I am looking for a hotel/apartment in Paris for 4 persons and am considering the St-Germain area or the 1st Arrondissement. Please tell the advantages and disadvantages of each area. What is the general "flavor" of each neighborhood?
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I have stayed in both,, several times,, and would always choose the 6th( St Germain) over the 1st... The 1st have fewer cheap places to eat and cheap cafes, fewer street markets ,, less of a community feel even on the little side streets. I consider it safe but boring. St Germain has some really nice little street areas, I love staying in the Rue Buci. Rue Dauphine area, but have also stayed on several other streets( can't remember all there names).. Love the area. Lots of choices cafes, bistros , etc,, seems more "central" in terms of the many sites. Of cousre the 6th , like all areas is fairly large, so general atmosphere can be different from one part to another/ I took a friend to Paris for her first time a few years ago, we stayed on Rue Dauphine, I remember her comment was " this is exactly what I hoped and thought Paris would be like" ,, there were cafes and street markets near us,, narrow streets, little shops etc.
Posted by
Land of La
9181 posts
Another vote for the 6th. Here's what a paris blogger says about the 6th: http://juliesparis.wordpress.com/ I love researching blogs before I take a trip. Always find practical insight and out of the way spots to visit. Also excellent restaurant recommendations. If you love food take a gander at these blogs: http://www.thepariskitchen.com/ http://adrianmoore.blogspot.com/ http://www.theparisblog.com/category/food-dining/
http://hipparis.com/category/hip-eats/ Hope you and your friends have a wonderful visit.
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
We stayed at the Le Littre Hotel in 2009 and 2010. It too is in the 6 arron We booked directly with the hotel. The second time we stayed there we got a preferred room with a balcony and a complete view of the Eiffel Tower. It was so nice to sit out on the balcony in May and watch the lights of the city. It doesn't get dark in Paris until 11:00 PM in May and June.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
We stay in an apt in the 6th on Rue St. Andre des Arts, very close to the St. Michel plaza/fountain. Great area for bistros/cafes/restaurants, quaint shops,etc. Great access to the metro, RER train, taxi stand. Close to Notre Dame & St. Chappelle, and all the free street entertainment at Notre Dame plaza in the evenings.
Check out iloveparisapartments.com as they many apts in this area.