Hi: We are planning a trip to Paris in mid June for a week and are looking for some tips. Has anyone heard of or stayed at either of these hotels: Hotel Bleu Marine or Hotel Littre..they are both on the left bank, near Montparnasse; the nearest metro station is Gaite for one of the hotels. How is the location? Other recommendations?

-We would also like to do one or two day trips to the countryside..any suggestions?

-Will we have enough time to do Paris and the day trips?

-Other recommendations for how we can maximize our week there?

Thanks!

Don't know those hotels, but I used to stay at a friend's house a block from the Gaîté station (on Rue du Texel). Nice, quiet urban neighborhood feel to the place.

Day trips: Versailles, Chantilly, Vincennes, Giverny, Normandy. You can get the feel of Versailles or Vincennes in a half-day each.

Maximizing: start with the "Destinations" button on the ugly orange bar above and see what Fodor's thinks is worth seeing.

See this thread for some sightseeing and transport possibilities:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568214

Thanks "Robespierre" for your help.

Are there suggestions for other hotels? Is Montparnasse a good location for 1st time visitors.

Your price range is above my experience, so I'll "top" this to see if fans of the 6th Arrondissement will offer you alternate suggestions for a similar hotel experience...

Hi yulo,

I looked up the Bleu Marine: They wanted 160E/nite plus bkfst for mid June.

Try "Hotel and Paris" in the "search this forum" box.

Also see Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. About 124E dbl w/bkfst

Hotel Bonaparte
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.

Agree with past poster's suggestions, but would include Rouen. This is also an easy day trip. The history of Joan of Arc is fascinating. Another great day trip is Chartres. The catherdral is amazing.

We have stayed at the hotel Littre which is located on a quiet street off Rue Rennes. A five minute walk to the metro St. Placide #4 line or Rennes # 12 line. Our room was street side with a small balcony that had a view of the Eiffel Tower. Computer w/internet in the lobby about 1 euro/day. Strolling distance to the Luxembourg Gardens, the organic Raspail market (favored by the “Barefoot Contessa”, Bon Marche, lots of neighbourhood cafes and shopping. (For history buffs, the hotel Littre was the American military headquarters in Paris after the liberation, neat collection of BW photos in the hotel bar.)

<<Author: jeffholcomb
Date: 04/30/2005, 11:56 am
Agree with past poster's suggestions, but would include Rouen. This is also an easy day trip. The history of Joan of Arc is fascinating. Another great day trip is Chartres. The catherdral is amazing. >>



If you are able to get a tour of Chartres with Malcom Miller, you will not be disappointed. He is the best educated guide I've ever met in regards to any cathedral. He does demand (not just expect) perfect behavior of all those in his tour group.

Thanks all for your information. It is really helpful to read through all the links provided.

To: gemelli - who stayed at Hotel Littre..is it good hotel in terms of cleaniness & location? What # neighbourhood is it located in?

I found this link in one of the email threads which describes neighbourhoods in Paris. Does it make a difference to be staying in #14? I read good reviews on #6 which is close by.

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

In my opinion, the area of Montparnasse is a good area to stay because it is very lively, the are 4 metro lines connections so you can join any point in Paris you need, in Rue de la Gaité and on Boulevard du Montparnasse, there are very good restaurants and creperies..I really like this area...
I stayed in an hotel called Hotel Residence Montparnasse, a 3 star hotel that was very clean and nice. Rooms were of good size. I saw some strange reviews on Tripadvisor about this hotel and really can't understand why some people have this bad experience...Whatever...in my case, I really enjoy my stay there and I would return without any problem if needed..You can see the hotel on http://www.residence-montparnasse.com
Have nice trip!

For a week in Paris you may have time for one day trip. So you might do some real soul searching and research to see which of the many suggested you would most enjoy. You also might like to hire a wonderful guide for a day or so--I highly recommend Michael Osman. His address is [email protected]. He will maximize your time as well as showing you and telling you things you would not find out on your own. He is an artist and his tours of the Louvre and Orsay are terrific. Very reasonable in price.

Yulo, We stayed 8 days at The Littre; is in the 6th between Montparnasse and St Germain. We loved the location. It was close enough to walk to the sites less busy than hotels closer to the tourist epi-centre. The hotel was clean, lovely marble staircases, a safe and fridge in each room. Lobby was always manned and the staff pleasantly greeted us each time we entered. There is a bakery across the street and grocery around the corner.
http://www.hotellittreparis.com/