Rue Cler vs Latin Quater, Marais

The Latin quarter is the 5th Arrondissement, just at the Notre Dame Cathedral, south side of the river. Rue Cler is always quiet (like death), I took a 10 minute quick look, hated it, and would never go there again. I always stay in the 5th.

The rue Cler area is lively during the day. This isn't really a question you can ask of others. We all have different opinions (generally strongly held). Personally, I avoid much of the 5th especially close to the Seine & Montmartre (18th)as I just don't like those seedier areas. From your concern, I'd suggest that you stay in the Marais & while in Paris, check out the 7th (but give it more than 10min). I always stay in the 7th because I like the area, but I do find the streets very quiet after 10pm when I'm walking back to the hotel after dinner. The center of Paris is so small that it's easy to stay in a quiet area and spend your evening hours in a different area.

I have stayed all three places. Here are my thoughts:

Rue Cler is full of Americans, as RS really touts this area as the place to stay. It has easy Metro access at Ecole Militaire, but the walk up is all steps, which can be grueling at the end of the day. Everywhere we went to eat, we were surrounded by Americans. I prefer the diversity of other areas in Paris.

Marais is lovely and has lots of shops and restuarants on the main street, as well as an abundance of cafes. We stayed there for the first time last year and really enjoyed the area. Metro Access for us was Bastille and the #1 line. It was fast and easy, but crowded all the time.

Latin Quarter is my favorite, as it is easy to walk to my favorite sights, such as the Louvre, Notre Dame, San Chapelle, etc. It also has good Metro access. It can be noisy at night, depending on where you are staying. Two years ago, we were in Paris for the Rugby Tournament, and the Irish (?) team beat the French team and the cafes were packed and lots of drinking, which made it wild and we got little sleep. But that is the only time in 6 stays we encountered that problem. This is my favorite, because of the ability to walk. I enjoyed walking in Paris very much.

Sorry to make it evem more confusing.. but, I love the 6th. NOt quite as noisey as some places in 5th( not all are noisy) but not quite as dead as 7th. Good distance to walk to many many sites( hey , it sits right between the 5th and the 7th)

Hotel le Regent had an excellan location. Our room was nice, but we did book a deluxe room as the standard rooms are TINY.

I too prefer the 5th to the 7th at any rate. I will be there this summer, having found a chea hotel in the area I love,, ( Hotel Diana) and I have also loved staying at Hotel Des Grand Hommes in 5th too.

If I did not need a/c I would consider staying at Hotel Du College de France ( October -June) ,, I must have a/c in July and August as I am a heat wimp)

I'll make this even more confusing... We love the Rue Cler area. We travel alot , but this area has been a home base for us for years. We travel all over and photograph in Paris every year. We don't stay in the 7th all day, but it seems like a good base... easy to walk to some neat markets, easy to get on the Metro and go everywhere.

I like both areas; last trip I stayed a week in each. I feel most at home in the rue Cler area; it is very busy in the daytime and close to the Eiffel Tower area. The Marais is closer to the "city center" and is busy day and night. From the Marais it is easy to walk to the two isles and the Latin quarter.

You say you ",,,still like to have fun..." - if that means going to night clubs at night, the Rue Cler neighborhood is not for you. As a senior who likes to go to bed and have it reasonably quiet at night, I stay in the Rue Cler area. In fact, I will be staying there starting this Saturday! I have stayed there before and love to return. Plenty of action in the daytime. Happy Travels

As many here know..I'm not a big fan of the RC area. During the summer it looks like a Rick Steves Fan Club Convention.

The area of the 5th near the river would not be my pick...but the southern edge is quiet--but close to the more "lively" areas--and easily accessible by Metro and bus

Stayed in the Rue Cler area on my first trip to Paris. Loved it (although it was crawling with other Americans carrying the RS book).

Stayed in the Latin Quarter on my second trip. Loved it. Took two walking tours of the Marais and had several great meals there in non-touristy restaurants. Decided that on my next trip I will stay in the Marais.

I don't really think you can go wrong. I thought that the Marais seemed the least touristy of the three areas.

I love the Marais! We rented an apartment by the Pompedieu Museum and could walk to everywhere we wanted or we were close tot he metrol We were in the 4th. We rented an apartment from Isabelle - /www.apartment-in-france.com. We stayed in the Beaubourg and felt like we lived in Paris. Isabelle is wonderful and has many other apts as well. A pleasure to deal with!!!

Last June we rented an apartment near the Notre Dame, and loved it! I liked that there are people walking around and dining at night, making my area feel lively.

The metro and RER were nearby and I appreciated that I could find my apartment with ease, thanks to a famous landmark

Thank you all for your input. I think I have decided on the Latin Quarter. We only have 3 days and I did pick a place close to the metro and only 3 stops to the RER. Any information on Hotels in Marais besides Rick's suggestions or even on of his would be appreciated - just so I can compare to the Hotel Grand Ecoles in the Latin Quarter.