jayne1973

I've been reading up on Paris neighborhoods for my first visit in October. I think either Rue Cler or Marais would be good, but would love some opinions from people who actually know the areas.

Toupary

Do you mean as a place to stay, or as a place to visit and spend some time?

Images2

I've stayed several times in both areas, and both are great places to stay. The Marais is much more central though, so I'd recommend this area for your first trip!

chicagolori

There are tons of posts here on Rue Cler - read them at your own humor as some get rather critical.

It all depends on what you are looking for. The Marais and St Germain are livelier, lots of restaurants cafes, well located. MOre going on at night. Rue Cler is in the 7th which many people also like but some find less lively, especially at night.

I prefer St Germain but also like the Marais.

jayne1973

I get the impression that Rue Cler is more touristy, more Americanized, maybe...?

Flyboy

I don't know that Rue Cler is "Americanized" and it's worth a visit -- but for a place to stay, I would easily choose the Marais between those two areas.

Scarlett

Since rue Cler is just a street and a small area within the 7th, I think you can really forget about thoughts of "touristy" and "Americanized" .. It is a residential area, with great shops, sights and the Eiffel Tower..I prefer the 6th, along St Germain but the 7th was very nice..I saw more French families than Americans.
I have not stayed in the Marais but we spend a lot of time there when we visit, it is very atmospheric and interesting.
It is all really a matter of taste..

nancy

I stayed in the 7th a block off rue Cler for a month and really liked the area. Many, many interesting streets to stroll and a lot of sights close by - Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Rodin.

I also very much enjoyed the Marais area and would stay there, too. Personally, these 2 areas would be my choice but, depending on accommodations, I might again choose the 7th (rue Cler).

Since the metro zips you everywhere (I found a max of time to cross Paris to be 30 min - most places 15 min) that the area you stay isn't much of an issue.

If you'd like info on my stay, please e-mail me at [email protected]

jayne1973

Thanks, everyone. It sounds like either will be fine. My first impression after reading about the different areas drew me to the Marais, so I will start looking for lodging there and see how it plays out.
Thanks for your email, Nancy. As I get further in my plans, I might need it!

SAnParis

To me the Rue Cler is a shopping street & we always wander over there at some point in time during our stay..To stay, I certainly prefer the Marais area.

jayne1973

Has anyone stayed in Luxembourg?

Scarlett

"stayed in Luxembourg"?
a hotel? the Gardens? the neighborhood by the gardens? the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg?

AnthonyGA

The rue Cler itself is just a small and primarily pedestrian street with a few shops, made famous by Rick Steves and frequented by American tourists in consequence (although there are many other similar streets in Paris that Rick does not mention).

The area around the rue Cler is very quiet and rather dull from a tourist standpoint. However, it's not too far from the Eiffel Tower, if that's important, and the Invalides are nearby as well.

The Marais is much more animated and central and closer to many sights, and so it would probably be preferable for many visitors. It is in the center of the homosexual community in Paris, however, if that might be a factor in your decision. And the major streets are likely to be somewhat more noisy than streets in the 7th (where the sacred rue Cler may be found).

fisches

Rue Cler, easy to get room food and nice cafes. Marais is more "hip"and is a very homosexual area for lodging and bars

starrsville

Marais.

starrsville

>>> very homosexual area <<<

???

jayne1973

Well, usually the "homosexual" parts of town are usually some of the nicest...
I don't want to feel in the minority, being straight and all...

Scarlett, I meant the area near Luxembourg park...can we pitch a tent there?

Intrepid1

As a GAY man I can assure you that straight people would never feel as if they are in the minority in the Marais...although the fact that you do realize there can be "concerns" when a person DOES feel as if they are in a "minority" is much appreciated.

This is not like going to P-Town, believe me. The Rue Cler is one street; the Marais is an entire section of the city.

Gretchen

"Rue Cler" area would be the 7th. I would prefer it over the Marais for the number and type of transportation available. 5 bus lines and and several Metro lines. The Marais is much less served. The 7th is near the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, d'Orsay and a short Metro ride to Opera, Concorde, etc. I don't think I would consider the Marais "central".

BTilke

We've stayed in both areas; of the two, we definitely preferred the 7th over the Marais. The Marais can be incredibly crowded on a nice Sunday afternoon. It's also much noisier. Re the rue Cler, that part of the 7th is quiet, but it's hardly dead. It's also "greener"--with wider, tree-lined streets. You are within easy walking distance of Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum and the Orsay museum. The Grand Palais is easily reached from there as well.
However, were this my first trip to Paris, I would probably stay in St. Germain or near the Luxembourg gardens.