We decided to stay in the Marais, in an apartment, but I am overwhelmed by apartment choices! I think I definitely want the 4th over the 3rd. There are just so many to choose from and they all mention various areas that they are close to (Les Halles, Pompidou, St. Paul, Hotel de Ville, etc.). I know the area is relatively small and walkable, but is there a particular street/area/metro that is ideal? We're in our 30s, going on our honeymoon (in January), and want the typical shops, restaurants, boutiques, etc. experience closeby. We'd probably prefer to be in a more lively area than a quiet area. Any suggestions?

If you choose the area near the intersection of rue Vieille du Temple and rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, it will be very very lively. Of course the typical shops there are more likely to be piercing parlors and shops specialized in studded jockstraps.

What's wrong with that????

Did anybody say there was anything wrong with that?

Dukey!!!!!

The only time I saw this fashion statement was down the end of Rue Lepic.
I wonder what my old man would look like in one? Guess I'll never know!

I think you may be overthinking this, and I'd choose based on the accommodations you like best. First, I don't consider Les Halles even to be the Marais and definitely would not choose that as my top choice if I wanted to stay in the Marais. I don't like that area very well, anyway, I wouldn't choose it for a long stay. Hotel de Ville area is too "busy", although a convenient hub for transportation and shopping (dept store nearby). But I have a feeling that maybe you just mean some place says it is "near Hotel de Ville" and so that could be blocks away, so that would be fine (like rue Ste-Croix de la Bretonnerie, etc.).

But if that's the case, some place is just within a few blocks of it, it's going to be within a few blocks of the Pompidou and Les Halles, also, perhaps. That's why I think you are overplanning this--these places aren't very far apart. I myself would probably choose more around mero St Paul area broadly if I wanted a place in the Marais, or a bit north of Hotel de Ville.

The area derives its name from the fact that in medieval times this district was largely swampland. Marais is French for swamp. The area today is largely gentrified, not glitzified.

the whole marais area is pretty lively, though you may want something less lively in the evening so you can sleep. we often stay on the rue de turenne near the corner of rue de francs-bourgeois and the place des vosges. a busy street, but we've found a lovely 2BR that faces a nice courtyard. it's a great location for the 96 bus, which takes you over to the left bank, as well as the st. paul and chemin vert metro lines. the bastille is close (which i hear is very lively), and all the buses of rue de st. antoine that go to the louvre area. plus you have the places des vosges which is a beautiful place in which to relax. i'd say anywhere in that area would be "presque parfait."

enjoy paris and best wishes!

Thanks so much for the replies! I agree that I am probably overthinking it!

So what do you think about this apartment location wise (never mind the fact that it is on the 4th floor with no elevator!)?

Oops:

http://www.vrbo.com/117217

If the 4th floor (5th in American terms) walk up is OK with you (would not be for me) the location is fine. You will be close to the metro, within easy walking to grocery store and restos. Also an easy walk to Ile St. Louis, Notre Dame, etc.

apartment and location look great!

(but do think about the stairs; paris involves A LOT of walking..)

Don't forget

- you can see something of any street using the photo option on www.pagesjaunes.fr

- most buildings in Paris go quite a bit back from the street, with an interior courtyard: apartments on the inside tend to be very quiet, whatever the street side is like. You're looking for "côté cour" if at all possible, but you could find yourself paying for peace by losing a bit of light.

The liveliness gets a bit raffish in the immediate vicinity of the Forum des Halles shopping centre (and despite kerouac's little joke, you really won't see anything terribly shocking around the obviously gay couple of blocks he mentions). It's also a bit quieter north of rue des Francs-Bourgeois and in some parts of the St Paul area.

We loved staying in this area but I would think long and hard about walking up 5 flights of stairs to get "home" after walking all around Paris every day.

Go to the slowtrav site and read apt. reviews as well as rental agency reviews. The area is important but so is the reputation of the agency.
I recall a few small ones in Marais, highly rated. The area close to the Seine is very nice.

try parisbestlodge

There's this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34916913

This is a little north of what I think of as the Marais, but within about 5-10 minutes' walk, and a lively enough area.

HI MEBoston-

That apartment looks great! If you are in shape and exercise regularly, I wouldn't worry about the stairs. Just think of them as a substitute for a daily workout and an excuse to eat all you want.

I noticed that your honeymoon is in January. As you make your apartment decision, think about one idea: making sure you have a nice bathtub. It can be COLD in Paris in January. After walking outside all day, there is nothing better than a relaxing, pre-dinner soak in a hot bath with a glass of wine or bubbly.

My other tip- look around the great shops in the Marais on your first day for scented candles and/or bath salts to use for your romantic baths. Buy extra if you love the scent as souvenirs of your trip. The scent will always remind you of your honeymoon!

I'll tell you when the stairs are a problem: When you are arriving "home" after a long day of walking the city.

I am flip flopping on the stairs. The price of the apartment is pretty good (I think). 600 euro for the week. I can deal with a bit of exercise. Last summer we stayed at a hotel in Nafplio Greece and had to walk up four flights in 100 degree heat. I figure if I can handle that, I can definitely handle stairs in the winter in Paris.

Patrick -- Thank you for that thread. I had seen in before but didn't bookmark it, and couldn't find it in my searches.

hellokitty -- Good advice, I have been checking out slowtrav as well, and also have at least one parisbestlodge on my long list.

BlueSwimmer -- What a romantic you are! I hadn't thought of any of that!

I am taking a few days off from looking and will revisit my list with a fresh perspective. Thank you everyone!