After many, many hours of research I have finally decided upon either the 6th or the 7th as a home base for our first trip to Paris mid March 2008. My main question is which, if either arrondisement is better for a first trip. Is is five of us and we will be renting an apartment. Myself, my hubby, and our 16 yr old son have never been to Paris but our daughters 22 and 26 have both been several times. We will be doing the typical tourist spots but also like to venture and explore on our own. We love, love french food whether it be a simple baquette and cheese to upper end restaurants. Any and all comments are welcomed as the advise off this board has been instrumental in my planning thus far. Thanks.

Someone, anyone?

amesinc: don't worry, you will get replies. It's a holiday in the US and many people respond from work. Keep your post near the top and by late tomorrow you should have some good options.

I like the area of the 6th AND 7th where the arrondisements meet. And as is often mentioned here, not too far from the river. Say maybe about 10 blocks as a limit? Although I try for closer to the Seine if I can.

I think anything east of Invalides in the 7th ought to be to my liking, and in the 6th, well, I've never been able to find anything affordable in the 6th. I do feel that an area close to the Seine is preferable, and not too far west in the 7th.

I'm not sure this is the kind of information you wanted, but at least it will keep your post nearer the top.

Either is good, just make sure you are within a couple of blocks of metro stop and you'll be able to get anywhere quickly. I stayed several times at Grand Hotel des Balcons in the 6th. It is a couple blocks from the RER B Luxemburg station and a couple blocks the other way from the Odeon metro stop which has 2 lines that pass through it. There are lots of restaurants and not a far walk to the river. I stayed at the Hotel Muguet in the 7th last year. The neighborhood was not as lively but it was nice. Since you are going in March, having A/C is not an issue. If it were, the Balcons does not have A/C. Have a fun trip!

Yes, it is exactly what I am looking for so thank you.
Thanks too regarding "It's a holiday in the US and many people respond from work." Although I myself reside in the US I never put two and two together and realized that.

We stayed in the 7th and loved it. Our hotel, the Hotel du Champ de Mars, was on a great street filled with lots of shops and cafes, and we were very close to several metro stops. Best of all was our lovely view of the top of the Eiffel Tower from our winder. But honestly, I think both areas are very nice and I don't think you could go wrong with either.

By the way, I'm one of the regulars who also usually only posts during the day from work. There seems to be a lot more activity during the work week so I imagine you will get a lot more posts in the next few days as long as the post gets topped.

Happy planning!
Tracy

Thanks cls2paris regarding staying close to a metro stop so we can get anywhere quickly. Will remember this tip also.

tcreath,
One of our apartment choices is at 24 Rue du Champs de Mars. I imagine it is not too far from the Hotel du Champs de Mar. You mentioned lots of shops and cafes near by but do you recall a market of some sort near by also? Glad to hear you loved the area.

The market you are looking for might be the Rue Cler which is a pedestrian only street lined with many shops.

http://www.parismarkets.net/RueCler.html

Also closeby is the Saxe-Breteuil market.

"This well known market is open from 7am to 2:30 pm every Thursday and Saturday morning. Among the many markets in Paris, this has the reputation of being one of the best and certainly the most beautiful.

It starts at Place de Breteil and stretches to Avenue de Segur. There is no more lovely setting, as it is framed by the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. Farmers and producers come from all over France to sell their specialties and this market is known for its high quality foods, including many organic ones." This well known market is open from 7am to 2:30 pm every Thursday and Saturday morning. Among the many markets in Paris, this has the reputation of being one of the best and certainly the most beautiful.

It starts at Place de Breteil and stretches to Avenue de Segur. There is no more lovely setting, as it is framed by the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. Farmers and producers come from all over France to sell their specialties and this market is known for its high quality foods, including many organic ones.
This well known market is open from 7am to 2:30 pm every Thursday and Saturday morning. Among the many markets in Paris, this has the reputation of being one of the best and certainly the most beautiful.

It starts at Place de Breteil and stretches to Avenue de Segur. There is no more lovely setting, as it is framed by the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. Farmers and producers come from all over France to sell their specialties and this market is known for its high quality foods, including many organic ones.

www.parismarkets.net/Saxe-Breteuil.html

If you are staying in the 7th near the rue cler check out Rick Steves' travel book or online sight. ricksteves.com

In answer to your questions 6th or 7th and why?

I usually stay in the 6th at the Hotel St. Thomas Aquin. It is a nice hotel with very reasonable rates just off St. Germain and near Les Deux Margot.

http://www.hotel-st-thomas-aquin-par...page_en_1.html

rates: 130 euro/night.

I liked the room in the front of the hotel overlooking the street. Very big windows giving lots of light. Rooms are small and bathroom is small, but the location and rates are good.

I prefer the 6th as there is more to see and do nearby. YOu are close to Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, Il St. Louis, Seine, Louvre, etc.

But I am staying in September in the 7th to do something different this time. And of course, use the subway and you can stay anywhere.

Thanks eurogals for the very informative and useful info. It will be added to the rest of my notes.

Looking forward to more replies.

I lived in the 5th. For a stay I wouldn't go any further west than the 6th, and keep it between the Jardin du Luxembourg and the River Seine if you can.

Eurogals, I checked out the Thomas d'Acquin for my dates in Oct., and single and double rooms were 260 euro; perhaps it's the rugby playoffs?

For a first trip to paris,, especially with teens, I would stay in the 6th for the most "quintessential" Paris experience. Lots of nightlife, cafes, shops, markets, restaurants, and charm.

The 7th is quieter - more residential. Still lovely but I think the 6th is perfect with teens and your daughters.

Hi A,

It really doesn't matter, as long as you are near metro and/or bus stops.

You can find metro stops by entering your address at www.mappy.com.

It sort of doesn't matter, since they are both interesting and attractive areas. I certainly wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying about it.

But I think that access to good bus lines is at least as important as access to the Metro. Metro access is nice, and it will get you across town quickly, but you won't see anything on the way. Buses are slower but the sightseeing and people watching are great!

Another convenience factor is whether there is a branch of your home bank's correspondent bank nearby so that you can use your ATM card without additional charges.

I think I would lean to the 6th for this trip, but it will be great wherever you stay.

Thanks to everyone for all the fabulous suggestions, thoughts, and idea. Hopefully I will make decision soon but until them keep the posts coming!

If your daughters have been to Paris several times, which arrondisement do they prefer?
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MaureenB,
The girls have no preference really. They are thrilled to be going along especially since they won't be footing the bill on this trip. It's a bday gift for me for my 50th and I wanted the kids along. Crazy I know.

No, it's not crazy! We enjoy traveling with our young adult 'children', too. If they don't have a preference, then what is your vision of Paris? For example, my preference was to stay in the 7th, as long as I could book a room with a full on view of the Eiffel Tower. Just my own personal dream. We found it at the Hotel de la Bourdonnais, in their family room #503 (too small for you). As others said, the 7th is quiet and upscale residential, which we preferred. But might not be the best if your family wants to spend lots of time out at night. It was perfect for us.

Whatever you choose, it will be lovely. Just ask on this forum about specific hotels you are interested in, to get feedback.

Happy early 50th!
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