"Where to stay during Paris vacations?"
Paris is made up of 20 neighborhoods (arrondissments) that spiral
out from the city’s historic center (Ile de la Cité). The spiraling
pattern resembles a snail’s shell, which is apt. Parisians will
routinely refer to the arrondissements numbers, so you should be
familiar with the distinct nature of each one.
◊ The best of Paris areas for
Paris vacation rental apartments:
In the case of short-term Paris apartments for rent (Paris vacations
or business stays), you will want to have
everything you need within immediate walking distance: shops,
sights, restaurants, cafés and that street life that is so Parisian.
You will also want to be able to explore most of the desirable and
reputed areas of central Paris on foot, without having to take the
metro whenever you go out. Insist on an apartment located in the
most central and desirable zones of Paris. Secure any luxury Paris apartments in
the following areas, and you can’t go wrong:
 1st
arrondissement (Concorde, Louvre):
This is one of the city’s grandest walks, from Place de la Concorde
through the Tuilerie gardens to the great glass pyramid of the
Louvre. The Comédie Française stands at one corner of the Palais
Royal, an arcaded 18th-century garden bordered by shops and
restaurants. Lavish jewelers ring the Place Vendôme, with more
down-to-earth shopping along rue de Rivoli.
2nd
arrondissement (Montorgueil, Victoires, Bourse):
Rue Etienne Marcel and Place des Victoires are lined with
cutting-edge fashion boutiques. A lovely blend of old and new, the
19th-century Galerie Vivienne is a covered passage filled with great
shops. The Palais de la Bourse houses the stock market, but the
focal point is rue Montorgueil market, one of Paris’ very best open
street markets. Often unjustly overlooked by tourists.
3rd / 4th
arrondissements (Le Marais) :
The historic Marais is perhaps the most popular choice for Paris
vacations.
The narrow streets of Paris’ historic heart are rich with contrast:
traditional orthodox Jews rub shoulders with furiously trendy gays,
while the wonderful patina of the 16th and 17th-century buildings is
sharply enhanced by the designs and colors of as many
forward-looking boutiques. Don’t miss Place des Vosges, the city’s
oldest and most romantic squares. Visit the provocatively
multicolored Pompidou Center, a sprawling modern art gallery that
towers over the centuries-old mansions of the area. Many Paris
apartments for rent here will have period ceiling beams, adding to the charm. On the
other hand, apartments here tend not to have elevators, as there is
rarely room to install them. This certainly doesn’t bother the
locals, so you shouldn’t let it bother you either.
5th
arrondissement (Le Quartier Latin) :
Called the Latin Quarter after the language Sorbonne students once
spoke here. The students are still here, hanging out mostly around
the Place Saint Michel and it’s fountain. There’s an excellent open
market on rue Mouffetard, a gorgeous garden called the Jardin des
Plantes, and mint tea at the city’s oldest mosque.
6th
arrondissement (Saint Germain) :
Once the epitome of Left-Bank intellectual chic, now more luxury
than litterary, but still graced with cafés and art galleries as
well as new high-end shops. Sartre philosophised in the café Les
Deux Magots and Le Flore, next to the Church of Saint Germain.
You’ll pay twice as much for a coffee here, but that’s the price of
history. The Luxembourg gardens, one of the city’s most beautiful
parks, offer everything from children’s playgrounds and pony rides
to tennis, boules, chess or laid-back drague (chatting up).
Paris vacation rental apartments here tend to be the most expensive.
7th
arrondissement (Eiffel Tower & rue Cler):
This neighbourhood does not flash its money, but don’t be fooled,
apartments here are almost as expensive as in the 6th. Overlooked by
the Eiffel Tower, the buildings proudly display their gloriously
grand stone carvings. The airy, wide open avenues are the antithesis
of the somewhat cramped streets of the Marais. The Champs de Mars
park, behind the Eiffel Tower, offers a stunning setting for
reading, strolling, or just letting the kids vent their energy at
the playground. There’s lots to visit besides the Eiffel Tower,
including the Musée Rodin, Musée d’Orsay, Hotel des Invalides and
Ecole Militaire. The focal point of the area is the pedestrian rue
Cler market, one of Paris’ best street markets and a true foody’s
paradise. The adjoining streets, including rue Saint Dominique, are
lined with great shops and a bewildering array of deliciously
tempting restaurants and cafés. The Bon Marché, Paris’ chicest
department store, is a must.
8th
arrondissement (Champs Elysées, Golden Triangle):
The money is more exuberant in this glitzy business and couture
district. The Champs Elysées remains a magnetic attraction as the
world’s most beautiful avenue to walk along. Hédiard and Fauchon on
Place de la Madeleine offer enticingly fancy foodstuffs. Shopping on
and around avenue Montaigne is mostly high-end designer clothing and
art. Come nightfall, the neighborhood stays very much alive with a
trendy club scene.
South 9th
arrondissement (Opera):
Much of this sizeable district is largely business-dominated, less
appropriate for Paris vacations, though do make sure you
don't overlook the south part, around the sumptuous Palais
Garnier Opera House and the high-end department stores of Galleries
Lafayette and Printemps. A quick walk down avenue de l’Opera and
you’ll reach the Louvre and the rest of central Paris.
North
16th arrondissement (Passy, Trocadero):
The elegant 16th is home to conservative old money. The north half,
from Passy to the Arc de Triomphe, has an energetic buzz to it, with
many sophisticated restaurants and shops. You’ll have to hop on the
metro to reach the geographic center of Paris. That said, you will
have every convenience right next to your apartment here. The Place
du Trocadero is in this arrondissement, offering one of the best
views of the Eiffel Tower.
South
17th arrondissement (Ternes, Etoile):
Much of the city’s bourgeois elite lives here, from the park Monceau
to the Arc de Triomphe, via Place des Ternes. The 17th is a
fashionable neighborhood, with none of the conservative stuffiness
of the 16th. The area is a good balanced mix of business,
residential and quality shopping, with a great village-like
atmosphere all around the rue Poncelet open street market.
18th
arrondissement (Montmartre):
The Montmartre hill, crested by the Sacré Coeur basilica, and
popularized by Amélie Poulain, is the attraction of this outer
arrondissement. The area near and around Place du Tertre is
marvelous. You’ll enjoy stunning views over the capital, and mingle
with many tourists. The locals are artsy low-key bohemian chic. We
would warmly recommend a stay here, in one of Paris' most charming
locations.
◊ Other locations,
possible for longer-term Paris apartments for rent:
In the case of longer term Paris apartments for rent (over a month), you could
consider one of the more off-center neighborhoods, many of which
offer delightfully authentic and tourist-free environments. Unlike
for Paris vacations, you won’t feel the same need to have
all the major monuments on your doorstep. Keep in mind that Paris is a small
capital and one extremity is never more than 30 minutes from the
other.
North 9th
arrondissement:
The architecture of the 9th is as grand as anywhere else in Paris,
though the streets here lack the vibrant chic of central Paris.
10th
arrondissement:
This ex-working-class neighborhood is a fashionable up-and-coming
arty district. This cutting-edge trendiness is not always apparent
in the shops and restaurants, which are still mostly quite simple,
but you can feel it in the air and in the locals you cross. Secure
an apartment rental on the Canal Saint Martin, and you’ll have a
wonderful time enjoying a scene that is 100% charming and 100%
tourist-free.
11th/12th
arrondissements:
The areas around Bastille, République and rue Oberkampf are young
and happening, coming alive at night with a varied club and bar
scene. A former railroad viaduct is now Viaduc des Arts, with great
artisanal shops topped by a lovely roof garden.
13th/14th/15th arrondissements:
These are largely residential and style-free areas, and are somewhat
lacking in sparkle. The Chinese district in the 13th is of interest.
If you find a apartments for rent around rue du Commerce in the 15th, then
you’ll enjoy the life and spirit that you get in more central parts
of Paris.
South
16th arrondissement:
The South of the 16th is conservative bourgeois residential. It’s
very peaceful. The area around Auteuil is best, with genuine
Parisian street-life around the local street market.
North
17th arrondissement:
Best secure an apartment near the chic Park Monceau, or around the
lively and upmarket Villiers area, focused on the jewel of a street
market in rue Levis. Further north, the arrondissement quickly becomes a
relatively down-market and character-free residential zone, best
avoided.
19th /
20th arrondissements:
The neighborhoods are known as “quartier populaires”, which
translates as cheerfully downmarket. Mostly tourist-free, these
areas present an animated and cosmopolitan street scene. If you want
to live longer-term and get a good feel for the authentic old Paris
(pre world-brands and mass tourism), then look for an apartment in
the Buttes-aux-Cailles area, which is definitely up-and-coming.
What
about the suburbs?
The suburbs around Paris are relatively uninspiring, be it for Paris
vacations or longer stays. If you must,
then stick to the western ones and stay close to the périphérique
(Neuilly, Boulogne, Asnières, Surresnes, Levallois...). Paris
apartments for rent here are all safe options. Avoid anywhere else like the plague
(burning cars, anyone?).
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