Talk to me about arrondissements (especially the higher numbered)!

Cate - opinions will vary about favorite arrondissements but, generally speaking, if you stay close to the river in the 4th, 5th, or 6th (for example) - you're going to be able to walk to most of the major attractions. Those neighborhoods themselves being some of the best attractions. An apartment is a great idea and there are a myriad to chose from in those areas and they all come with market streets and Monoprix and Carrefour supermarkets conveniently located. And Metro stations are everywhere.

Personally, I vote for closer to the river.

To me, it's not worth the extra expense to say right in the center of the city. You can get larger apartments cheaper the farther out you go, so an extra 10 or 15 minutes on the Metro can save you a lot.....getting close to a Metro stop is one of my priorities. Paris is a collection of little villages that have all grown together, so there are wonderful little "neighbourhoods" all over the place and, as the others have said you can't walk more than a block or two without seeing a small grocery or supermarket. Our favourite area is at the top of the 15th, close to the border with the 7th in the Rue Cambronne area, generally between Lecourbe and Vaugirard. There are lots of little shops, restaurants, and markets along Cambronne here, yet there's easy access to the Metro. I think it took us 25-30 minutes to walk to the Eiffel Tower from our place.

Don't know how old your children are, but spending time and money on the metro daily will get to be a drag -- even w/o kids. The Rue Cler is great if your main desire is to visit the Eiffel Tower daily....but it's not close to many of the other very popular sites. There are lots of stairs in most metro stations and escalators in very few.

I would highly recommend getting a 1-bedroom apt (with a sleeper sofa) in the 5th, 6th or 4th arrondissement. Close to grocery stores, fresh product markets, cafes/bistros, etc. and lots of sites. At the end of each day you and your kids will thank you!

I'm thinking short stay and traveling with kids you don't want to spend your time commuting to the center of Paris on the metro each day. (Been there done that.) If you are only there for five days I would think you'd prefer to step out and be near the center of the action, so that would be 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 near the islands). We stay in a different section each time we visit Paris. This time we chose center, right between the 1st and 4th and it was perfect: couple blocks to islands, metros (either direction), Louvre, and pont neuf to left bank. Also, it made it possible for us to take a break in the afternoon, rest up and step out again for the evening. Also, on Sundays the outlying arrondisements can close up tight, but not so in these sections. So, bottom line, yeah, it's worth it.

P.S. The Maris has two very good falafel [sp?] places on rue des Rosiers(inexpensive)

Happy travels.

I'm mulling over the same issue, except we'll be in Paris the first week of July. I'm finding that the apartments in the 10th arr. not that much cheaper than something closer to the river. Especially when you figure in the cost of the metro. There is something to be said for being able to walk (or take a short bus) to most of the sights. Plus, it's nice to be able to go back to your apartment if you need to. I'm thinking if we stay further out, we won't go back until after dinner. That makes a long day with kids.