Is Montmartre too much of a schlep?

Montrartre is fun to visit but I think that you'd be happier paying a little more to stay in the Marais!

Most travelers here appear to perfer Paris locations, both hotels and apartments, that are closer in to the historic/touristic center.

However, if the price difference is enough, you can make it work. Montmartre is, obviously, farther from the historic center than other neighborhoods where you could find apartments.

Note that the half dozen Metro stops that serve Montmartre are on the edges of Montmartre, except for one, Abbesses.

I guess we were lucky because our Paris apartment was literally across the street from the Abbesses metro station - we didn't think it was too much of a schlep at all. The neighborhood was also very nice, with a mix of "real" markets and convenient supermarkets. And the view over the city from our kitchen window couldn't be beat.

If you can afford it, you will probably enjoy a more centrally located hotel or apartment. However, I stayed in an apartment in Montmartre last April for a week and loved it. But then I have been in Paris many times and spent the remainder of April in the Marais and also near rue Cler.

Indeed, what a view! You wouldn't want to share the details about that particular rental would you?

No problem! We've already rented for 12 more nights in February.

http://www.haveninparis.com/rental/abbesses.php

Nice apartment Peter. I'd stay in Monmartre for this apt for sure.

The great thing about Paris is that the metro can quickly connect you to anywhere in the city. So, don't worry being a little further away in Montmartre. Plus, this area of the city (and La Defense, where nobody usually wants to stay) probably has the best views.

Got to agree with the previous poster. We stayed in the Montmarte area this past spring and didn't even notice we weren't in the 'central' area of Paris! It's SO easy to get anywhere on the Metro - a 15 to 20 minute zip to the Eiffel tower really didn't cramp our style at all.

One thing to remember... the Abbesses metro station is 300 feet below ground. It has the most steps of any stop. If you have any issues with climbing a lot of steps this is not the place to get on and off the metro. Although there is an elevator... it is not always working.

Yeah, one day my wife didn't feel like dealing with the subway (in general) so we walked down to Place de Clichy and took a city bus from there. Of course arriving in Abbesses and then learning about a problem with the elevator would be unpleasant, but during the week we were in the apartment nothing like that happened.

Thanks everyone! With your input I'm thinking that finding a place close to metro stop Abbesses will minimize any inconvenience and am leaning towards staying in Montmartre. I've heard that Montmartre has a very cozy, village-like atmosphere and the rental apartments are so much cheaper.

Bronwyn!!!

I went to Paris this past summer and everything I was looking for and hoping to find in Paris I found in Montmartre. It has that small street - romantic feel that you hear about; I would totally suggest spending a bit of time there. I also got lost in one of the residential bits and it seemed quite pleasant indeed. I would just beware that the area between the Sacre Cour and the Moulin Rouge seems a bit dodgy (i.e. take advantage of ignorant tourists).

You definitely have to be more vigilant and aware in some parts of Montmartre, no violent crime (that I know of) but sketchier areas and people than in the center of Paris. You'll be able to tell when you're there, what streets to avoid. One time while there, a local teenager hanging out with his buddies tried to grab my camera out of my hand while I was using it and run off. He grabbed it really tightly as he was running by and kept running, but I had the strap around my wrist and, luckily, he didn't get it. I would have no qualms about staying in Montmartre myself, just agreeing with previous poster, to be even more aware than normal while there.

Bronwyn,

My wife and I reccommend the Cafe Eugene for at least one meal. Located near the Montmarte steps across from the painters square. At the bottom of the steps on the right is a small cafe used by Robert De Niro in the movie Ronin.

Enjoy,

Craig

Montmartre is an area you don't want to miss.
How far is too far for you? Subway (metro) in paris is one of the best in the world and I think the largest in Europe.
I would suggest to get a map and see where you want to go.
I love Montmartre. I was on their famous Sacre Coeur's steps on New Year night and that was one of the best times I had in my life.

We stayed in Montmartre this summer and loved it. If Metro is a problem, take the bus and get a tour of Paris as you ride.

I have never stayed there but we run there for lunch every time we're in Paris. Great cafes in and around the artist's square.
You can almost anywhere within 30 minutes in Paris on the Metro. Personally I think La Defense is rather too far out for only 1 week visit. Anywhere a block from a metro is prime real estate in my book!

I have never stayed there but we run there for lunch every time we're in Paris. Great cafes in and around the artist's square.
You can get almost anywhere within 30 minutes in Paris on the Metro. Personally I think La Defense is rather too far out for only 1 week visit. Anywhere a block from a metro is prime real estate in my book!