Square du Temple -Marais. Is that a good area for apartment?
 

My DH and I are planning a trip to France in September, including 3 or 4 days In Paris. I am looking at apartments in the Marais, which I am not as familiar with. We have always stayed on the left bank, but wanted to experience a different area.
The address of the apartment is 12 rue Portefoin. It is very close to Square du Temple.
Would really appreciate any feedback.

It's not in the touristy Marais, but it should be fine. The closest métro stop has two lines.

I like the area and it's certainly trendy. Not far from the March des Enfants Rouge and other places like Merci. The Rue du Temple still has some of the old wholesale shops but much of the rest of the area is small boutiques and hip ateliers. In addition you can walk to the Canal St Martin which is charming on so sunny day.

Personally I far prefer this area to much of the left bank but it's all personal preference.
Hope this helps!

Blog post on Merci, Is this the most stylish shop in Paris?

http://somuchmoretosee.blogspot.com/...-in-paris.html

Here's my idiosyncratic top ten for Paris which may be helpful
http://somuchmoretosee.blogspot.com/...for-paris.html

There's lots more on museums, walks and food on the blog.

I would love to stay by Square du Temple, though like welltraveledbrit, I'm not really a 6th/7th arr. Person like many on this website.

I always seem to find myself near Sq. du Temple at least several times per trip. I don't have any recent photos, but I took a few while at a small flea/antique market and then in the Square itself several years ago.

http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/image/113351081

http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/image/113351082

http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/image/113351358

http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/image/113351361

Another fan of the area. I think it's all the better for being a bit away from the over-gentrifying/blandifying bit of the Marais. This particular street is nothing remarkable but there's no reason to suppose it's in any way unsafe or unsavoury. I should think it's pretty quiet: but you have masses of restaurants and interesting shops within walking distance.

I stayed in a studio on the Square du Temple in last October . I liked the area. It is close the Place de la Republique and a fairly easy 20-30 minute walk down to Notre Dame - much faster on a Velib bike though. The Rue de Bretagne runs off the square and is nice too. However, some kids tried to do a distraction robbery on a Sunday morning on me as I was using an ATM on the Rue de Bretagne - it's worth having a look around before putting your card into the machine and be prepared to hit the annuler button if there is any funny business.

Thanks so much for everyone's advice. Sounds like it would work for us. I was interested in trying newer restaurants in the 9th and 10th. I was wanting a non touristy area and looked at the 10th, but seems to get mixed reviews for staying in the area.
Maison Plaque,
Thanks for the heads up. We'll be careful.

Regarding the Awesome flea market shots- does that market still exist???

Those kind of markets happen all the time in various parts of Paris, that isn't a permanent thing. They are temporary for a day and happen occasionally. It isn't a permanent installation. Probably a vide-grenier, which is an "attic emptying" and about anyone can sell stuff. www.vide-greniers.org gives schedules for all of France of various markets and their dates

Great location. Have stayed in the area a couple times and really enjoyed it. Plenty nearby for food & beverage, good transport links, easy to walk to/from sights.

Thanks again. Think I will book the apartment. I'll send the link tomorrow.