Hi, Im going to Paris in a few months for the first time,and Ill be traveling solo.While I dont mind(easier than dealing with other peoples agendas)I want to stay in a safe area since I will be alone.I also want to spend about 100-150 USD per night(will e there six nts) RS book recommends the Rue Cler area(among others) which sounds good b/c Id like to be near the Eiffel Tower,but does this area seem secure? Any tips would be helpful. PS-I have already deduced that the Montmartre area isnt the best place to be after dark. Thanks! Stacey
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Stacey, I've not stayed in Rue Cler, but many have and I'm sure people will chime in saying it's safe. I have stayed solo in the Marais. I stayed at the Hotel St. Louis and enjoyed it. It was noisy one night, but I've since learned to travel with ear plugs! They shut out the ambient city noise, but let you hear the alarm. ; ) I like the Marais because of all the restaurants in close proximity to the hotel. I felt very safe and at out in cafes and restaurants every night. Pam
Posted by
Denver
835 posts
Rue Cler should be safe. Also consider, however, the Saint Germaine area in the 6th arrondisement. It's probably more expensive, but it's also a little more centrally-located to more of the places you'll want to go to. Also, it's lively, with lots of cafes and restaurants. I think there's a hotel in that area called Hotel Bonaparte that might be in your price range (we usually spend a little more than you have in mind).
Posted by
Westford, MA, USA
569 posts
Stacey, I'm returning to Paris in the Spring, my first solo trip.
My first visit we stayed in the rue Cler area. We wanted to be nearer to the Eiffel Tower too, so yes, this works well. The metro and bus stops were convenient with handy stores, cafes, bakery etc dotted along the way.
Several times I was out in the evening w/o my spouse doing errands, picking up late night misc, and always felt safe here.
I am trying St.Germain this time. For me, this puts me closer to the other areas and is more centrally located to both sides of the Seine. I want to purposely get lost in the St.Germain, the Marais, and others.
All these areas have the safety & budget you're describing.
My notes list Hotel Bonaparte, Hotel Beauborg, and Hotel St Louis Marais. For the rue Cler area I note Hotel Muquet, Hotel Prince. There are many more to research.
Enjoy,
Di
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32455 posts
Stacey,
I've stayed in the Rue Cler area several times, and always found it to be quite "safe". I'm also a solo traveller, but of course looking at this from a somewhat different perspective as I'm a somewhat "older" male traveller.
It's a bit touristy there, but I didn't find that to be overwhelming. In that area, there's easy access to the Metro via the Ecole Militaire station, ATM's in the area, lots of restaurants, small shops and deli's in the day time and it's only about a 10-15 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
I've stayed at the Grand Hotel Leveque a few times, but stayed at the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel when I was there several weeks ago. I would certainly recommend either one. I heard good things about the Hotel du Champs de Mars and Hotel Muguet also, but have never stayed there.
I've been in the Montmarte area after dark and while I didn't have any problems, I also didn't feel as "comfortable" there at night as I do in Rue Cler. There seemed to be more annoying "scammers" on the streets there than in Rue Cler. Just my impression....
Happy travels!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I would say all the areas of Paris in the 1st through 9th arrondissement (and probably even higher) are extremely safe. My favorite neighborhood is Ile Saint Louis and the western part of the 5th arrondissement and the 6th arrondissement (St. Germain area).
Posted by
Indianapolis, Indiana, usa
360 posts
I agree with Susan that I'd feel comfortable as a solo traveler in any central arrondissment. I always have stayed in the 7th (around the rue Cler). While I always feel perfectly comfortable walking around the area at night (usually until 11pm), much of the 7th is very quiet at night & I'm often the only one out. Some areas - rue Cler itself - is busier.
Next time tho, I plan to get a small apartment. If I don't feel like dinner out by myself, I can bring something in for a meal while having a glass or 2 of wine in a nearby cafe. Paris is great for the solo female traveler.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, OH, USA
11 posts
Thanks everyone for your tips-Ive looked at all of your recommendations,and am still searching,but glad to know that Im not out of my mind for going alone!
Posted by
Atlanta
3281 posts
I agree with Susan--I felt very safe staying on Ile St. Louis. This hotel is probably a little more than you want to spend but it's a perfect location:
Hotel Saint Louis
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Stacey, You are definitely not crazy for going to Paris alone. I have been there with friends and by myself and both are great experiences. I would take a solo trip there in a heartbeat. It's a fabulous place for a solo woman, to walk around, shop, sit in cafes and people watch. There are fantastic museums and parks, and sights -- many things to do. You will not look out of place doing any of these things. I agree that you should stay in a central area - arrondissments 1-6 would be ideal, you will be able to walk to many interesting areas, though taking the metro is fun too. Rue Cler is a fine area, it's just that it is a little far from most of the sights, except of course for the Eiffel Tower, which is a big plus. Just be sure you have the latest Rick Steves Paris guidebook, follow his instructions and you will have a great time, I'm sure.