First time for our family of four to visit Paris (Europe, actually). There are an overwhelming number of places to stay- hotels, apartments to rent...and seem to be pros and cons for each arrondissement... We are not averse to public transportation (have taken it in Chicago, Boston and San Francisco). Girls are 10 and 12, and used to walking, but will complain if there's a huge hike to Metro stations. We like history and culture, and will be planning on a general overview of the city, possibly with a day trip to Chartes or Versailles. We're not looking for a bustling night life, and would prefer an area that's at least semi quiet so the girls can sleep. In a large US city, we're used to paying $250-300/night, but mostly are looking for clean and safe, not luxury.
So with that said- any areas that we should focus on, or areas we should avoid?
Posted by
Milwaukee, WI, USA
197 posts
I think the 15th near Mo. La Motte-Picquet Grenelle would be an ideal location for you (I once lived for two years in that area). This Metro station has three main lines running through it that will take you to all parts of the city (including an above ground line to Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees) that crosses over the Seine). It is around the corner from the Champ de Mars and you can walk to the Eiffel Tower to the RER "C" line to go to Versailles and there is a direct Metro line to Montparnasse if you want to take the train to Chartres. It is bustling by day and quieter by night with lots of shops, restaurants, an open air market and a large (by Paris standards) supermarket. There are reasonably priced hotels and apartments (for longer stays) nearby. Have a look at that Metro and the area on a map and see what you think.
Posted by
Sherman Oaks, CA, USA
262 posts
I suggest most first visitors stay in a single digit arrondissement 1, 2,3,4,5 to 9. After many visits to Paris, my favorites are 1, 3 and 4. Everyone here will tell their favorite area. Rick Steves like the 7th, very pretty, quiet but not the most central to all the sites that you will want to see. I suggest reading about each area and decide what looks good to you. You cannot go wrong in any of the areas that I mentioned. I suggest going out further from city center, double digit areas, for visitors who have been to Paris a few times, again my opinion, others may disagree. I do suggest an apartment over a hotel. I use parlerparisapartments.com. For what
you are willing to pay, you will find clean, safe and luxury. Cannot go wrong with any of their two bedroom apartments, great areas too! Happy Travels!!
Posted by
freelton, ont, canada
183 posts
My wife and I just came back from paris ,we stayed in the 8th district at a holiday inn. One block from the metro , plenty of cafes ,15 minute walk to the opera and the arc de triomphe .easy to get to the rer c line for the trip to versaille .download the paris subway lines , once you figure it out it's the best way to get around paris . Enjoy
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Eleanor, I'm one of those that prefers to stay in the 7th in the Rue Cler area. I was back there in July, and had a wonderful time. The Rue Cler area may not be the most central to some sights, but it's walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, Rodin Museum, Military Museum & Napoleon's Tomb and other sites. It also has good Metro access so getting to just about anywhere in Paris is very easy. It's a quiet area, has some great hotels, nice restaurants, small street markets, Boulangeries, etc. I'd highly recommend packing along a copy of the Paris or Pocket Paris 2014 Guidebook. Not only will it help to make touring go smoothly, but there are LOTS of hotels listed in the book in various parts of the city, with prices included. Quad rooms may be a bit harder to find, but they are available. Many here on the HelpLine suggest renting apartments, but that's not something I've ever done so can't offer any comments. Of course, with an apartment you'll be providing your own breakfast, which is something that hotels include with the cost of the room. Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
748 posts
We rented an apartment in the Marais - actually bordering the 11th - on Beau Marchais. The Marais worked really well for us -close to the Bastille Metro station as well as several others. Many small restaurants nearby - we went for ice cream near the Place de Voges. My 17 year old son really enjoyed the area as he could walk to the Pompideau Center.
Found the apartment thru VRBO - first time we did that but it worked really well for us . We enjoyed being able to have the living room and to have a leisurely breakfast and to have dinner in one or 2 nights.( We were 4 people, grandpa, aunt, me and 17 yr old) . We did a day trip to Versailles and one overnight to Normandy - which was a highlight for us.