Just returned from Paris...spent our Christmas holiday there. We stayed in the Marais on Francs Bourgeois this trip because there were 7 of us....it's difficult to find a 4br apartment! I have stayed on the Ile St Louis and Ile de la Cite on numerous ocassions. It is my preferred location. The islands are busy during the daytime but quiet in the evenings...much like a village in the middle of Paris. It is a special place. There are excellent restaurants, interesting small shops and great food shopping if you chose to cook. Gathering items from all the small food shops on the Ile to cook dinner are part of the fun! You'll find the location will be a convenient touring base. It's easy to walk to many of the tourist destinations and Metro connections easy when the destination is further than you want to walk. With that said....our apartment in the Marais was wonderful and the area had great Sunday shopping and lots of shopping and galleries. No matter where you stay....do take time to "amble" the small streets becasuse it's there you will find another side of Paris. You didn't say how long you will be there....but don't try to see everything...select what is important for you to see and then enjoy the visit. I've been addicted to Paris since my first visit 40 yrs ago...I usually manage a trip every couple of years. I hope you will enjoy your stay.

Thank you everyone! I cannot wait. We'll be in both Paris and Beaune, each for a week. Meals in will be confined to buying a roasted chicken or having foie gras/bread/cheese and of course, wine!