Thanks everyone. I'm grateful for all the comments and information!

Hi LOJO. Would you consider staying in the 17th? I recently stayed by myself in this apartment in Les Batignolles and can't say enough good things about it.

http://www.rentalapartmentparis.com/

I loved the apartment and the nighborhood,and never felt unsafe walking around, even late at night. I just exercised the usual precautions.

It seems to meet your criteria nicely: not touristy, safe, lots of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, and the apartment was truly lovely! Good metro access, as well.

Clairobscur, I lived at Crimée for 14 years before moving to Marx Dormoy, so I understand exactly what you mean. Marx Dormoy is just starting the bobo transformation, too.

WOW! Iregeo, this apartment is beautiful!! Unfortunately, our budget is about $1000 for the week so it is out of reach for us. Thanks for sending it anyway because it was fun to look at the pictures. I might send it on to my daughters so they can drool!

I regularly stay in the 10th and will be doing so again in a few weeks. I'm a burly bloke so I'm not too worried about crime (and in any case it would be a bit of a busman's holiday if I spent my holibobs worrying about crime).

I'd say the are is fine apart from a couple of places:

The suburban train level of the Gare du Nord (not that there's any reason for you tot be there) which is often the scene of battles between rival youth gangs and the old bill (le vieux william).

Also the Rue St Denis is a red light district with blatant prostitution. There are also some sex shops and sex shows, the window displays leave very little to the imagination. The area is safe enough but I could understand that a woman might not feel comfortable.

There is also a fair bit of prostitution between the Gare Du Nord and Gare de L'Est.

Aside of that - it's fine. Also as un upside - no yanks.

lregeo, that apartment looks interesting. No mention on the web site of whether it has an elevator though, so I'm guessing it doesn't. Does it?

bookmarking

Yes, Nikki, the building has an elevator.

lregeo, thanks for the information on the apartment. Do you remember the street location? The web site shows a map but doesn't seem to locate the apartment on it.

That apartment in the 17th looks fantastic - definitely bookmarking for a future trip.

Do I remember? I'll never forget it! The apartment is located at 33, rue Truffaut. It was fantastic in every way. It is exactly as it appears in the website. Also, it's on VRBO: http://www.vrbo.com/44176.

Let me know if there are any specific quetions. It would be my pleasure to go back there in my mind!

On a map, look for the corner of Rue Truffaut and Rue la Condamine.

lregeo, I have booked myself on an impulsive solo trip to Paris in November, and I will be staying in your apartment. Didn't you stay in my apartment in Barcelona?

I did Nikki! While I loved the Barcelona apartment, and primarily it's location, I love Truffaut even more! It is so well appointed. No plastic furniture here! It has everything you will need.

I am excited for you! If you have any questions, including what the apartment does/doesn't have so you can pack lighter, email me at [email protected].

Btw, Nikki, I have pictures, if you'd like to see them. Email me with your address. But truly, the apartment is EXACTLY as pictured in the website.