We are planning to take the train from Gare St. Lazare to Caen. Since we have to catch an early train from Gare St.Lazare, we are considering staying at a hotel in the area. Does anyone know this area? Is it safe? And, better yet, does anyone have hotel suggestions in the area of Gare St. Lazare?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Maura - a couple of resources to help you with your question, especially since that particular neighborhood doesn't get much attention here.
Google Maps now has Street View in Paris. If you go to Google and click on "Maps" and search addresses in Paris, you can get to street level photographs of the areas you want to visit.
Second, Tripadvisor.com collects reviews of hotels around the world. Many reviews are waiting for almost any place you might consider. Just take the best and worst reviews with a grain of salt...
Finally, you don't need to stay by the station to catch an early train. The Metro can get you there from all over the city in short order.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Maura, my cousins live on Rue Du Copenhague, which is like a block or so from station, my family also owned and ran a small hotel right across street from station( the Grand Hotel Du Calvados) for over 40 years. The area is safe, but , having stayed with my cousins( hotel was sold years ago) in their lovely home, the area is very quiet and rather residental, so I consider it a tad boring,, I would not hestitate to stay in the area if all you are asking about is safety.
PS Hotel is still there, I have not been in it since it was almost completly gutted and renovated some years ago,, but the area is safe and you could just walk across street to station.. I have no idea what it is like though ,, suggest you google it and check out ratings on tripadvisor or venere, I usually just google "reveiws hotel name" and read various reports. Its not a highly desired touristy area( as I said its quiet and a tad boring,)
Really unless train is really really early you could stay almost anywhere and just take metro to station, or taxi..
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Maura, I forgot to add, I would choose to stay "in front of station, not behind it( well really I mean the area sort of north east-east) , as trains of course run out from behind it,, (noise ,and well, not very pretty area) In front towards Opera , is great. Just look on map.
Posted by
OP
Acton
3 posts
Thank you,Pat. All this information is very, very helpful.
Maura
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
The area is generally safe & near the big department stores. Suggest the Hotel Queen Mary - www.hotelqueenmary.com
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
29 posts
I stayed at a hotel in Paris right next to St. Lazare station for 4 days. I found it to be a great area, very convenient and very safe.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL, USA
264 posts
The Gare St. Lazare is also on several Metro lines as well as Northwest France main line trains. I've taken that early train from Paris to Caen myself. I always like to stay on the left bank close to the Seine and the islands. If you have a preferred area of Paris, please don't let the train be the determining factor. The Metro system is so great you can get to the station in 10 minutes or less. In any case you are going to love it! Bon Voyage!