I have read that the left bank and 11th arr. are some of the better places to stay in Paris. What other areas would you recommend? I want a quiet area but also would like to take strolls in the evening and be able to be within walking distance to shops, and sights.

Thanks.

From what you say, it doesn't sound like the 11th would be a very good choice for you. But of course there are plenty of quiet areas in the 11th, but they aren't going to be near shops or sights and you might find them dull or inconvenient. The areas that are near the Bastille column, for example, are not quiet and dno't know that you would like it there. You don't really stay in the 11th if you are interested in shops. I also wouldn't stroll around a lot of areas alone at night there are many other parts of Paris. To do that, you need areas with lots of people out and about at night and things open. I just stayed in the 3rd near Chemin Vert metro which borders the 11th and that is probaby considered the more trafficked part of that area, and it was deader nor than doornail at night in many parts around there, and some places closed up really early (and those were places on the main streets). Well, if you want to go to a takeout cheap pizza or Asian food place, I guess they were open.

What kind of shops do you want, exactly? I would think you'd like the Marais for sure. Lots of expensive shops there, and there are people around at night and it's near the Seine. The Passy area can be nice with shops (ave Mozart), and other parts of the 16th, also, but it's not wihtin walking distance of a lot of tourist sights. Of course there are lots of expensive shops in the 8th or around place Vendome and rue St Honore and those would actually fill your goals quite well (near sights and shops). They are pretty quiet, actually, compared to areas like some others (parts of the Marais are not particularly quiet, actually, though, there is that drawback).

If you want to be within walking distance of tourist sights, there are not really a whole lot of choices.

I'd say 4-5-6th arrondissements. Walking distance to a lot of the sites, RER access to airport, restaurants,etc..Very central. Yes, there will be lots of tourists, but for a first visit, this should do. The 5/6th are Left Bank, the 4th Right Bank and the Islands. I like Ile St Louis as a place to stay).

I've stayed in the eastern edge of the 5th and walked to Notre Dame, Louvre, with Metro back at end of day. Paris is a walking city.

The 7th is popular (Eiffel) but it is a bit quieter and not as bustling with nighttime vibe. I stayed in the 16th, which for me was a connection with a non-touristy area. My local morning cafe, go to a movie, local restos,etc.. But for you, I'd say go central.

No one location will be walking distance to everything. The Metro and bus system are very good, so you will be able to get to most tourist sites quite easily, though sometimes with transfers.

The 6th is a good base for sightseeing.

Isabella,

You'll get a list of other people's favourite areas but you need to figure out which area is for you.

Here are some interactive maps and links that show you each arrondissement and what's in them. Many first time visitors will find the 1st,4th,5th,6th and 7th arrondissements most convenient.

http://goeurope.about.com/cs/france/l/bl_paris_mapf.htm

http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/arrondissements.htm

http://goparis.about.com/od/parisnei...ndissement.htm

http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guideb...st/frprarr.htm

I agree - the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissements are best suited for a first time visitor.

The Paris Tourist and Convention Bureau has lots of good info on hotels

Paris convention and visitors office - Official website - Paris ...
The official website of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Currency converter and weather; > Currency converter; > 8.9°C / 48°F ...
en.parisinfo.com/