What's with the numbered areas of Paris - I'm trying to book a hotel within walking distance of all the must see spots - any suggestions ?

I don't know of anywhere within walking distance of all the must see spots, unless you plan to spend most of your time walking.

For example, to walk from the Eiffel Tower to the Opéra takes most of an hour. From the Arc de Triomphe to Notre Dame, an hour and a quarter.

Paris has an extremely comprehensive and efficient public transport system that will make your average time from wherever you decide to sleep to the must sees about 10 minutes.

It doesn't matter where you stay. I choose a hotel based on value and proximity to the bus and M&eacute;tro lines. The further you get from the single-digit <i>arrondissements</i>, the more you get for your money.

Have a look here:

http://www.paris-tourist-information...ndissement.htm

Most vacation travelers stay in arrondissements 1 through 8.

A lot of cities have districts or areas that are designated by numbers -- Vienna, London, Paris, Prague, etc.

Description below. The 4th thru 7th are most frequently mentioned on this board.

http://www.parisnet.com/parismap.html

The &quot;arrondisements&quot; are districts in Paris, which start at Ground Zero (in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral as #1, and are in a clockwise pattern around the city. Many tourists like to stay in the 7th for example, which is very close to the Eiffel Tower.

I have just booked at the Hotel Muguet, in the 7th, and it appears to me to have the best rates for the nicest accomodations (around $100 Euro for a double) with strong recommendations from this crazy Fodor's crowd, who range from college kids to the high maintenance 5 star variety. I fall somewhere in the middle.

Here's the web site. www.hotelmuguet.com

Also check out www.venere.com it has a nice quickie map of Paris that will give you an idea of where things are, with the numbered arrondisements to get your bearings.

If you're new to Europe, I'd get Rick Steves Paris 2005 book and start reading. It's a great travel skills book and will have good recommendations for where to eat/sleep/play.

Happy travels

Jules

You may find this recent thread helpful:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34611712

In the 7th, I stayed at Hotel Les Jardins d'Eiffel, a nice 3 stars...I found it really convenient in terms of location...It is in the area of La Tour Maubourg and les Invalides...it is easy to join a lot of other places from there...The area is safe and lively...!
http://www.hotel-jardinseiffel.com
There are a lot of bars and restaurants where you can eat or just have a drink at night!

Enjoy your stay in Paris!

Unless your list of must see spots is very short, like 2, I don't think you can book within walking distance unless your walking distance is 3 miles.

I really don't think you have looked a map of Paris or made a comprehensive list. That might be a good starting place.

Just what is it you want to see?
Some of my must sees are don't sees for many other people.

Thanks Guys !! Can't wait to go !!

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