I too agree that you'll be happier with your hotel on rue des Ecoles (although I don't necessarily agree that to enjoy Paris you have to be within a few blocks of the Seine). The location you mentioned on Bd de Rochechouart would have been far from wonderful, I think. I wouldn't even call it Montmartre, myself (I think a lot of hotels try and cash in on the Montmartre name when they're not really in that district!).
Do take elle's advice and take time to stroll around the Rue Lepic, rue des Abbesses and surrounding area. Also, if you go up to the Sacré Coeur, I recommend walking round behind the Basilica, away from the throngs. You get some gorgeous views and it's so much more peaceful.
By the way, just for info (I know it's not relevant anymore) I think it would take around 25 minutes to walk from Anvers to the Canal St Martin.

I also don't think that to enjoy Paris you have to be close to the Seine. I spent some time in the 5th last year and will definitely do so this year, it's lovely to explore, but I wouldn't stay there, it's too noisy and touristy for me. I will be staying in Residence les Gobelins in the 13th, 5 min. walk from the rue Mouffetard market and a more residential neighbourhood. I prefer paying 53E per night (instead of 70E or something like that in the 5th) and still be close enough to places of interest. I would definitely stay in places like Nation, St. George or next to the Canal, for example - I like the feeling of returning to a quieter neighbourhood after a full day of sightseeing.

Thank you, that all helps tremendously! I will take the advice. It's good to know additional tips as well... for my next trip! :-)

Hanl and Keren, I've suggested on this board for first-time visitors to Paris to look for accomodations within a few blocks of the Seine. Do you not agree that it would help in the first time Paris experience? After visiting Paris I now have ideas of other neighborhoods I would like to explore. But, I was very glad to be in walking distance of the Seine, Notre Dame, the Louvre, etc. I would think that would be appealing to other first time visitors - some of which are intimidated by taking buses and metro.
As always, everything here is just an opinion. Just wondered if you disagreed from a first-time visitor's perpective?

I asked Mrs. Fly--she said she wouldn't have a problem in the area, but we weren't in Montmartre proper so that might make a difference.

Gracieb, last year wasn't my first visit to Paris but I consider it a first visit anyway. I couldn't walk to the Louvre but I could walk to the Canal St. Martin and it was great. If I stayed in the 5th I would anyway have to take the Metro in order to get to the Canal, the Marmottan, the Promenade Plantee or Montmartre. The first 2 times, back in the mid-nineties, I stayed in the 9th and in the 12th and it was great. To me it didn't matter at all.

Gracieb, although I agree that staying in one of the central arrondissements close to the Seine could be a plus-point for some visitors, I don't think I'd say that it's the best location for all first-time visitors, or that those who stay elsewhere will enjoy their time any less.

I think you can stay in many other parts of Paris and have a fabulous time. Indeed, some people may enjoy staying in a more residential neighbourhood, perhaps shopping in markets that are frequented by more locals than tourists, or eating in neighbourhood brasseries where they won't be surrounded by other tourists and have no opportunity to speak French, etc. Some people love returning to a quiet neighbourhood after a hectic day's sightseeing...

I can't really give my own impressions as a visitor to Paris because my experience there was as a resident, which gives a completely different viewpoint.

Hi,

We're going to Paris in a couple of days and staying on Rue Caulaincourt; I'll write back and let you know whether it felt like a shlep to center city. Knowing our own preferences, I think we'll enjoy 'coming home' to a more villagey area, but, we'll see.

Best,

Linda

I hope you have a great trip.

Rue Lepic/Avenue Des Abbesses area is a great place to wander around -- cafes and markets. We loved the area. ((b))