Hi! I wanted to see any thoughts on this neighborhood being safe or not? and any thoughts you may have? we are thinking about booking the new Courtyard Marriott- Paris Gare de Lyon just for 2 nights on the way to Milan/Lake Como.
any ideas are most helpful!
thanks!
It's totally safe
No problems with safety, there are hardly any places within the 20 arrondisements of central Paris that would be considered unsafe to stay (the possible exceptions would be the eastern part of the 18th beyond Blvd. Barbès, and some of the more backwater areas of the 19th and 20th).
Some areas in the east and north of Paris are not safe.
I wanted to go to St. Denis, which has what may be the oldest cathedral in France (it is north of Paris). I could not get a cab driver to take me from CDG airport.
Paris is generally safe, but beware pickpockets. They are terrible on the RER and METRO.
The lower ends of the 10th, 11th and 12th are all within walking distance. While not overburdened with monumental tourist sights, the location is choice for access to restaurants and bistrots, often frequented mostly by locals. If you are coming through CdG airport there is a non-stop bus the lets out right in front of the Gare de Lyon.
I have visited the Basilica of St. Denis twice by metro without worry; it is right around the corner from the metro on a square with many cafes and such. It is the best seldom touristed spot in Paris -- IMHO a must see.
This is safe. I’m not so crazy about some other areas behind the Gare de Lyon, but this is very developed and fine.
As for St. Denis—these could have been Paris licensed taxis. Were you in the line for Paris or the one for the suburbs, geo? I have this problem when visiting my kids in DC. Only one company wants to leave the high turnover downtown area to come get me on the MD border. But don’t miss the Basilica. Just take the Metro from Paris. I’m not saying it’s a place I’d buy an apartment, but up to now I’ve never heard of a tourist having a problem out there and we keep up with the news.
The only area that looked troublesome to me was the park on top of the old rail. I went during the day but was surprised how narrow it was and how far the exits are between each other. I'd personally skip that at night.
We spent a week at an apartment on Rue Crémieux, located between Gare de Lyon and the Bastille. We found the area to be very safe. If you get a chance, check Rue Crémieux out. It's a pedestrian street and is one of the most picturesque streets in Paris. It's been used for films, videos and photo shoots. We saw a magazine photo shoot take place while we were there.
I took the metro to St Denis and never felt threatened,there was a market there as well on the day that we went.
Mike
We stayed in this neighborhood for a month this summer and it was lovely! Paris is a big city but this is a "real" Paris neighborhood with beautiful buildings, great restaurants, and several interesting features.
Treat yourself to dinner at Le Train Blue, right inside the Gare de Lyon. Gorgeous Belle Epoque era restaurant with every original feature still intact...pricey but WELL worth the experience. You'll see it as you exit the train when you arrive.
About a 5 minute walk from the station is the Viaduc des Arts, the lower level of an old, disused, raised rail line that houses artisans and craftsmen. It's a beautiful use of abandoned space that is very interesting to browse...30 - 40 shops tucked into the old archways.
The space on the top of the viaduct is a beautiful, long, narrow garden that is similar to the high line in New York City. We walked it almost daily and enjoyed the plants and the quiet in the middle of the city. A previous posted indicated that it would not be good to visit at night but it's actually closed at sunset so that isn't possible anyway. There are groups of school kids, joggers, and residents enjoying the garden all throughout the day - it is safe and peaceful. If you keep walking north to the end, and exit down the stairs, you can keep going in the same direction and in just a few minutes be at the Bastille and a beautiful canal that is an offshoot of the Seine.
There is another wonderful, tiny restaurant on the Rue de Charenton, about a 10 minute walk from the station called L' Alchemiste. You need reservations but it is a very typical neighborhood restaurant that changes its menu daily based on available ingredients. Very good food and personal service. Super French!
I agree with several other posters that St. Denis is well worth the metro ride...yes, the neighborhood is a bit rough but the cathedral is literally a 2 minute walk around the corner from the station and the square in front of it is quite nice. Personally I think it's one of the best cathedrals in Europe for it's history, unique features, and a crypt that belongs in a movie!
