I'll be in Paris for two days (w/ husband) and I'm confused about what area will suit me the best. I would like a neighborhood with small interesting shops, cafes, farmers mkt, etc. Don't want to be too far out of the way (thinking of renting an apartment rather than staying in a hotel) Any ideas would be a help. Thanks.

I would stay in the 6th. There are lots of hotel choices, great eating, shopping, and atmosphere.

For just two days, why would you want to stay in an apartment? For that short a period, you should definitely stay where you can get the most of Paris in a short time, which, to me, would mean staying in a hotel. The best areas, based on your comments would probably be the 5th or 6th Arr.

Hi Helrot. Sounds like you might be interested in staying in a neighborhood that has a nearby street market.

Four of them I'm familar with, have visited, and like are Rue Montorgueil (in the 2nd arrondisement), Rue Mouffetard (in the 5th), Rue de Buci (in the 6th), and Rue Cler (in the 7th.) The first two are mentioned on this website: "Paris Street Markets"

http://www.expatica.com/france.asp?p...p;item_id=9685

None of these four arrondisments are what I'd call "too far out of the way." Arrondisments spiral out from the center of Paris, so the low-numbered ones are more close in.

I have been to Paris many times. The last trip I was near the Rue Mouffetard. I would highly recommend it as being a great neighborhood. Sorry, I don't have the names of any hotels in that area.

I would *not* bother with an apartment rental for only two nights. Too much possible hassle renting, and doesn't give you the certainty and convenience that a nice hotel does (and by nice I only mean the 3-stars in the ~$100 range I've stayed in). The front desk can help with any questions you have. And for such a very short time what would be the advantage of an apartment?

If you like to get around mostly on foot, I'd pick the Latin Quarter (5th) or maybe the Marais (4th) as the more central locations. The 7th around the Eiffle Tower is very pretty and not too far out, but not nearly as lively a street scene, cafes, shops, etc.

Thank you for the info - I was thinking of an apartment only because I've had sucess in London and thought it might be less expensive and larger than a hotel room.

Can anyone suggest a nice hotel in 4th 5th 6th or 7th for under $200 a night (I'm a bit of clean freak) that's smaller and cozy? It's just so overwhelming....

Hi Helrot,

We just stayed at the Hotel du Danube on Rue Jacob in the 6th. It was a good location - close enought walk into the 7th (Invalides, Rodin Musuem, Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler), and to the Louvre or Luxembourg Gardens. We enjoyed the cafe right next door for our croissant and espresso in the morning. We had two rooms and a bath for $210 euros so I am sure that it would be in your price range. It was very clean. There are so many choices, but just do a little research here and through the hotel web sites, and I am sure you will make a good decision.

When you are looking at hotels the last two digits of the "zipcode" in Paris tells you which arrondisement you are in. Stay centrally located and definately consider a hotel than apartment. You can check out www.hotels4less.com too.

Enjoy Paris...