How is the area around Hotel Valadon in Paris?
 

I have booked accommodations for May of 2009 at Hotel Valadon, based upon the glowing reviews I've read here and on Trip Advisor. In a different post I've reading some negative things about Rue Cler area which I believe is near the hotel. I was attracted by the proximity of the hotel to the Eiffel Tower as we want to stroll over there at night. Have I made an error in judgement?

The area around rue Cler is an upscale residential-commercial Paris neighborhood. Catherine Deneuve lives there. I think you'll manage just fine.

I can't imagine what negative things you've heard about the area. Rue Cler itself is just a two=block street, with some lovely stores along it selling produce, chocolates, olive oils, shoes, meats, cheeses, and other typical Paris market fare. In high season it's also filled with Rick Steves fans brandishing their RS guide books and knapsacks, but they're easy enough to ignore.

St.Cirq, it was from the "Help With Paris Hotel" thread: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2 :

"I know I don't want to stay in the Latin Quarter or around Rue Cler."

"I don't like staying around rue Cler, either, so you aren't alone on that one. Others also don't, so you probably have your reasons."

Oh, well, I saw that and thought it was just silly and uninformed. Not to mention, second- or third-hand hearsay.

I wouldn't stay in the Latin Quarter, either, but that's because at least in tourist season it's insanely crowded and noisy and honky-tonk and I like to get a good sleep at night. But uit's certainly not dangerous.

I've been staying in the 7eme for almost 30 years, not far from the rue Cler, as have plenty of well-seasoned Fodorite Paris travelers. If we thought there was the slightest thing sketchy about the area, trust me, we would have found better places to lay our heads.

Catherine Deneuve lives at Place Saint Sulpice, the building to the right of the church.

I'm in the 7th now..for a month..do a month in the spring and a month in the fall. It is my favorite area of Paris to stay in..what more can I say!!

Enjoy

kerouac: Has she always lived there? I know I read years ago that she lived in the 7ème, and I've seen her shopping on the rue Cler, so assumed that would be the case (this was admittedly about 5-6 years ago).

Those responses certainly allay any qualms I may have had. Thanks! GraceJoan how fortunate you are to be able to spend two months a year in Paris. Any suggestions you might have regarding out of the way places, shops, and restaurants in that area would be appreciated.
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Yes, she even lived there with Marcello.

Maggi:

We stayed at the Valadon in May (admittedly, for only one night on our way out of town...), and it was just fine.

The only thing I would say, and this is not necessarily a negative, is that the area is quieter at night than the 5th or 6th districts, as was mentioned before. It's mostly residential, but it's a beautiful area.

The Valadon is within easy walking distance of the ET. In fact, from our room, we could see the spotlight sweeping the sky at night.

The owners' daughter was there that night, and she was very friendly and sweet. I think you will enjoy staying here.

We had a delicious, light dinner at a cafe on the corner of Rue Valadon and Rue de Grenelle. Don't remember the name of it, but it's only two doors down, I believe.

Enjoy your trip -- I'm so jealous!!

Just had a fantastic meal in the neighborhood at Les Cocottes on rue St Dominique. The owner, chef Christian Constant has 4 restaurants on that street and they all sound great.

That funny, those four Constant restaurants were just recommended to me by a friend. Can't wait!

Hi Maggi,
What dates are you going to be there? I am trying to plan a May trip to Paris myself and am considering Hotel Valadon.

We will be there the 17-20th. Maybe we'll see each other!

Elcon, I just realized it was your other post in the first place that made me look into Hotel Valadon!

I like the area. I don't mind walking and like quiet at nights. I have stayed at 2 different hotels in the area and was satisfied - Beaugency and Tour de Eiffel.

I haven't stayed at the Valadon itself, but I've stayed in a hotel down the street, so I know the area.

There is nothing *wrong* with that neighborhood and it's definitely a nice short walk to the ET, but the drawback for some people is that it's VERY quiet at night, without a lot of "action" going on.

People in their 20s might find it too quiet and boring, while someone in their 50s might find it ideal. It has a reasonable selection of restaurants, and it's centrally located to metro stops and attractions, so not a bad choice if one enjoys peace and quiet.

Hi Maggi

I think some of the negativity about staying on or near rue Cler lies in the fact that it is an area touted by Rick Steves and many feel it is now overrun with American tourists, but then isn't most of Paris! In my opinion only I find it a nice area of Paris and convenient. Enjoy your trip.

Suspaul,

The 7th is a great area..rue Cler is just a small part of it.

The 7th also has more top and bibb gourmand restaurants that the 4th, 5th, 6th combined...so, we know we eat well!!

Areas for everyone and easy navigating with bus and metro...

Enjoy......Joan

I think the "quietness" will appeal to us then (since we are not in our 20's :-) )

Joan, the restaurant selection is definitely something important to us, so that is a big plus. You have already been a big help in that area.

Suspaul, it will be a little more overrun with American tourists when we get there!

Maggi,

Add to the list that I gave you, 153 Grenelle. It is both the name of the restaurant and the address. Very close to you...

Joan

Oh, that looks awesome! And right around the corner from our hotel. Wish I could be there for lunch right now!

Maggi,

It's a pretty place....you will like it!

Joan

Maggi,

You can go in the other direction to ave. de la Motte Picquet to # 19 and Le Florimond. It has a fine reputation...

Joan

I made one of those particular quotes you cited (that I didn't particularly like it and others do not, eitjer) and I don't agree that my personal taste is silly or misinformed. I've been there, as well as to many other parts of Paris a lot, and know exactly what it is. It is just my taste and preference, that is all. It is no more "silly" than those who claim they dislike other areas to stay in Paris or who tell one to completely avoid the Champs-Elysees even if they have never seen it IMO because it consists of nothing but American stores (which isn't true).

As for the poster who said they didn't want to stay there, I imagine they did have their reasons, the same as I would avoid areas of a city where I had never been if I read it was full of RS fans, high-scale shops with lots of Brit and American expats and is rather dull and expensive. Also, certain areas don't have a lot of places to go out at night or eat, although there is plenty right around a few metro stops.

However, some people like that type of area or don't mind it, there is nothing alarming or dangerous about the area, it's just taste, that is all. However, given some peoople love it and others do not, I do wonder why you would base your opinion solely on a couple people who dislike it. Maybe you'd love it, depends what you want.

I consider it to be a very pretty but watered down area of Paris with no spice of life. The Eiffel Tower is spectacular but does not need to hover constantly over one's vacation.

It is a good area for a timid first time tourist who doesn't mind overpaying market products and eating in bland restaurants.

Bland restaurants? I love so many of the restaurants in the 7th. Would never have thought to describe them as "bland."

Well, and that's what makes the world (and this forum) go 'round! I do appreciate any and all opinions and make my decisions based upon everything I've read and my gut instinct, which usually works just fine for me. Thanks for posting.

I took these discussions a lot more seriously before I had been to Paris. Now that I have stayed in several neighborhoods, I would like to try them all. So far they have all had their attractions; I haven't had a bad time yet.

Kerouac,

Surprised with your "bland" comment.
With the likes of all the Christian Constant restaurants and peopular places like l'Ami Jean? Bland just does not seem to fit.........

Enjoy.......Joan

My husband and I stayed in the 7th long before it was popular with Rick Steves. I also like Rick Steves and since I am a tourist I do not mind associating with the "likes of me.". We were last in the Rue Cler area in March and styed at the Champs de Mars. It was reasonably priced, comfortable and the location is great. The Valadon is very near. There is an excellent bakery just on the corner and we bought croissants for breakfast, sandwiches or quiche for lunch and great pastries for snacks. There are two "supermarkets" where water, wine etc..can be purchased. Shops and restaurants abound and I would dearly love to have the names of the 4 M. Constant restaurants on the Rue St. Dominique. The area is easily accesible to the metro and buses. You can walk to the Invalides and the Pont d'Alma to catch a bateau mouche. I highly recommend the Rue Cler area and the only addition I would make to a stroll over to the Tour Eiffel is to take a bottle of wine with you.

Fables de la Fontaine, Violon d'Ingres, Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant are Christian's 4 restaurants on St. Dominique...

All are great..will be dining at Fables early next week. I will probably have lunch at Les Cocottes tomorrow and may haave breakfast tomorrrow at Cafe Constant!!

They do help to keep me fed........

Enjoy.....Joan

Raydotman, I like your answer! The more I read about the area the happier I am with our choice of hotel. I love the idea of heading over to the ET with a bottle of wine. Wish it were May already!

Just keep in mind that most things in that area are 20% more expensive than most of the rest of Paris. Enjoy!

I think that that area of the 7th (next to the 15th) is much more lively than the area next to the 6th.

I walk over there with my dog every couple of weeks, and haven't noticed it overrum with tourists (at least no more than any other area). The location is convenient. I think you probably made a good choice.

And kerouac is right, as far as I know (unless she has recently moved). Catherine Deneuve lives on the rue Bonaparte side of place Saint-Sulpice.

Maggi,

I was past your hotel this morning. You will find a cute breakfast place on the corner of Champ de Mars and Valadon.

I will be moving around the corner on Champ de Mars into a new www.parisperfect.com apt. that is just being completed. I am presently in a PP apt., but they want me to try this new one. Nice upgrade!! Nice people!!

Joan

Joan, when you move, let us know how it compares.

Maggi,

The two areas are close to one another. Easy access to all the same restaurants.

I will just be in another new and larger Paris Perfect apartment. The one I am in was a new one this summer. They are all lovely,with the same amenities and most with ET outside.

A beautiful day today...warm. Weather forecast looks good, too.

I went to l'Agassin today for lunch. It is on rue Malar. It was OK. Many others that I would pick above it!!

Enjoy.....Joan

tt

We stayed on the 7th last May and love it. It was very quite and I love walking to the Rue Cler market to buy our dinner. No, I didn't see people brandishing their RS's guide book. I saw a lot of beautiful Parisian women buying fruit and vegetables. One of them help me buy my fish.

Gracejoan,

I celebrated my b-day at la Les Cocottes and I am still thinking about the fish and mashed potatoes I had. That mashed potatoes should come with a warning. It was pure butter heaven, just like I like it. The broth that came with it was out of this world! I was lucky enough to meet Christian Constant that day also. He was so nice to us.

Maggi, go for it! Have a great time!