Planning Paris for 4 nights. Looking for best district to stay in:
Close to sightseeing places; fun, touristy things to do and see, easy walking as in our 60s.

Going on a Transat Package from Canada....so if I know what District would be best, agent can find hotel...so far we are in the 17 District (another option was the Latin Quarter, District 5).

Asap please, as agent has to book within next couple days. Thank you for your information; always helpful Fodors Forum.

If this is your first trip, you will probably be happier in the 5th.

Take a look at this map of the arrondissements and attractions within some of them. The central numbers, 1-7, are just that, central to most things you may want to see. So, of the 2 you mention, 5 is better given your desired criteria.

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

But if there's a property you like better of those offered, keep in mind the metro & buses will get you quickly anywhere you want to go. Don't feel constrained to stay within those 7, although I think many, if not most, visitors do. But that's another issue.

I also recommend the 5th - the Latin Quarter is what many people think of when they imagine what Paris is like. Small streets, interesting shops, plenty of old architecture. There's lots to keep you busy in this neighborhood, plenty of places within fairly easy walking distance, too.

The 17th is where a lot of tall, elegant stone buildings are located. Wide boulevards, not a whole lot of tourists, pricey shops and pricey restaurants. Not really much to do, especially after dark. Parc Monceau is a lovely green space, located on the edge of this area.

Or the 6th.

We stayed in the 6th on our first visit, because I wanted a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower. It was a good location, we had teenagers with us, and there was a market next door to our hotel. Also a bank, an ATM, and Rue Cler. But, there is not a lot to do in that neighborhood after dark, and most things we wanted to see were a long walk away.

The second visit, we stayed in the livelier Latin Quarter, which we preferred. Lots of activity at bars, good restaurants, easy walk to many places.

I think you mean the 7ème, tabernash. That's where the rue Cler is, and the 6th isn't quiet after dark.

She seems to have been offered hotels in the 5th & 17th, so unless other possibilities are forthcoming, the question includes neither the 6th nor 7th. I also think for a first visit the 5th is just fine (or the 6th or 7th but wouldn't, for instance, pay more to get them).

<<so if I know what District would be best, agent can find hotel...so far we are in the 17 District (another option was the Latin Quarter, District 5).>>

I read this to mean if she decides on something other than the 5th or 17th, the agent can find her something.

That may be, StCirq, although she seems limited to those offered by the package, not any the agent can find. I guess we'll find out.

5th.
I love 17th, more Batignolles area or Monceau but I am not really a tourist in Paris anymore.

Rue Cler is probably the most overrated rue of whole Paris. It might have been nice 25 years ago, now thanks to Rick Steves, it is a tourist trap, but, thanks to Rick Steves, only for american tourists.

If the 5th & the 17th are the only options... the 5th no contest. They want to be close to sight seeing places and touristy things to see and do.

Thanks, StCirq, you are right.

If those are the only options, definitely the 5th. Especially if this is your first visit to Paris.

I've stayed in both the 17 and the 5. For your first time I'd definitely stay in the 5th. I love the charm and closeness to wonderful sights.

17 is nice but as I recall more residential but has nice shops and nice market.

I like the 5th, too. I have a friend who lives there, so I always stay nearby, usually at a hotel overlooking the Panthéon. It's easy to direct a cab there, and not that noisy an area. Near to Luxembourg Gardens, and walkable to many charming places including the interesting Rue Mouffetard.

Another vote for the 5th.

Thank you everyone; most helpful...Unfortunately, the agent cannot change the hotel; the package from Transat is rigid; and wont move us from 17th to 5th...so looks like we are stuck there for the four nights...hopefully not too far from everything to travel each day to see the sights...

Question (strange, but need to know)....are washrooms quite accessible...is it a matter of going in for a coffee....and being able to use the facilities? Older folks can relate, Im sure, LOL....

More than you ever wanted to know about toilets in Paris

http://www.slowtrav.com/france/paris/rl_restrooms.htm

Go in a cafe, order an espresso at the bar for the cheapest price, ask for "les toilettes". Know that they are most often down a difficult set of stairs, or might be upstairs.