Where to stay in Paris
 

I am planning a 4 Nights-5 days trip to Paris with my wife and 12-yr old daughter. I did a booking with Ibis Montpranasse, however, I have been getting some advice from friends that it might be better to stay near Gare de l'est or Gare du Nord mostly because it will be easier to commute and also food options are cheaper near the stations compared to Montpranasse. I have also heard that all areas in Paris are not safe, how do these areas compare in terms of safety?

Looking forward to your thoughts and advise on the same. Also if there are any other areas that you might want to recommend and why.

Welcome, saptarshiroychaudhur. Pre-covid, my husband and I stayed in the Montparnasse area several times without incident, and I returned more recently, by myself, after civil unrest and never felt unsafe. Obviously, take the same precautions you would in any city. If you wish to share your hotel's address, I'm sure you can get more information.
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Welcome.

Only companies selling tours use the "N-days N-1-nights" formula. Day one doesn't count as it involves all the arrival time overhead of transportation, lodging registration, a meal or two, maybe some jet lag, --- you get the idea. Last day doesn't count -- you will be packing up, getting to transport, and probably eating also. The real formula is "Nights minus one equals days."

So your family will have 3 full days in Paris. Which is a great introduction to Paris! Just stay central to minimize wasted commuting time during your 3 full days.

https://www.residencehenri4.com/

We go to Paris often. One of our delightful stays was with our 13 yr. old granddaughter at the above hotel in the 5th
The bedroom had a separate sitting room with a sofa bed that worked well to give the granddaughter her own space.
Very convenient area to get around and safe to walk in.
Take a look at it

Montparnasse is safe. Paris is safe. Montparnasse is a good location for getting around because so many different subway lines pass through the area. This is a historically Breton neighborhood as the train station services Brittany. Hence, all the creperies that line r. montparnasse from the Edgar Quinet metro..


Of course Day 1 counts. Last time I was in Paris our flight arrived at 7:30am and we dropped our bags off at the hotel, visited Musee Carnavalet (Museum of the City of Paris), went across the street to Eclaireurs Sevigny to peruse the haute couture (this store is a visual blast), had a creole lunch at Marche des Enfants Rouges, bought white peaches, a baguette, and went to a fromagerie for some cheese 'un peu liquide') to have for dinner/ breakfast the next day) and went to Jacques Genin for pastries and chocolates. It was an awesome day!

I have read the areas around the train stations are not as nice and safe as other areas in Paris. When visiting Paris, It is helpful to stay near a metro station but not train stations, particularly if you are not taking day trips to places those train stations serve. Given the short amount of time you have in Paris, I don't think you have time for multiple day trips.

To save money, you can always shop at the local markets for food and ask your hotel for restaurant recommendations. Which Ibis in Montparnasse have you booked?

Welcome to Fodors. I have to agree with AJPeabody (and respectfully disagree a bit with shelemm). Now if you are arriving by train from say London, that's different. But assuming you are flying in to CDG -- unless all three of you are able to sleep on the overnight flight, day 1 may be a jet lagged blur to at least some of you. And even if you all are able to sleep like babies ;) its only a partial day at best. And the last day is definitely not a sightseeing day what with packing, checking out, transport and checking in at the airport. So IMO with 4 nights will have 3 full days free -- 3.5 if jet lag doesn't bite you.

How familiar are your friends with the various Paris neighborhoods? Me personally - I'd rather stay near Montpranasse than Nord. Neither area would be my favorite for a first time visit, but there is nothing dangerous about Montpranasse. BTW there are two Ibis Montpranasse hotels about a 10 minute walk apart. Which one have you booked?

Thanks all for all the responses.

We are booked at ibis Paris Tour Montparnasse 15th.

I am aware of the loss of the first day. What I intend to do is to fly in really early in the morning (arrive at CDG by 8.30 AM), check into hotel, get some rest and then in the evening go for the Eiffel tower visit and Seine river cruise.

From all the feedback here it seems Montpranasse is not a bad choice after all, I will stick to that unless you guys have some alternate areas to suggest :)

This is what I have in mind at the moment - if you have any suggestions regarding this, please share.

Day 1: Afternoon/Evening : Eiffel tower, Seine river cruise
Day 2 - morning : Louvre ( 6 hours)
Day 2 Afternoon / Evening: Arch De Triumph, Sainte Chappelle
Day 3 Morning: Versaille
Day 3 Evening: Notre-Dame Cathedral
Day 4 : Disneyland
Day 5 morning : off to Switzerland

Montparnasse seems safe enough, but advise not to be closer than few blocks to any train stations. We came in from Brussels to Gare du Nord, no thanks! And while in Brussels picked a hotel very close to their mid station (there are three) -- also no thanks to that area. Our favorite areas in Paris are left bank, in the 5th, 6th or 7th arrondissements. Most convenient for walking and not needing to get on Metro to get to most sights. So near Metro, yes, but near a train station, no.

It is true that Gare du Nord-Gare de l'Est is a perfectly fine area and definitely cheaper than Montparnasse. It is absolutely great for transportation, but Montparnasse isn't bad either. The Nord-Est train station area has a cosmopolitan and international vibe (lots of Indians, Turks, Brits and Germans among others) whereas Montparnasse is more traditionally French and perhaps a bit more boring.

Hmmm, I find the area of the Edgar Quinet metro stop to be quaint, peaceful, charming. Plenty of cafes/bistrots/shops/theatres. Perhaps boring to some people.

​​​Hello,

I am French and Parisian by birth, and I lived 30 years in the 12th arrondissement (Bastille) I arrive on this site because I am planning a trip to the USA, and while browsing different forums I came across Americans wanting to visit France. Let me give you some information as a real Parisian (who has lived in Versailles for a few years now but who goes to Paris daily...)

Paris is a safe city, but there are pickpockets... no more no less than in other capitals however. As a tourist, avoid the north of the 18th (north of Montmartre) and the edge of the ring road in the 19th and 20th arrondissements..) it's not particularly dangerous but it's still a little less frequented and as a tourist you'll quickly get noticed. The tourist interest is also limited. The Montparnasse station area is more comfortable than the Gare du Nord area. It's also a little more frequented. If I had to choose, I'd prefer to be at the Montparnasse station. Remember, Paris is a small and very concentrated city (100km2). You'll never be more than a 10-minute walk from a metro station. Finally, make an effort to say a few words in French, it will make Parisians very happy.. (hello, thank you, goodbye, please...). Avoid eating in restaurants where the menus are translated into English and where there are photos of the dishes on the menus...these are tourist restaurants = expensive and not good... there are hundreds of nice neighborhoods, and only a real Parisian could show you his city, other than the well-known tourist sites. My favorite Parisian: Butte aux Cailles neighborhood. Enjoy your stay in France and have a great end of the year!

What dates are you planning to be in Paris and what is your budget? We can likely make some recommendations, if you wish to share this information.