We're going to Paris for Xmas. I've been there before but this time I wanna make sure to stay in an area that gives me a better feel for Parisian culture but yet still close to the sights as we're taking my brothers for their first time in Paris. So what's the best area in Paris? I know it depends on what you're looking for so descriptions of the atmosphere would help.
2006-10-25 21:43:02 · 11 answers · asked by rania 1 in Travel ➔ France ➔ Paris
Hmm...i was initially looking at the 6th district. it sounds so chic and hip without being overly crowded and still retaining that neighborhood feel. my mom on the other hand is looking at a hotel in the 9th. i guess i want to be able to experience the culture and local lifestyle more this time around but still be close to the sights. nothing majorly touristy and noisy but i don't want anything quiet either.
from reviews, i think the ones that stand out are the 5th, 6th, and 18th.
2006-10-26 00:15:34 · update #1
The left banks of the Seine are very pretty : as it has already been precised, 5th and 6th districts ("Quartier Latin") give a quite sympathetic atmosphere, all the more it is a dynamic district (lots of students).
But some other districts are pleasant, going farther to the South : "Montparnasse" (between 14th and 15th districts), "La Butte aux Cailles" (in the 13th) are very pleasnat places to stay in
Montmartre also (in the north)
2006-10-29 07:21:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to answer such a question without knowing your actual interests. You may even have differences within the arrondissement. Cosy areas are certainly 7th, 8th, 16th and Neuilly. The St-Louis island is very quiet and expensive. The Marais area is famous with Gay people. The 11th, 12th (Bastille area) is middle range people. The 18th (around Montmartre) is worth, but avoid the North of 18th which is much dirtier. The 9th is mainly aimed at tourist as you encounter offices and big departemental stores. The 10th and 19th along Canal St-Martin has kept the charm of Paris, beginning of 20th Century.
The 14th and 15th are inhabited by those who cannot afford the cosy areas (Montparnasse is artist minded). The 5th, 6th are identical, but the people are rather casual and tend to remain students (Bld St-Germain, Bld St-Michel).
To have some views of Paris have a glance at http://paris.c-lafrance.com/
Hope this help !
2006-10-26 05:44:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paris is pretty easy no navigate, it is smaller that you would think. I have been a couple times and you can easily get from one end to the other on the Metro in 15 mins. I would recommend staying in a hostel. I have stayed at a few and my favorite by far is the Peace & Love youth hostel on Rue De LaFayette. There is a bar in the lobby, it is within walking distance to several great cafes and bakeries, and across the street from two metro stops. Majority of the hostels are english speaking and friendly. Do pick a hostel with a bar / cafe because traveling alone is tricky, and it is a safe and easy way to meet people who are looking to make friends and explore the city! Hope this helps, have a safe trip Bon Voyage!!
2016-05-21 21:42:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As Phil says, each arrondissement has its own atmosphere.
It's hard to answer this question. It depends on your interests, if you like quiet or bustling areas...
In the 18th, in Montmartre you have a good Parisian atmosphere as well as in the 5th, the 8th is posh and clean and so is the 7th. I would recommend a central arrondissement anyway.
Have a wonderful Xmas in Paris !
2006-10-25 23:05:27 · answer #4 · answered by Baiocchi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very difficult to answer indeed. But I'll suggest you the hotel Ascot Opera - rue Monsigny no.2 (arr.2). It's a small hotel, in a safe area, but very well located, just few steps to the Louvre, Place Vendome, Place de la Concorde, Opera Garnier and the main boulevards of Paris. Enjoy your trip !
2006-10-26 07:38:58 · answer #5 · answered by paris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's very difficult because each arrondissement has is own atmosphere. But I think that St Germain-des-Prés ( 6 th arr.) is very parisian , central , close to the Seine river. You can walk to the sights very easily from there. I think you're going to love it.
Enjoy Christmas in Paris .
2006-10-25 22:50:55 · answer #6 · answered by phil_bastille 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found the Latin Quarter in the 6th arrondissement to be the best area....close to Notre Dame....a nice walk to Louve.....
2006-11-02 13:08:08 · answer #7 · answered by Pam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I adore the 18th, Montmartre. I feel like it gives me the true spirit of Paris.
2006-10-25 21:56:12 · answer #8 · answered by cordial 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
18th is nice, lots of really touristy stuff for mom, and montmartre is fun to walk around. the marais district (the third?) is probably best because it is so central, nice to stroll in, full of things to do.
2006-10-26 02:49:50 · answer #9 · answered by domangelo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely the fifth!!! the Latin quarter is the most welcoming place! there are many sites to visit, like notre-dame, the pompidou centre, or things like that. And of course, many restaurants are in the Latin quarter, it is really convenient, according to me!
2006-10-28 22:59:36 · answer #10 · answered by 1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋