Right or Left Bank
 

Where is the best place to stay in Paris - left or right bank? I am going with an 18 year old daughter in March.

With an 18 year old, definately the Left Bank as the Sorbonne is nearby and it's a very youthful neighborhood. Look for something either in the 5th or 6th Arr.

I agree with Ryan. Try the Latin Quarter.

It's not critical at all where you stay as long as you're in the central area. The various areas (arrondisements) are right next to each other, across the street from each other. There's no great demarcation line. Everyone has their own favorite area they will argue for, from the Latin Quarter to St Germain to the Islands to the Marais to the Louvre area and on and on. You'll be out and about the whole city anyway, and the city is so easy to get around you can go to most areas quickly and easily for sites, restaurants, etc. The 1st, 4th, parts of the 5th, the 6th, parts of the 7th, 8th - they would all be fine for a first timer. The closer to the center the better. For more Paris information go to www.anamericaninparis.com

Definitely Left bank is more lively

Left Bank for certain!! The 5th and 6th are somewhat reminiscent of Georgetown -- particular but not pretentious. There are some good areas around the Eiffel Tower as well, although more residential and further away from the action of the Latin Quarter or St. Germain de Pres. Much more lively and less formal than the Right. Great restaurants, good shops, night life, lots of young people. Much fun and much more like real life (at least mine, which includes lots of hard work and good play, but no butlers, drivers or live in cleaning staff).

Right Bank if you want to mingle with Parisiennes. Left Bank if you want to mingle with all the other tourists.

Left, despite the "mingle with the other tourists" comment. Parts of the 5th and 6th are certainly flush with tourists, but try the Montparnasse and if you don't mind spending the $ (@$250 per night), I would recommend Le Meredian Montparnasse. Plenty of things to do in the general area and MOST of the guests are French or other Europeans.

Oh puleeeese, All of Paris is full of tourists! The time of year that you pick might have more or less, but wherever you go in Paris as well as London and NYC, you will find plenty of tourists!<BR>That makes absolutely NO difference in a vacation trip to another country!<BR>Get over this already!

Hear, hear! What do you think you are if you're not a native to the area you're visiting...a tourist. I'm so sick of hearing this statement constantly too.

The right bank is trendy and where most of the wealthier people like to go. I much prefer the left bank, and an 18 year old will definitely want to be on the left bank (preferably the Latin Quarter) where there are students from the Sorbonne to mingle with, etc. My mother and I stayed right across from the Sorbonne on our last trip and had the best time ever!!!