We're planning a month long stay in Paris. We've done this before and usually we prefer the Le Marais, however, we've found a wonderful short term rental in the Oberkampf. We're not familiar with this neighborhood. From others who are --- about how long would it take us to walk to Le Marais and San Germain des Pres from there and what is the area like? We're in our 70's and like to walk and absorb the culture. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
OP
Tucson
116 posts
Thank you for your reply. I mentioned San Germain des Pres as a point of reference in terms of walking from the right to the left bank. We like to explore everywhere and both sides.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3735 posts
Oberkampf is not close to Saint Germain des Pres. You can use Google maps for specific walking directions but my guess is that you are looking at about an hour to walk to Saint Germain and depending on where you are going in Le Marais or if you mean the Haut Marais, 15 to 30 minutes. I stayed in Oberkampf at the Hotel Fabric for a few days in the summer of 2017. It is a very lively area and is a very hip area with great night life options. I did not take advantage of that aspect of the 'hood but my then 19 year old daughter did enjoy it. We also went over there for a concert on June 21st in 2015 and it was interesting. There are lots of popular clubs and bars in the area as well as what I would call more modern restaurants that are quite good. I enjoy that area but it is a totally different feel than Saint Germain.
Posted by
Paris
6921 posts
Oberkampf can be a bit too vibrant, i.e. loud, in some parts. If you need quiet, there are two stretches of streets best avoided because of the many bars: rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud east of Avenue de la République, and most of rue Saint Maur.
Also, rue Oberkampf itself can have a surprising amount of traffic.
Otherwise a pleasant area!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
As balso said, be careful and avoid anywhere that is too close to, or over, bars/clubs.