Solo In Paris
 

I am a woman who will be traveling solo to Paris in September. I am looking to rent an apartment for a couple of weeks. My question is what is a good central area to set up camp. I am interested in bistros, music, restaurants, having cafe au lait in the morning sun.

I have been to Paris a few times and have done Montmartre, Notre Dame, The Louvre and I have walked the Left Bank. This trip, I would like to experience Paris as a local would.

I do not want to spend hours commuting from place to place and I do not want to rent a car. The train system works fine by me. I appreciate any input as to where to base myself.

Thanks all for your help!

I'd pick the 1st, 4th, 5th, or 6th myself. Maybe the 7th.

I just went back to the Marais - walking distance to the river if you're on the south side, and plenty of metro access, and lots of places to eat/drink.

I just spent a week by myself in the 7th, and really felt like a "local". Rented the Eiffel Tower apartment from ParisBestLodge, Thierry Faradji....both he and the apartment were wonderful! Fabulous boulangerie/patisserie, butcher, Picard's, deli, restaurants, produce stands, supermarket, all within a block or two, and only 5 or 6 blocks from the Rue Cler market. Couple of blocks to Champs de Mars Park, with a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower. Short walk to the Metro, and from there easy to get anywhere in Paris.

http://www.parisbestlodge.com/

I used to live in Paris. While the lower numbered arrondissements, I have a couple of other suggestions. Check out certain neighbourhoods in the 16th, including around Trocadero - because it's close to the Seine and to the centre of the city; Auteuil (my old neighbourhood) in the southern end of the 16th and Passy (near La Muette metro stop). These three sub neighbourhoods are upscale neighbourhoods that will expose you to locals (especially Passy and Auteuil, which have relatively few tourists), and they have pretty good subway and bus service. (For example, near our old apartment on Blvd Murat, we were within a few blocks of the 9, which took us across the Right Bank to wherever we wanted to go, as well as the 10, which took us over into the Left Bank - in each case in about 15-20 minutes.) There are sights to see in the 16th, good markets and good shopping.

Another neighbourhood to check out is the edge of the 9th bordering on the 2nd - look for places relatively close to the Grands Magasins. I think it gets a little seedier closer to the 10th.

I like the 17th as well but not all of it is well served by metro lines.