We are 4 women looking to rent an apartment in Paris in Sept. Have found 4 places that meet our size and cost with a few reviews. Would like recommendations on the areas in regards to: safety, reasonable restaurants, markets, bars and ease in getting to CDG airport. The areas are: 1. Butte-aux-Cailles 2. Champs-Elysees 3. Bastille
4.15th district Thanks
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
I would choose Bastille over the first two, and would need to know where in the 15th, to express an opinion. Getting to the airport is not something you need to overly concern yourself with. The main thing is to locate yourselves in an area you will like and which is lively and interesting.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4087 posts
Yes, Bastille and the adjoining southeastern parts of the 10th, 11th and 12th arrondisments. One of the best street markets is held twice weekly just north of Place de la Bastille, while Place d'Aligre, between Bastille and Lyon in the 12th, has a smaller market daily except Monday, right next to a sizable supermarket. This area is residential so you can get the feel of the neighbourhood around your apartment, yet with decent Metro service to roam the city.
Posted by
Durham, NC, USA
335 posts
I haven't stayed in the other areas but lived in the Butte-aux-Cailles for several months last Fall and LOVED it. I was the only tourist around - it's a very "real" Parisian neighborhood, full of people going about their daily lives rather than hordes of tourists. Send me a private message and I'll be glad to explain further. But I'm leaving for 2 weeks in Ireland early Fri morning, so write soon!
Posted by
longwood, fl, usa
8 posts
we rented an apartment in Marias on Rue Paul street which had one bedroom and a pull out sofa. the area was terrific. walking to Bastille for the Sat. open market and lots of bakeries, cafe's right out the door. a great price also.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Karla within each area there are noisier and quieter streets, so really its more helpful if you post links to the apartments and addresses.. I personally do not like the Champs Elysees area, but if you are a shopper, and don't mind spending money on local eateries then its fine. Bastille is a fun and lively area, but if you are all in your 70s and want peace and quiet perhaps not your choice. 15th, well you need to narrow down where.
Butte-au-Cailles is a lovely area, but of course not super central to most first timers wish list of sites, so more importantly which metro station is closest to where you would stay.. that will tell us more. I suggest you look at metro map and apartments and see which metro stops are closest to place ( most apartment listings will actually tell you that ) Never mind airport, you are only going and coming in once from it,, focus on daily sightseeing and which metro lines run closest to you .
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
From what you've provided, I'd vote for Bastille for convenience and atmosphere. I don't know Butte-aux-Cailles but if you're cloee enough to Place d'Italie, where three metro lines converge, that can help with getting around. I'd avoid staying around the Champs (but by all means take a walk there) because it's expensive and tourist-infested. I wouldn't worry about safety in any of those areas, just remember you're in a big city.
Posted by
upland, ca, usa
16 posts
As the others say-dont worry abt proximity to cdg. Budget for a taxi-money well spent as you are escorted into the most beautiful city in the world you may shed a tear
Posted by
upland, ca, usa
16 posts
As the others say-dont worry abt proximity to cdg. Budget for a taxi-money well spent as you are escorted into the most beautiful city in the world you may shed a tear