Leiden (near Amsterdam) or Montmartre (Paris)
 

Ok fellow Fodorites. We are down to the wire and have to decide on a home exchange tomorrow. Which would you recommend for a 3 week stay?!?
Thanks.

Montmartre or Leiden? That is quite a difference. If you have been to Paris lots of times, and never to The Netherlands, then go for Leiden (which is a nice university town, centrally located).
If you have not been to Paris, then this is no contest; choose Montmartre.

Hi V,

Do you have an address?

May we assume that both accomodations are otherwise equal?

((I))

The Netherlands will be pleasant and efficient, and from Leiden you will be able to get quickly to Amsterdam and The Hague. If you are looking for art history and tranquil respectability, Leiden will be fine.

Montmartre and Paris could be romantic, or bustling, or hilly and energetic, or all three together, with all the options of a big world city. My guess is, it will be the more 'foreign' to you.

Your call...

I should have included more details. We have been to Paris for 4 days before and to Amsterdam, Brugge, Brussels, Ghent for a similar trip. Will it matter that this is in August? Paris too hot? closed down?
The house in Montmartre much smaller on rue tourlaque. It is not air-conditioned. The house in Leiden is on Tuinderijpad. Hope that helps and...thanks for all of your help.

well, Montmartre here we come! Thanks for all of your help!

Thanks for posting your decision. It's always fun to hear how things turn out. (I answered your post earlier but over on the US board).