Francewithfive

Our search for an apartment in Paris for our family of five (kids ages 3,8,10) is down to two options:
one in St. Germain - Rue Mazarine. No a/c.
OR one in Le Marais - Rue des Filles du Calvaire. Has a/c in both bedrooms, $400/wk less.
Which is a better location to explore Paris from? Better neighbourhood for eating, walking, shopping?
Merci!

justineparis

It is helpful if you post links to rentals many of us notice details that can make a big difference.. those two areas are equally nice, safe , central blah blah blah, good eating , small cute shops, cafes, etc. but I admit I am not familiar with rue des Filles Du Calvaire.

For me, dealbreaker is a/c , if visit is from mid June thru early september I simply would not risk not having a/c. You MAY not need it, but when you need a/c in Paris you really really need it.
Also if its a top floor, they get hot and stuffy, or if its a ground floor leaving windows open is not a good option at night. I personally find city noise hard to sleep to ( I know some people find it easy) so usually like my windows closed anyways.

di2315

For me, a/c in summer would be a must in Paris - we were there last summer & the temperature went up to 40C. So it depends on what time of year you are travelling.

I prefer St Germain for atmosphere, but if I were travelling with 3 children then perhaps being close to a metro station and away from night traffic noise would be more important considerations. Di

annhig

St Germain is also nice because of its proximity to the Luxembourg gardens which you children would love, but i agree with justinparis [who obviously feels VERY strongly about this] that a/c would be top of the list of things i'd want in Paris in July.

perhaps you could tell us your budget and what else you are looking for?

Avalon2

a/c is the dealbreaker. I have a hard time choosing between Marais and St Germain stayed in each many times.

annhig

This is one of several websites where the apartments are let by their owners not through an agency - for some reason they tend to be cheaper than agency let ones.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-ren...ce/paris/r1216

here's another:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...-latin-quarter

downtownbrown

I prefer St. Germain, but either would be OK for me. I'm having a hard time understanding why you've narrowed your choices down to just two apts when one doesn't have AC. I mean, is it not possible to find a suitable place in St.G that has AC?

denisea

St Germain would definitely be my preference. When are you going, you will want a/c in July or August so take the time of year into consideration.

I just don't care for the Marais at all but I love the 6th and think it is great for cafes, boutiques, shopping etc...if you are close to the Odeon metro stop even better!

Francewithfive

Somehow the list has come down to these two. I wasn't able to find a St. Germain place around the $2000-$2500 US price point with 2bdrms, quieter street AND a/c.
I also want to secure a place through a reputable agency with good recommendations from readers on this site and friends.

Here they are:
Le Marais
http://adrianleeds.com/parler-paris-...le-du-calvaire
St. Germain:
http://www.parisvacationapartments.c...o-bedroom.html

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Francewithfive

One more thing: we will be in Paris mid-July. Sounds like a/c is must?

Judy

I would consider it a must. I'll be staying in the PVA apartment in a week and I love the agency...but I will not risk needing AC and not having it.

Leely2

Filles du Calvaire! In my mind that's a fantastic location, where the 3rd borders the 11th. Not as touristy as Saint Germain or the inner Marais but nearby many good restaurants. You'll also be close to Square du Temple, Rue de Bretagne, walking distance to the Arts et Metiers museum, which perhaps your children might enjoy. Get some mango caramels and a chocolate millefeuille at Jacques Genin.

annhig

definitely go for somewhere with A/C.

with children, i'd still prefer somewhere near a green space where they can run around.