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.
[email protected]

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!