My husband and I are traveling to Paris on May 18th through the 28th. Travel agents are morons. • 3-Star Hotel: Chopin Still, you do have a few options and it’s advised to book as soon as you can. My favorite … For baguettes and croissants, you definitely have to go to Tout Autour du Pain. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We don’t want to miss out on any food experiences. Also, what would be the best way to get around once in the city? Paris is one of the easiest cities to get around, even for first-timers. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. It also skews hip, but you’ll see a mix of young families, professionals, and it’s one of the nicer residential areas of Paris. This i… Thanks! Find here all safety advice, the list of police stations and the “Préfecture de Police”. Which area you suggest we stay considering a toddler is with us? Paris Lyrics: We were staying in Paris / To get away from your parents / And I thought, “Wow / If I could take this in a shot right now / I don't think that we could work this out” / Out on the Districts are given numbers and, starting from just north of the Seine, swirl out clockwise. However over the past few years South Pigalle has emerged as one of the coolest areas in Paris, with a more residential feel and away from all the tourists. The Marais is trendier with better nightlife. You need to be 18-30. Normally I’d say the Marais, which has a lot of cool boutiques and French designers. There won’t be many clothing boutiques, but you’ll find some cool toy stores, antique umbrellas, postcards and art books, all while you’re stepping back in time. Any restaurants you recommend? Hi Dave, The only downside is that if you’re planning to get around Paris by metro, you’re stuck with only one metro line (the line 12) which is fine, but expect to make lots of transfers if you want to see some sights and plan on a bit more travel time since Montmartre is further out. The only tricky thing about visiting in August is that the city (partially) shuts down for most of the month, with even many of the big name restaurants taking a few weeks off. Near your hotel though is the Coulee Verte which is the predecessor for New York’s Highline. The single best tip I can give is to be sure you stay within a short walk of a metro station. They won the best croissant in Paris award as well as placed in the top ten for their baguettes. Any advice? With parts of it bordering the Northern Marais, you’re still central enough to walk lots of places while being in an area known as a foodie destination and its low key vibe. Do we fly to the next town or train? That’s my fault. Home > Paris > Best Places to Stay in Paris 4. Rating: A fantastic location offering easy access to all of Paris’s major sightseeing attractions. You can also book ahead through the Taxi G7 website which has an English language page. And for food tours, take one with Paris by Mouth. The most popular neighborhoods are the Marais on the right bank (in the 4th arrondissement) and Saint-Germain on the left bank (in the 6th). Moving over to the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is the best area to stay in Paris if you love being centrally located and in the heart of bohemian Paris. Since your mother probably wouldn’t be comfortable doing a long distance train ride, it’s best to do a combination of flying and train. Also, if you stay at the Citadines you’ll be walking distance to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Roman ruins in the 5th and Luxembourg Gardens. Despite the mass of tourists flocking to the beautiful Sacré Coeur Cathedral, Montmartre has managed to hold onto its roots and keep the village atmosphere of yesteryear. Any budget friendly hotels you would recommend in these areas? Here are the 3 best areas to stay in Paris: Which hotels in Paris have nice views? For first times visitors to Paris, the 7th, the 1st or Saint Germain are all great options. We stayed in St. Germain before & loved it but I do know a tiny bit of French & I love food, so I’m willing to branch out of the super touristy areas. Equipped with three comfortable beds, the houseboat is excellent accommodation for up to four people. There are two trains that operate – one that makes local stops and takes roughly 40 minutes from Gare du Nord, and one that is an express which will get you there in under 30 minutes. If you are booking a tour then go Tuesday. The trendiest neighborhood in Paris, the Marais is defined by the hip Parisians who come to eat, drink, and shop in this uber cool quartier. I found what I thought was a great hostel in Montmartre (with great reviews). Also, depending on where you’re staying, there are some big boulevards with lots of traffic so safety might not be as much of a concern as street noise. Paris 6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés Where to Stay in Paris with a Family. The Latin Quarter – 5th Arrondissement, Best Luxury Hotel in Paris: The Ritz Paris. There are plenty of safe and lovely areas to wander around especially if you stick to the areas south of Boulevard de Clichy. 1. A popular one with Parisians is the Marche des Enfants Rouge, which is in the Marais and also great for shopping. Thanks so much for all of your info! Rue de Lappe is a fun stretch of bars that cater to just about everyone. What will be the most cost efficient way for me to reach the airport? We are traveling in June for 3 nights. The metro trains are extremely reliable, and every station has a real-time display telling you how many minutes until the next train arrives. So double check that these places are open. Regarding hostel age limits, there are some such as the Auberge International des Jeunes that do have restrictions. Also the further out you go the cheaper things get so if you’re willing to stay in the 2nd, for example, you can save some money. Best Western Plus Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé. Paris is divided into the Right Bank (north of the River Seine) and Left Bank (south of the River Seine) and further subdivided into 20 districts called arrondissements. will still be open and running, they just might have modified hours or run on a slightly slower schedule. Best macaroons, baguettes, crepes, cheese and wine. Excellent French classics like steak frites with bearnaise. The Cler Hotel is right on Rue Cler and surrounded by local shops, markets, restaurants, and cafes. There are also multiple points in the 1st for the Hop On Hop Off bus. • Cheap Hotel: Welcome Paris THANkS. Amboise is a popular destination with a walkable city center, a few gourmet restaurants, a nice farmers market and a beautiful castle to explore. The Area was great for markets, shops, bars and restaurants with the lovely park a bonus. Especially if you’re staying in Paris (vs. visiting smaller towns in France) you should be fine. Visitors love the fact that most of the city is walkable or easily connected by a comprehensive and reliable metro system. Away from the touristy spots such as the Sacre Couer, Moulin Rouge, and Place du Tertre, you’ll find quiet cobblestone streets to wander with Avenue Junot having some of the most beautiful houses in Paris or Rue des Saules which climbs past the Vigne de Montmartre (Paris’s only vineyard). X. Paris 4 (Le Marais) Le Marais is located just east of the city center, in both the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements. Is it easy to get around walking and or by metro? South Pigalle. For restaurants, the one you should try to get into is Septime though it’s tough to get a reservation. We are mid to late 60’s and love walking, day and night, obviously use metro and buses. 2. It might be a bit out of the way for some, so you could also try the area around the Champs Elysee. I’m planning a trip to Paris with my family of 4 adults in mid-February for 9 days to explore Paris and visit Lourdes for a day or two. I am traveling for the first time to Paris during the first week of June. For more than 20 years, Homestay-in-Paris.com has been organizing in advance the accommodation in Paris of foreign students of all ages, nationalities and academic levels (university, school, professional training), for short and long time stays. I’ve found a nice looking apartment but it’s right on the main street at Pigalle metro. There are multiple flights from Charles De Gaulle airport to Toulouse, and from there you’ll have a 2-hour train ride. If you want a break from French food there is fantastic Italian at East Mamma or Restaurant Passerini. Latin Quarter. The 7th has the Eiffel Tower and the charming Rue Cler neighborhood. But April 21 is Easter Sunday and the following day a national holiday. The 1st arrondissement is a great base for sightseeing. Or another option is BHV, which is the department store most Parisians go to. With it’s sunlit upstairs, visitors are welcome to sit and read at their leisure, choosing among a large selection of English language titles. A solid area with lots of price points and options is the area around Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. There’s a little bit of everything food-wise and most stalls have their own tables for dining. It’s perfect for first-time visitors as you can walk to many of the major sites, such as Place de la Bastille and Place des Vosges. The most cost-efficient way to reach CDG is by the RER B train. We only plan to stay the last 3 nights in Paris itself to enjoy the city. Die-hard foodies would want to make a visit to the neighboring Guerande salt marshes, where the best salt in France comes from, is used by the best chefs and is an important ingredient in French butter. Imagine staying in one of the hotels Paris has and seeing the Eiffel Tower from your bed! South Pigalle, which is one of the more up and coming areas, is also a great choice. Experience Paris differently by staying at this beautiful Dutch houseboat that boasts wonderful views of the Louvre. Your email address will not be published. Hi Dave. This is our first time in Paris and looking at Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel. You visit Paris, so the pressure is on: Everybody loves it, so you should love it too. Hi Dave, The Marais is my favorite area of Paris and sounds like it should be great for what you’re interested in. Located inside one of the city’s historic galleries from the 1800s, it’s a moderately priced hotel with a lot of charm. Also, this is the first visit for all of us and we are hoping to stay for 3 days but can push it to 4, if necessary. Hotel Montalembert is a 5 star hotel is one of the best places to stay in Paris if you are... Mid-range Hôtel Duc De St-Simon. Been to Le Baron Rouge and loved the Marche d’Aligre and the covered market Marche Beauvau. We don’t like a lot of hustle and bustle, something quiet and safe would be great. One of the most common scams is for someone to come up and ask to sign a petition. Looking for bars with draft beer. We were staying in Paris To get away from your parents You look so proud standing there with a frown and a cigarette Posting pictures of yourself on the Internet Out on the terrace We breathe in the air of this small town On our own cuttin' class for the thrill of it Getting drunk on the past we were livin' in If we go down then we go down together The central area of the city has safe and walkable neighborhoods that include the most notable restaurants, shopping, tourist attractions, and famous landmarks. Your time is greatly appreciated. For others wishing to encounter a more cosmopolitan, contemporary Paris (primarily found on the right bank of the Seine), you might consider staying in areas such as the Canal St Martin district, Belleville, or, on the more upscale end, the Marais, with its elegant 16th century mansions, squares, and boutiques. They are also conveniently located near metro stations, an important factor in picking out where to stay in Paris. Paris to Barcelona by train takes 6.5 hours from Gare de Lyon (in the 12th arrondissement) compared to 5+ hours by airplane once ground transportation, check-in time, and airport security are included. Right in central Paris in the trendy Marais district, this bright and charming hotel offers city views and everything you could need for a great stay in Paris. It's so romantic, so beautiful, so classy, so chic! I’ve also been looking at Montmartre but have seen mixed reviews of there too. We are planning to come in the 2nd week of November. Considered one of the classiest districts in Paris and one of the most expensive ones, but still popular among expats, locals and those visiting with families. Which area near the train station would you recommend for us to stay? Best Arrondissement to Stay in Paris for First Time Visitors. In the 1st you’ll have easy access to the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and Place Vendome as well as better dining options. For bookstores, the most famous one is Shakespeare and Company right off the Seine. How I chose these hotels: The hotels we list in this article are very highly rated. There are no cover chrages, no dress code, and it’s a pretty casual yet lively ambiance. My wife and I will be visiting Paris in October this year. This is our second visit to Paris, the first one we did the Eiffel, Seine, Louvre, & Versailles. Can you recommend which area is better for us for sightseeing? Saint Germain. If you’re still in Paris on May 8 (V-E) day, this is less impactful for tourists and shops will be open. Since they cannot walk for long periods, I was thinking of staying in the 1st to see the most touristy sights easily – do you know of hotels with large enough rooms to accommodate 3 adults, maybe with a sofa bed? The big holiday to watch out for is May 1, Labor Day. It’s our first time and would like to see most of the tourist spots in Paris. Here are 3 great reasonably priced hotels. We are good to take 1-3 hours train to other towns nearby and stay 1-2 nights at various places. Both Saint Germain and the area near Rue Cler and the Eiffel Tower. There is something magical about sitting in a cafe, enjoying a coffee and croissant while watching the street performers ply their trade up and down the streets. We are definitely getting tickets for the hop on hop off bus but should we consider purchasing any individual entry tickets for any specific locations? Each metro ride requires one ticket (regardless of distance) that costs €1.80 and you can purchase them from machines found in every station. London or Lisboa) and showing up in Paris on Monday evening? If you want more classic French, then definitely go to Bistrot Paul Bert. Do you have any recommendation for Paris bookstores that I could visit? In the touristy areas, like in most other cities, watch out for your valuables. The area is charming and feels a bit off the beaten path while still being a 10-minute walk to tons of shops and restaurants. Our goal is to eat and bike around and wander through Paris for 8 days (and see a few sights). Out on the terrace We breathe in the air of this small town On our own, cutting class for the thrill of it Getting drunk on the past we were living in. They’re known for having huge wooden wine casks that you can use to fill your own empty wine bottles. If you’re looking for something romantic to celebrate your wife’s birthday Montmartre is beautiful with picturesque views and tons of charming, winding streets. Lisa. Paris has lots of value options, so it’s best to choose which area you want to be in and go from there. And receive a free travel checklist to get you started. May is a great time to visit Paris and even better since you’ve bypassed the major holidays that usually shut the city down for the first few weeks of the month. There are also many cultural options such as the Chateau des ducs de Bretagne, Musee des Beaux Arts, Cathedral Saint Pierre as well as the nearby beaches of La Baule and Pornic which are accessible by train. • Near Eiffel Tower: Mercure My husband and I are looking at Paris for a few days early September while we make our way to Barcelona (September 14th) and are wondering if you had any ideas where we should stay and if you had any suggestions for where we should go on our way to Barcelona? Also dance clubs. All but a few get 8.5 stars or higher on Booking.com, and most of them get at least 9 stars. If you’re traveling to Lourdes, you have a few options. Sure, the more affordable, more spacious east of Paris might be where most new bars and clubs are opening, but the Marais will always be one of the best places to stay in Paris. Thanks for the info its very helpful. Where would you recommend that has a real Paris feel, but with access to great restaurants and cafes, along with grocery stores or markets and the metro. There is no easy rule for apartments vs hotels in Paris. Your email address will not be published. The best cheese shop is Laurent Dubois. The area around Clichy is pretty mixed. The Louvre is a short walk across the river as well as Notre Dame. It is located on the Right Bank (Rive Droit) of the Seine River and is home to many beautiful historic buildings, the Louvre Museum, the adjacent Jardins des Tuileries and the elegant Place Vendome.Because of its great location, hotels in this area of Paris tend to be more expensive. The nice thing about Paris is that it’s relatively compact, so the bus tours allow you to see most of the major highlights in just a few hours if you’re pressed for time. Hi there, In that area you will also see a lot of chains such as H+M and Uniqlo, but there are a lot of great French brands represented inside Galeries Lafayette too. If you’re on a budget, the Tonic Hotel du Louvre is moderately priced and has a triple room and deluxe room that sleeps 3 to 5 people. Street names are almost irrelevant as the majority of them are only a few blocks long or, most confusingly, will change names once you cross into another district. The 7th. The Gare du Nord (where the Eurostar from London arrives and departs) is in the 10 district of Paris, so of the nearby areas, your best bets are either Canal Saint Martin or South Pigalle. Tourists who want a local Paris vibe should stay in South Pigalle. The Marais is also known for its bars and two you should try are Candelaria (a taco joint with a hidden speakeasy) and Mary Celeste a hip cocktail bar with oysters and small plates. This area is packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, and is ideally situated next to the islands in the Seine. Many things will be shut down and if it’s a smaller mom and pop shop, many Parisians like to do what they call “faire le pont” – making the bridge or rather turning it into a long weekend. The only limit is that your ticket is valid for 1 day but there are lots of variations. If it’s your first time to Paris it will likely just seem “normal” – and far from dead or boring. Where do you suggest? We have broken down all the. Any recommendations for taxi? I have a family of 2 adults, 3 kids between 10 and 1-year-old. There are a surprising amount of things open on Easter Sunday, especially in the more touristy areas. We have tickets to the Eiffel Tower on the 21st for our 35th wedding anniversary. For the first 6 days, I would like to ask what other towns you would recommend we travel to nearby Paris to get a beautiful French experience? Web Design by Grace and Vine Studios. Would you recommend it. What is Paris like over Easter? Many people use it as a base to visit other nearby towns like Blois, Tours and Chambord. Is it cheaper to stay in an apartment or mid-range hotel? Instructions will most likely be in French though. For a more local version try Aux Deux Amis which is favored by Parisians but has a more hip, fashionista vibe. • Notre Dame: Saint Séverin. Next to Le Baron Rouge is the Marche d’Aligre and the covered market Marche Beauvau. It has an almost magical feel. Hi, we are a family with 4 (2 sons aged 15 and 18), planning to make first visit to Paris between 17-20 Dec, through London. Here you’ll be close to the city’s most famous tourist attractions, museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops. • Hotel Swimming Pool: Molitor Hi! I always suggest reading the local news before arriving in a country or a city. That said, if you’ve never been to Paris before it’s probably better for seasoned visitors. We (two adults and a 10-year-old) have an opportunity for a Paris trip, April 20 to 28. They have a Marais food tour but all of their neighborhood tours are great. The district has served residence to the likes of Picasso, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir. My husband and I and his brother and girlfriend will be visiting Paris in the next few weeks but we will only be in Paris for 1.5 days. Easy to use, safe, and reliable. Perched high on a hill overlooking Paris, Montmartre is full of old-world Parisian charm and is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Paris. A very safe, quiet and residential part of the city, the immediate suburbs like Levallois-Perret and Neuilly-sur-Seine are really nice while being close to the Arc de Triomphe and other major sites. Planning a trip to Paris last week of June, first week of August or sometime around then but did read your comment about lots shutting down in August . Love food, wine, markets. The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Paris for Tourists. I’m so excited but also nervous, since I’ll be going it alone! Your best bet is to stay somewhere near the RER B train for easy access to both the train that goes directly out to Charles De Gaulle and the Antony station which connects you to the Orlyval shuttle train. • Family Hotel: Four Seasons You could also try the Hotel du Lion which offers a few large sized rooms as well as apartments. Also, is there an age limit on staying in Hostels in Paris? The 16 Paris metro lines cover all parts of the city. Rue Cler area more like a little village in the middle of the city. It’s good value, a lively ambiance, and not too far from the area suggested. Not only will you have lots of budget friendly options, the stores themselves are beautiful and practically historic landmarks. Supermarkets, the metro, etc. (A wonderful pre-departure experience is eating at Train Bleu restaurant in Hall 1 of Gare de Lyon.) We are on a moderate budget. Am planning a girls’ trip to Paris for my 50th birthday in December. But then it actually isn't. Or on Tuesdays and Fridays check out the Marche Popincourt. Thanks for all your hard work putting it together! Thoughts? One that is worth the hype is Clown Bar, but it’s been written up so much you won’t be the only tourists. that are planned for the Easter holiday./, I am heading to Paris September 24-27th staying in the Latin Quarter area. Getting around Paris by a combination of metro and walking is easy and recommended. Though at times the area may feel overrun with tourists, the biggest advantage is that you’ll find many shops and restaurants open in summer while other areas of the city are quiet. We will be staying in an apartment in Marais. I’ll be travelling on my own but like to get in and live like the locals do. Or for something different, you can always try La Belle Hortense, a great bookshop and wine bar. We will be staying 4 to 5 days and would like to see as much as we can during our stay. The Paris Tourism board has a list of Easter egg hunts, concerts, etc. Any suggestions you have would be great. However some first timers prefer Saint Germain as it’s a little more lively and you’ll have more nightlife options like jazz clubs and wine bars. And do it at night if you can, the buildings are particularly pretty with the way they are lit. The 6th arrondissement is probably my preferred area to stay in Paris. This has really helped me. There you’ll have great seafood as well as the wine region of Muscadet.