Latin Quarter or The Marais

Is your trip in October 2023 as your other posts indicate? I didn’t know you could reserve an apartment, or hotel for that matter, 1-1/2 years in advance.

It seems to me you have laid out the reasons for staying in the Marais that would appear to outweigh the reasons for the Latin Quarter. I enjoyed the Marais very much on my last stay in 2018 because of its accessibility to so much sightseeing.

You are correct.

The owner of the apartments indicate that the apartment can be booked - one year in advance - thank you for your feedback regarding your stay in the Marais.

I have stayed in both areas and like them both. Depending on the exact location, the Sorbonne area has more traffic. I love wandering around in both, but if I had to choose I would choose the Marais as it is older, with more markets & small shops. No matter which area you choose be sure to walk around the other area. The Latin Quarter near the river has wonderful winding streets. The best part of Paris is just wandering. By the way, there is a great bus line straight down the Rue de Rivoli to the Louvre area. I would take the bus in the morning and walk back along the Seine. My idea of a perfect day.

can you send us links to each apartment?
Personally, I prefer staying in the Latin Quarter, but I also enjoy the Marais. Do your daughters get along well enough to share a bed? Keep in mind that often when European lodging indicates a queen bed, it's actually a full-size bed by American standards, at least in my experience. If any of you snore, the separate bedrooms/separate beds can be a big plus.
Whichever you choose, you'll love October in Paris, especially if it's early in month.

Thank you for your feedback.

I think the larger apartment makes more sense - each person can have their own space.

So done, decision made!

If your daughter's into food, Latin Quarter better for food shops where locals actually shop, like around Place Maubert, Place Monge and along rue Mouffetard than Marais.

But Marais is overall more interesting and lively. It is also more likely to be noisy at night. Both are very close to each other. And you will find plenty of specialty food shops for tourists as well as the massive Bastille Thursday and Sunday markets next to Marais. She should also check out the Aligre market (the little covered market has the best quality stuff) just beyond Bastille in the 12th.

I live at the outer edges of Latin Quarter and shop mostly around Place Maubert. For specialty treats and strolling I will happily venture into the Marais, but I do avoid it on weekend afternoons as it can feel like an outdoor shopping mall.

I am so grateful for your feedback. Immensely, helpful!

It's difficult to make - what you hope - are the correct decisions - when you are planning a trip. Particularly if you have never visited Paris.

I have decided on the Latin Quarter.

Now to choose between the smaller and the larger apartment - obviously - will not be booking for a while.

Decisions, decisions!

Parts of the Marais can be awkward to reach by public transportation, so the Latin Quarter was the safer bet here. Both areas are really good anyway, and they are 20-30 minutes apart so it is easy to visit one from the other!