Rue Cler? Rue de la Harpe?

"Anything I should know?" Well, there are couple of cynics here who feel our Guru Rick may, just possibly, have over-hyped the rue Cler over the years. In fact, I'm told that in Paris, in certain circles, rue Cler is referred to as rue Rick Steves. Nothing wrong with rue Cler. It seems to be a favorite of people here. But equally good or better are dozens of other Paris neighborhoods; and in some of them you'll even see fewer people with the blue & yellow books (than you will in rue Cler)--although if you get lonely for us, you can see us on rue Cler.

I agree with Kent (love the rue Rick Steves comment) - we found Rue Cler way, way too American! We stayed in the Marais and found it wonderful. Great deli's, groceries, wine shops, bakeries - it's got everything you need. We stayed 1 block from the St. Paul Metro. Streets have not changed in centuries giving you a wonderful sense of what Paris used to be like. Plus you can EASILY walk to Isle Cite, Isle St Louis, Left Bank and even The Louvre. If you don't stay there please visit it - you will be wishing you had stayed there!

I must agree with Colleen. We stayed for 6 weeks in the Marais area in an apartment in Rue St Paul. Absolutely loved this area - so many small restaurants, cafes, shops etc. A wonderful area to explore and easy walking distance to alot of sights. Also a market down near the Bastille metro - an easy walk from Rue St Paul.
Happy travels.

I'm in agreement with everyone else too. I just got back from a week trip and rented an apartment on Rue du Champs de Mars a block from Rue Cler. I have been to Paris but never to Rue Cler. I was a little dissapointed. It seemed a little sterile compared to other market streets and it's all American. I usually stay in le Marais too and this is probably the most Parisian feeling area close to the tourist areas. If you find a great place like I did, give it a shot. Being that close to the Eiffel Tower was a bonus for night time walks and there are some great places on Rue Cler.

Wow. What a response. Any comments on rue de la Harpe?
Carol

Anything you should know? Yes! Rue de la Harpe is a major "scene" in the middle of the Latin Quarter, surrounded by fast food and inexpensive restaurants, tourist shops, clothing stores for students, night clubs. It's pedestrian. Shopping is convenient for clothing and cell phones but you have to go many blocks to get to your first market--St. Germain. Transportation is very convenient and it's very central but it does not have a village atmosphere. It's not like the Marais, mentioned in an above post, which has major food shopping along rue Saint Antoine, nor is it quaint. I've never been to rue Cler because I assumed, perhaps wrongly, that all of the 7th was ritzy. On the other hand, there are a lot of neighborhoods that give residents a village feel, a sense of belonging, but rue de la Harpe is for a night on the town.

Carol, we rented an apt in the top of the 15th and walked to the Eiffel tower and the Rue Cler area. Our laocation was convenient and aparment were "cheap". We loved the one bedrom place we stayed in. I would go out each morning to get pastries and coffee. We were next to two Metro stops. It was quiet, but two blocks away were plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, groceries, etc. You are doing the right thing. Aks questions and use Googel street view to see what the area looks like before you rent.

for a villagey feel we like the Marais, also the Islands. Both should be a great experience for a three week stay.

I agree with a lot of the comments. Rue Cler is OK, but it is full of Americans because of all RS recommendations. We stayed there twice. I prefer other parts of Paris. Marais is great to rent in. Lots of Metro stations, food shops, and two big markets: Richard Lenoir and Place Aligre (sp?) We really liked staying there. It was close to just about everything and we walked a lot. We have also stayed on the left bank a few times and have liked that. Both hotels we used were almost across the river from Notre Dame, so it was really convenient. There are great cafes anywhere in Paris. Have fun.

From what you have said and also from thoughts from a friend who grew up in Paris, I'm pretty sure I'm settling on a place in the Marais on rue Vieille du Temple. The two streets I asked about sound too commercial. Thanks everyone.
Carol

Rue Cler is so over-rated now, there is absolutely no customer service from any of the stores(worse than baseline). Rue Montorgueil is amazing, no traffic-only pedestrians, Rue Vielle du Temple, Rue Bretagne ( Les Marches Enfants Rouges in on it)- google these...Marais defenitely rocks!

I've never understood the fascination with Rue Cler. To me the only draw is its proximity to the Eiffel Tower. We love staying in the 6th (St. Germain area). So easy to walk to so many sites that interest us - rather than having to take the metro. Paris is a huge city and you can walk yourself to death. Where we stay in the 6th is so close to sites, great restaurants/bistros/cafes, shops, etc.
Check out iloveparisapartments.com and vacationinparis.com for good apts in the 5th & 6th.

I have never understood the fascination with opera (now that should start a discussion) but I do like the rue Cler district. I have stayed there several times and will stay there again my next trip to Paris. Different likes for different folks.

We stayed a block away from the Rue Cler this past summer. A little overhyped. Next time, I would stay over in the Marais. Take the subway to Rue Cler, grab some food and go see the Eiffel Tower, but stay in the Marais.