Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

First time visit to Paris - what is your favorite district?

Search

First time visit to Paris - what is your favorite district?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 04:27 AM
  #21  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
annhig makes a great point! many first timers don't use the train from CDG, but it is the cheapest and fastest way in, but also frustrating if you have lots of baggage and have to change trains.
denisea is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 04:51 AM
  #22  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree that something in the 5th or 6th arr. will be a great place for a first visit. If you're in either of those areas you should have no problem walking to almost all the major tourist sites, with the possible exception of the Eiffel Tower.

We have not stayed there in a few years, but we found the Hotel Artus on The Rue de Buci to be a great location. I don't suggest that specifically as my stay there was too long ago. But I think a hotel within the border formed by Blvd St. Germain, Rue Bonaparte, Rue Dauphine, and the Seine River will be a really good base. Easy access by Metro or the RER to most of the.
Ryan is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 06:45 AM
  #23  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The 4th includes the Islands (not 1st). Every trip, I seem to end up there, to stand on bridges over Seine, wander Ile St Louis, it is my "must go" every trip. I've also stayed on the Ile St Louis, and it was very nice, but bit more $$$.

Stayed on Right bank, in the 4th. Good area, lots of shopping, restos, Places des Vosges is great, old monsions,etc..

I've also stayed in the 5th and 6th. 5th was a nice surprise for me, university area, good restaurants and easy access to Seine, bit less touristy.

6th was bit busier, but it has a good combination of bustling and places to eat/hang out. More foreigners I staeyd at holte on Seine, overlooking Notre Dame. That was nice. The RER to airport was across street from hotel.

7th is a bit quieter, more residential, some good museums, Eiffel.

1-3 are still OK, I just like the feel of 4-6 better. My laster trip I stayed in the 16th. No tourists, local cafe, small restaurants. I wanted a bit of the 'local' vibe and it was good. But, I could not walk to any of the main sites (except Eiffel), it was public transit all the time.

Part of the equation is easy metro access to where you want to go, access to airport, and sites that are in walking distance (or area with interesting walks within it).

So, for first time...4-6, but 1-8 will not be anything to worry about.
Michel_Paris is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 08:11 AM
  #24  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PSGMartino:

It would help to know your budget and what you expect in a hotel. Also, we're all assuming this is your first time to Paris. Lastly, your hotel choice might be different if you are looking for "night life"...bars, dancing, etc.

Give us a little more to go on and people on these boards can give you a wealth of information.
JeanneB is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 10:15 AM
  #25  
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My advice is probably not so helpful, because this is a very personal preference -- we always stay in the Marais.

It's close to the Iles and fun for walking.

I'm sure it has some things others may not like so much.

SS
ssander is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 10:29 AM
  #26  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stayed in loft, sunsets over Notre Dame

www.hotel-de-notre-dame-paris.com

Hotel and sister hotel on Ile St Louis, old mansion, on small main street

www.paris-hotel-lutece.com
Michel_Paris is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 10:37 AM
  #27  
sap
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My two cents: Isle St. Louis, 5th or 6th.
sap is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 10:43 AM
  #28  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Love the Marais!
mobilemoms is offline  
Old Jul 25th, 2011, 05:13 PM
  #29  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

Happy Travels!
Guenmai is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Eblackwell
Europe
13
Oct 6th, 2017 08:10 AM
nitishraj
Europe
4
Aug 31st, 2017 10:21 PM
JerseySue
Europe
42
May 4th, 2005 04:43 AM
Pete
Europe
21
Aug 9th, 2002 08:17 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -