We are going to be staying in Paris for four nights at the beginning of June and are looking for apartments. Is staying just south of Luxembourg Garden a decent area? I can't tell if that would be too far from the sights - prefer to walk.
What would be the ideal location?
That would probably be in the 14th, it's a great area with a lot of transportation options and a number of excellent restaurants.
No need to hesitate. Make an effort to only rent a legal apartment.
Nothing wrong with the area. However -- for me, who also prefers to walk just about everywhere, it is less than convenient to do so. A few years ago I stayed in an apartment overlooking the southwest corner of the gardens. Google map walking distances from the location you're thinking about to various sights you want to walk to and judge for yourself. When we stayed in that apartment, prior to the trip, I mapped out some things and thought, no biggie.... but once there and dealing with it (and my tired self/feet) each day, I felt it was too far away from the river to be as convenient as I might have liked.
We have stayed in the 14th not far from there and loved it -- it is a good location to walk through the park to the center; the area is full of amenities but not as touristy as the 4th, 5th, 6th. We usually walked one way to the center -- would stroll through the park going and take the train back or vice versa.
The 6th is where the Luxembourg Gardens are. We stayed in a lovely apartment in St. Germain (6th ARR)
In 2013 rented thru Airbnb “Christina’s Place”. Location was Rue de l’Abbe Gregoire. Not sure if she’s still renting but that area was a great location.
The area round Vavin / Notre dame des Champs metro stations is quite busy and pleasant.
Near Port Royal RER station is less interesting, in my opinion. Shops and restaurants are a bit sparse over there, and transportation connections are not as good.
Of course, I am talking about two areas that are maybe a 10-minute walk apart so it is nit-picking really, but you did ask for the ideal location ;)
I stayed at a hotel at the northern edge of the gardens and it's an excellent location, right near St Germain des Pres area, easy walk to the river
