What is your favorite district to browse, walk, eat, hang out in, while in Paris? What district are you sure not to miss next time you go? And why do you love it?

We loved much of Paris, but I particularly loved strolling around Ile St. Louis. Something about it...the architecture, the atmosphere, it all very much appealed to me.

I also greatly enjoyed Ile de la Cite, St. Germain des Pres, and the Marais.

Tracy

I think the 6th will always feel like home to us. We've been 4 times and have stayed there 3 times (the other time we were in an apt. directly above Tour de Monthlery in the 1st!) Some say it's too touristy but that's a state of mind.

Now that we have kids, it's a short walk to the Luxembourg Gardens and the playground there. The supermarche Champion at the corner of rue de Seine and rue de Buci is like ground zero for us. We look at locals, see what reasonably priced red wines they are drinking and follow suit, and buy our basics for our apartment there. We've stayed in apartments on rue Gregoire de Tours around the corner, on rue de Buci, and down by Place St. Andre des Arts. Going by the Place St. Michel almost every day (either for the Metro/RER or on the way to Notre Dame or points east) lets the kids be with other kids hanging out.

It's so centrally located and you can walk to many key places within 10-15 minutes: across the Seine to the Louvre, etc; the Pont des Arts; over to the 7th or 5th.

Funny, though, for our nicer dinners we usually go to other districts even though there are many excellent restaurants nearby. No reason for that, really! But we do get all our bread, cheese, flowers, pastries, etc., at the local shops on rue de Seine or rue de Buci, which is where we spend a ton of time just walking around and taking it all in.

OK, I'm ready to go!

P.S. Shouldn't this be in the France forum?

I cut and pasted this from my trip report;
Th Marais, I'll start with the name it means swamp. You can google the history and about the half-timbered houses that most write about and the oldest public square, Place des Vognes. This is an electic area with a Jewish/gay/artistic community. A place where you can be yourself, a place where you are never over or under dressed, a place where the main dress is old jeans worn with a top and scarf or trendy outfits.
So much to see in such a varied array from the synagogue agudath hakehilot to the picasso musée. So many museums and galleries to keep you occupied, so many upscale boutiques, clothes, gifts, curiosities to burn a huge hole in your pocket. For those whose eyes are bigger than their wallets, there are trendy boutiques and department stores. There's the Village St Paul to feast the eyes on antiques as well as at the arcade de Louvre. You are in the historic heart of Paris, charming small hotels or huge like the beautiful over 200 rooms Jardin de Marais. Restaurants for all budgets.
You'll find classic beauty along with quirky charm everywhere. You are in walking distance to the Sorbonne, The Seine, the Louvre and Notre Dame.
Pick up a copy of Jazz Hot or Jazz Magazine and find out who is playing at one of the Marais spots, Let the smell of Falafel on the rue des Rosiers draw you. Have a tartine, an open-faced sandwich at Paris's oldest wine bar, La Tartine. Notice how crowded the second hand clothing stores are because, these young folks need their money to pay the rent in this all embracing neighborhood.
You never feel alone here. Stop for tea, or coffee at the many shops or linger over a glass of wine in the bookstore bar., spend the night at one of the many sing-along restaurant/bars.
Meet people at the happy hours or one of the bookstores, above all be happy-you are in Paris and in its heartbeat-The Marais.

There is no "France" forum.

When I've seen all of Paris ... I'll answer. So far, I've enjoyed my, to me what are, intense little visits to whereever I am. I enjoy the posh glamour of St. Honore; the energy of the 5th, the classic ancient feel of the Marais, again, the young artsy feeling of the 11th & 12th...
I just have to say, I love Paris.
I wish I was returning this year...but this year it is something different. Germany.

This year we are staying in the 6th, the last time was near La Madeleine, the first time in Montparnasse.It is such a wonderfull city and there is probably NO bad place to stay!

Is there a France forum? I thought all Europe related posts went on the Europe board.

Well, just to clarify. I wasn't asking about where to stay. We are already staying in the 6th. But want to walk and venture out and explore. Can't see ALL of Paris, but would like to note a few particular districts to not miss for browsing and discovering.

So, I was curious what you all LOVE and want to go back to see each time you visit Paris. A favorite street, or neighborhood that has that "Paris" feel for you...and why you love it to help me narrow down where to spend our meager five days while in Paris. I don't want to spend all of our time in museums...but "seeing" Paris...

I second the vote for Ile St Louis. We stayed in an apartment there for a week and it was one of my favorite places ever. There are great little bars that feel very neighborhood-ish and tiny grocery stores and fruit markets. It is easy to walk around, has great views and lots of cute shops.

I love the fourth, the Marais. The winding, narrow streets. The village feel. The great cafes. The Place des Vosges and its galleries. The Jewish delis. The diverse community. I just love it there, I can get lost in there.

Ile St. Louis was also a favorite of mine, and I really enjoyed the back streets near/around the Pompidou Center. Montmartre is also fabulous.

And no, there is no France board. Europe is covered here, and France is a favorite, so you'll find plenty of info right here.

Happy travels,

Jules

We intend to hit the Louvre again, me personally can't get enough of it ! and we will probably end up having a picnic in sight of the Eifel Tower! We also will spend a day exploring the Marais.

if you are looking for a true parisian experience, filled with cafes and coffee and wine, an easy pace and lively atmosphere (and also since it's your first time), i believe you will love the 6th. i've been to paris 4 times and have stayed in the 1st (convenient to tourist sites, but very quiet at night), then the 8th (quieter, near some sites), and the last 2 times, i stayed in the 6th (near everything -- sites, shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, you name it).

it's the paris you dream of, paris as you think it should be.

i also like the marais. that would be choice #2 for me for fun places to stay and explore.

enjoy!

Thanks for all the help. Any more favorites in the beautiful city?