Bonjour!
We are a group 8 friends & relatives going on a transatlantic cruise in 4/25, ending it with 4 nights in Paris. None of us has ever been before. We typically (and with good success) rent a house or large apartment. What neighborhood would be good for us? We are seeking close transport options and cafe life.
Thanks for any recommendations!
Cafe life and transport options are available in just about every neighborhood in Paris. For first time visitors, Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, and Le Marais are usually good options. They are centrally located, walkable to some sites, and charming in their own ways. But basically just about anywhere in the first 9 arrondissements and parts of the double digit ones should work. Given the size of your group it might be better to find some places with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want within your budget and then request feedback on the locations. Houses and large apartments with multiple bathrooms are not especially easy to find in Paris.
Yeah, big enough is going to be an issue. Not impossible, but you might be better off looking for two places.
Or all stay in the same hotel. Like New York, Paris is a good hotel stay city - endless amenities of great variety so I don't particularly miss a kitchen in Paris.
Location-wise everyone has preferences. I like the 9th - little less busy; walk to Monmartre, Opera, etc; living neighborhood feel with fewer tourists than some other places; good relaxed restaurants and bakeries; easy transit; lower than average scumbag quotient compared to some other Paris locations.
Apartments du Louvre, https://www.apartmentsdulouvre.com, is a family ran business. They have two buildings that have multiple units in them. Both buildings have small elevators. I have stayed at the So Chic 2 bedroom unit in the Le Marais building.
Enjoy your trip.
Just to keep in mind, the mood against apartment rentals in travel destinations is definitely changing. By next year it could be a much different landscape, you should look for hotels that can accommodate larger parties and split in half.
The closer you are to Notre Dame the better. I booked Airbnb and used the map (and descriptions) to ensure it was close to the center. Even the better neighborhoods can vary from a close, convenient stroll to a longer walk or short metro ride. The metro is great, but I don't like to need it every time I go out the door. Search for eight but be ready to be flexible and book two places that accommodate four or four places for two.
Just to keep in mind that the French people have decided and have passed legislation regulating short-term rentals. Do a little homework so you have a good feeling that you are in compliance (the person you are renting from is in compliance) and enjoy and they will enjoy having you there.
