Planning a London-Paris Trip this fall with my wife. We both enjoy staying in VRBO/HomeAway type apartments and just returned a week ago from such a stay in the Trastevere area of Rome. Enjoy walking, but certainly are not adverse to using public transportation to get around. Any suggestions on a good neighborhood to stay in to feel the local culture. We are both retired and in our sixties, so an area that is a little quieter late at night would be appreciated.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3990 posts
My first thought was Montmartre but it may be too far from the center. If you are comparing to Trastevere, then the 17th around Batignolles could be good for you but again not as near the center as some like. Maybe parts of the 5th arrondissement like the area near Censier-Daubenton metro, which is more residential and not far from the center, could work. The area near Bastille could be good but may be too noisy at night. Also for quirk and cafés sort of like in Trastevere, the 11th near Oberkampf or even parts of the 20th could work.
Posted by
Chicago
8558 posts
On a first trip I'd stay in the center. Our go to is Henri IV Rive Gauche near the Seine near Notre Dame on the left bank. It is a small boutique hotel with small but lovely rooms and a nice view on an old church on one side. It was quiet. But there are many hotels in St. Germain or the Marais or Ile St. Louis that would be good choices. We like to stay in the 17th now but it is not a good location for a first visit. One advantage of being near the river near the center is that strolling along the Seine at night is just amazing. I think Notre Dame lit up at night is one of the great sights on earth.
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles in the 5th arrondissement (Latin Quarter). The neighborhood is lively, but the hotel is situated in the middle of a city block with a large courtyard, so it is quiet.
Posted by
1038 posts
The Marais is usually a good bet for reasonable Airbnb/VRBO accommodations. It’s a good neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shopping. It also has pretty good metro connections throughout. That would be my only suggestion, to make sure you’re relatively close to a metro stop. If you’re near the metro in Paris, the city is at your fingertips.
Posted by
girdwood, ak
165 posts
I love l"ile Saint Louis. This June will be my third time staying there. There are 3 hotels which are similar - I've stayed at Hotel St louis en L'ile and this year at hotel Lutece. Small, quiet, friendly and wonderful location. I haven't tried any apartments, but I'm sure there are some on the island. Enjoy. sue
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio
303 posts
We thoroughly enjoyed the 11th, the Luxembourg Quarter, not far from thr Luxembourg Garden. We stayed in Hotel Bonaparte which is within easy walking distance from a Metro stop. It was quiet, but close to shops and cafes and Patisseries. It is also a Rick Steve recommended hotel.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2707 posts
Barb, just to help others who might want to also try Hotel Bonaparte, it is in the 6th arrondissement on rue Bonaparte. I am sure that you meant the 6th.
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio
303 posts
Yes. My mistake. In my notes I had it listed as #11, but that obviously wasn't the number of the arrondissement. Thanks for clarifying!