayed in the 8th Arr the last two times I was in Paris and really love the area.

breeves

I'm interested in this thread because I have decided to go to Paris over New Year's. Any different recommendations or ideas if we desire to witness the public celebrations without doing the club scene?