Paris 6th / 7th district

James - personal opinion here - the 6th is closer to a greater number of sites and a wonderful area in its own right. The 5th is full of action, but might be a little crazy. You might also consider the 4th (Marais). Lots going on ... quaint, beautiful. You can walk to almost everything from the 4th, 5th or 6th.

For the apartment, try vacationinparis.com, VRBO.com, or airbnb.com.

For what it's worth, I didn't find the 5th "crazy" at all. The apartment we rented was on a residential street, but close to the metro and lots of other things. I found it to be much more convenient than the 7th in terms of accessibility, and we even had a view of Notre Dame! The apartment was also in your price range.

Sites are so spread out (check a map--it's a long way from the Eiffel Tower to Sacre Coeur to Pere Lachaise!) that I wouldn't sweat location between the areas you're considering. The 7th does have quite a few sights besides the Tower-the Rodin Museum, the Invalides, the Orsay, not to mention great markets...If an Eiffel view is a priority (I LOVE an Eiffel view--it's so fun to watch the night sparkles through your window) than use that to choose your apartment, and the 7th indeed is best. Paris Perfect has apartments with amazing views (we've rented Montrachet, which has a stunning tower view), but they are pretty pricey. However you might as well check their website for specials.

Even if you're in the 7th, you need a well situated apartment to have a view of the Eiffel Tower. So, if that's your priority, choose carefully.

Apart from that, the 7th is a distance from most of Paris' sights - the Eiffel Tower, Rodin and Invalides aside - and it's a pretty dreary neighborhood of government buildings. I'd rather be in the 6th or 5th on that side of the river.

I've stayed there 5 times. By no stretch of the imagination is it a dreary arrondissment with only government buildings.

James – my "vote" goes to the 7th too. In addition to what’s already been mentioned, you’re close to the Musee du Quai Branly – a nice museum but (to me) the real draw is the garden café – terrific view of the Eiffel Tower. Rue Cler is a couple of blocks away, it’s worth a look. The area is upscale, residential, with nice restaurants, a grocery store, and shops. I just loved being able to walk up to the corner every night to see the glittering Eiffel Tower.

You can have lovely views from many apartments,, in many areas,,, certainly I would not limit myself to the 7th for that..

If you really want a view fine,, just look at apartments in all areas. I found my hotel in the 1st had an amazing view of ET and the Tuilleries.. so as I have said,, look for views,,, not just proximty. YOu could easily fine an apartment in the 7th with no view at all.

Personally, I prefer the 6th to the 7th,, and found Rue Cler a dissappointment.

Christy - The Rue Cler is not typical of the 7th.

I said dreary and I stand by dreary. Much of the rest of the area is just long gray blocks of windowless buildings. Narrow, featureless streets. Block after block of little to see or do. Big concrete walls. It has to be the dullest section of Paris. Crushingly dull.

Sorry to those who consider disparagement of the 7th a case of "Lese Rick".

James - Our family used vacationinparis.com this past summer. They have aparments in all districts in Paris. They are US based, New Jersey I believe. They were a pleasure to work with.