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!