We are looking into renting an apartment in Paris for a week. The location of the apartment is in the Marais area. The description reads as follows:
Located in the heart of the Marais, Rue du Roi de Sicile, 2 steps from the Rue de Rivoli
Does anyone know if this is a good area? Pros? Cons?
Thank you.
BM
Becky -
Rue Rivoli and the heart of the Marais is a wonderful part of Paris to stay in. The center of the Marais is a lively neighborhood with a strong alternative lifestyle scene as well as lots of trendy bars, shops, and restaurants. The rue des Rosiers is a centerpiece of Jewish lifestyle in Paris and the Ile St. Louis and the Ile de la Cité are the oldest parts of Paris.
Rue Roi de Sicile is a street that runs parallel to Rue Rivoili (main street with most of the shopping, Louvre etc. runs into Place to Concorde if you venture to walk). Sicile tends to be less busy than Rivoli - there are lots of great little places to explore there.
Downside can be that it is so lively - This is a heavy visited area - you may find shops may speak a little English as well as restaurants - but this is an area to also be streetwise.
I love this area - we meet here from Sunday brunch and take a Velib to ride once a month.
Your main Metro line will be #1 - but try bus 72 from Chatlet
Wonderful area- very close to Notre Dame and Rue de Rivoli (which becomes Champs Elysee after 10 blks or so). Great for walking and browsing. The Seine embankment is close. There are a host of small laundromants and many food stores nearby.
If this apartment is the one on Rur de Roi du Sicile, it is very likely the one we stayed in in 2005. It is very small but well-kept and well-located. If there are more than 2 of you, this place is not for you, otherwise it is perfect
http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm
http://www.vacationinparis.com/
Becky, see the web sites above. Tom's Guide has a good discussion on neighborhoods... VacationInParis is a USA company with HQ in Newton, New Jersey... you can call them toll free to discuss neighborhoods ... or anything else... bon voyage!... P.
