artsfan

How would you compare these two neighborhoods as a base to stay, thinking in terms of charm and atmosphere as well as convenience?

jeffwill4you

We are staying at the 'Hotel Aramis saint germain' and I am looking forward to what the others post about this area.

martytravels

They kind of blend together. St. Germain des Pres seems to have more upscale chain stores and a more "affected" atmopshere - the Latin Quarter is a little earthier - but both are loaded with cafes, and are lively day and night. St. Germain is the transition area between the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse, and has healthy doses of both.

travelbunny

..I find parts of the latin quarter too noisy and frankly far too tourisy. on some street corners there isn't room for another stand selling middle eastern fast food. I find St. Germain a little quieter and really just as convenient..lots of metro access and not far from the Orsay, Rodin and the Eiffel tOWER.

artsfan

Thanks, folks. Marty, when you say a little bit of Montparnasse, do you mean that in a good way?

martytravels

Very much so, artsfan. Montparnasse is an upscale residential neighborhood with a very lively cafe scene, and that's definitely the case in St. Germain. The Latin Quarter is lively, busy and energetic, which is also the case in St. Germain, to a lesser degree. It's the best of both worlds.

martytravels

By the way, jeffwill4you, when are you staying at the Aramis St. Germain. We're planning on staying there in late May, and would love a report if you're going before then!

artsfan

Thanks, Marty! Have fun in Paris, both of you! Looking forward to hearing your reports...