We stayed near Raspail & Montparnasse one year and were very happy there. It's a bit of a walk to the Seine and it's activities, but doable.

There are many good restaurants and shops in the area, and as stated, it's right near Luxemborg Gardens which is lovely.

FYI---if you will be shopping for any children, there are a few stores on Rue Vavin that are good. Also on Montparnasse near the corner of Raspail is a really different kids shop. The outfits are not like anything you'd see in the states, but a bit pricy.

I'm overwhelmed!!! Can't decide what's more important- the apartment or the location. Maybe I need to step away from the computer...

As far as Paris goes, I pick for location. Other places, in the world, I pick for apartment. Happy Travels!

The apartment near the Place des Vosges is lovely. I understand that is a very nice neighborhood.

From that apartment, you will be able to walk to the Musee Carnavalet, the Musee Picasso, and the Jewish neighborhood in the Marais. And if you are a good walker, you'll be able to walk down rue de Rivoli to the Hotel de Ville area. I have walked down rue de Rivoli from the Marais to the Louvre/Palais Royale area and it was quite a hoof but fine with comfortable shoes. I really feel like the best way to discover Paris is to just walk (and walk and walk). It appears that there is a Metro station close to the apartment, and the Metro will quickly and easily take you anywhere you want to go.

I know that there are many, many nice areas of Paris where one might base themselves during a trip. We started out years ago in the 7th and it is now "our" neighborhood. While Hemingway believed that Paris is a moveable feast, I like to think of it as a very private feast, for me, and for all of its visitors. I strongly believe that the neighborhood that one first sees Paris from becomes that person's very special and private version of Paris. You'll soon have your Paris, too!

I, too, like the 6th but only if I'm happy with where I'm staying. I think your first choice is too small and then there's the no bathroom door. If it weren't for that, I would tempted because of the balcony. The flat on Cherche Midi doesn't say what floor it's on, unless I missed that. You might want to inquire in case there isn't an elevator/lift. IMO, the 1st, 4th or 6th arrs are all great in their own way.

If it were me, I would select (in a heartbeat) the apartment in the Place des Vosges. I think that is a really great area and can't be more of a feeling that you are in Paris. The Marais is a really neat area - lots of streets to walk down, things to see. For example, I, personally, don't like the 7th because it feels too stuffy. The Marais has character but without being seedy. Being close to the #1 line on the metro is also an advantage.

Yes, it is overwhelming. And yes, you will second guess yourself. My best overall advice I've gotten that I'll share: trust your instincts. Where does your gut send you ? Go with that and don't look back, because there always is 'something better' around the corner. (but in this case, that something better is the apartment in the Marais!)

I took the kids out for tennis to clear my head. Going to bathe them and put them down, then start again. The perfect apartment is out there! I can feel it!

shoegal

Have you checked the Paris Apartment thread here in the Europe forum? Many of us has posted reviews of places where we have stayed.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-thread.cfm

shoegal,

You will be in a really convenient location if you stay in the 1st-8th. Good places to stay for the first time visitor. You really won't go wrong and will love your neighborhood.

Before we stayed for a week two years ago in the 1st, I read all the advice on Fodor's which seemed mostly (with some exceptions--Anselm Adorne, for one) to say "stay in the 6th or 7th." Then we got to Paris and I realized how the city has these small neighborhoods each with their own markets, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.

From reading Fodor's you can have the impression there are certain hotels and no others. Then you get to Paris and see that there are a huge number of hotels everywhere, many of which look very nice, but which are seldom mentioned here.

I'm just trying to say that you should not fret too much. Each location in Paris has it's own charms. But decide on an apartment on its merits, which includes its location.

Most visitors wonder if their location is central enough, but the beauty of Paris is that each arrondissement is its own special neighborhood. I prefer the ones that have kept their village-like feel but are close to everything I enjoy: walking distance to world-class shopping, museums, landmarks, affordable café’s and restaurants, to the Seine. This for me, is the 7th. I now stay there with every trip. Will be there soon,for a month! But everyone has their own preferences..

Enjoy your planning..

Joan

Booked a totally different apartment at the corner of St. Andre des Arts and Rue de Buci! Woohoo!

Thanks for all the help!

I had an apartment on St.Andres des Arts this time last year. Great neighborhood. Have fun. Happy Travels!

Dear Fodorites,

I am the co-founder of www.clickappart.com and exclusive manager of Fleurus property (this one: http://www.clickappart.com/paris-loc...tail.php?id=25).

We personnally select properties according to their amenities, location, and style, and aim at providing a high level of service, comparable to that of a hotel, with all household linens supplied by a professional laundry, professional cleaning and attentive service. Our selection of apartments on our website www.clickappart.com offers real time availability calendar for each property, last minute offers and secure online booking.

Regarding Fleurus apartment:
- The bedroom is equipped with a double bed, not a mattress on the floor
- The single bed in the living room is a real and comfortable bed
- The apartment has a dining table with 4 chairs
- The bathroom is indeed open on the bedroom, as mentioned on the description of the property.
- New and more telling photos will be online in the next couple weeks
- Here is a link to a comment left by one of our previous guests on Slowtrav which will give you a detailed insight of the property. He stayed there in Feb. 09, not 08: http://www.slowtrav.com/france/vr/review.asp?n=4001

I hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you one day in one of our properties, and wish you great holidays in our city!

Advertising is not acceptable on Fodor's posts.

:-(

@ Nukesafe:

I am not advertising our services, the link regarding our apartment was already mentioned by Shoegal.

Fodor's is a place to share and discuss. In this particular case, I am well placed to provide additional information regarding this property, and glad to do so.

shoegal,
i am staying in an apt. on st. andres des arts right now and i can tell you the neighbourhood is fantastic.

When you get a map / address of the apartment / hotel in question, take that information into Google Maps and use the "Street View" person to get a perspective of the neighborhood. You can also move this around to check surrounding area(s).