Right bank vs. left bank-Paris
 

Which bank is better to stay in for a 40 something couple in June. Like to be in the mix of things.

There are many active neighborhoods, but many would argue for the Left Bank and St. Germain des Pres. It would be difficult to be disappointed there.

Flyboy...which zone would you suggest for a hotel? im thinking 4-5-6? I only went for the day last time. This time im staying for 3 days. Not interested in the museums. Thanks!

Is the St.Germain des Pres in the 6th zone?

Yes, St. Germain is in the 6th district. Personally, I prefer this area-also the 7th district where it borders on the 6th.

Hi Paula,

The 4th (Marais) is currently the hip area.

The 5th (Latin Quarter) is mostly students mixed with older folks.

The 6th (St Germain) is mostly older folks mixed with students.

My wifeand I stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 rue Bonaparte in the 6th. About 120E/dbl w/bkfst ensuite bath and AC.

Tel 33 (0)1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 (0)1 46 33 57 67

Paula
We stayed at the Jeanne D' Arc in the Marais. It was a perfect central location for getting around Paris. It was a nice hotel. We really got the feel for this part of the city here.
Donnae

where do you suggest a 40 something couple stay? A young 40 something that is! Im trying to get a feel for the places you suggest. It seems to me the St. Germain area would be pleasing. Thanks!

Alot of people recommend Hotel Le Madison and Le Regent. I suggest Hotel Verneuil that's in the 7th district but is on the border of the 6th district (standard double rooms are too small, go for the more spacious, charming deluxe doubles-comes with 2 bathrobes as well).

Is the 7th zone far from where all the action is ? Im only there 3 days and want to be right in it. Im not interested in museums-just want to see the sights (wine-food-music-people) I went 4 years ago and saw all the sights.

Stay in the 6th. If it is between the 6th and the 7th for you. The 7th is very close, but if you want to "be in it" as you say, then stay in the 6th. I have stayed on the Right Bank and loved it, and on the Left(in the 6th) and also loved it. I hope to stay in the Marais on the next trip as I have spent time there shopping, eating, and visiting sights, but would like to actually try a hotel there as a change.
Let us know what hotel you decide on.

Hi, paula5--

You sound a bit like my husband and me. We've tried all sorts of arrondisements (5th, 7th, 14th, 17th, 18th), but for some reason have never stayed right in the neighborhoods that seem most lively and fun to us--St. Germain (Left Bank, 6th) and the Marais (Right Bank, 4th and 3rd).

We always seem to spend a lot of time in these 'hoods, so finally on our next trip, we're going to stay in the Marais. And then one day, St. Germain.

I think you'd be very happy in either of those places--lots of good shops, restaurants. The Marais seems to offer more in the way of clubs and nightlife.