I've narrowed the search for an apartment rental to these areas. They both seem well recommended but I'm having a problem deciding. It is our second visit to Paris, but the 1st one was a very quick one - we were on a tour. We want to experience some more of Paris this time. We will be there for a week in January. I would welcome your opinion/advice on where you would choose to stay.
Both are wonderful areas. If the apartments are equal, especially since you're new to Paris, I'd go for Ile Saint Louis. It's small, compact, and just jam-packed with restaurants and interesting little shops. Mostly, though, it's absolutely central, just steps from Notre Dame and either the left or right bank.
The Marais is a larger area, so the apartment there could either be very central or not so central. I've stayed in an apartment on Rue de Turenne just off Place des Vosges. I loved that location, but it wasn't quite as central as the Ile would be.
Especially in January, with short cold days, you may appreciate saving steps.
We stayed on Ile Saint Louis for 2 weeks last June and loved it. It was busy during the day but we were usually off sightseeing other areas, however at night and early morning it had a village feel and we could nearly believe we were locals. The island is close to both banks of the Seine so an easy walk to a lot of attractions, restaurants and cafes. There are metros handy that will take you to most parts of Paris so you are really not far from anywhere.
I spent some time shopping in the Marais and like this area too, but it is also an easy walk from the island.
Jill
Posts: 202 | Location: Queenscliff Victoria Australia | Registered: 10 January 2005
For physical charm, both are up there. For me the Marais is more of a "real" neighborhood, with more neighborhood-oriented shops instead of visitor-oriented shops. But even these neighborhood-oriented shops in the Marais are disappearing, being replaced by cafés and chic boutiques… Lastly the Marais and island are adjacent in a way you don't really have to choose. You can just stay in one and very easily visit the other on a daily basis.
Exquisite dilemma! Both are wonderful, and as Americana noted you can very easily go back and forth between the two. No toll to cross the Seine as there once was!
I also would lean toward the Marais, simply because there's more there. But as noted, where exactly in the Marais is a consideration.
Thank you everyone. It seems that there is no wrong decision, I just have to make one! I think I'm a bit nervous about booking an apartment through a website for the first time as well, which makes the whole decision harder than it need be. Oh decisions, decisons! Thanks again, this website is a wonderful help. Denise
We were nervous about booking our first apartment in Paris but it worked out very well. We rented through VRBO http://www.slowtrav.com/france/vr/review.asp?n=2900 and were worried that a deposit wasn't asked for. It worked out well though. Both areas are great to stay in although some people feel there are too many tourists in either area. The metros aren't on the island as pointed out but are a short walk away on the Marais side. There are more on the St Germain des Pres area too.
Either way you will have a wonderful time. Jill
Posts: 202 | Location: Queenscliff Victoria Australia | Registered: 10 January 2005
Hardly a decision-tipper, but historically (or at least in the maturity category) the Marais wins. The isle was developed - a.k.a raised above flood level - after the success of the Place de Vosges in the Marais. Nice housing project that!
We just returned last Saturday from a one week stay on Ile St Louis....and it was great. BUT....we did not end up doing much cooking or eating in because I found most of the markets or major shopping areas were not near there and once out and off somewhere we didn't want to have to lug the purchases back to the apartment.
On the Ile there are a couple of fromagerie, patisserie (all were excellent for warm croissants and breakfast things etc!!) and some small alimentare, but not the superduper fish markets and produce markets that they have in other areas, such as the Marais or Latin Quarter.
There were also daily markets set up in various places (didn't see one on the Ile though), but again schelpping the purchases back to the apartment just weren't an option for us, nor was carrying them around all morning/afternoon.
This was a bit of a disappointment as I was planning on having a couple of dinners in using the great produce and fresh fish etc, but then again we had some great lunches and dinners (Le Lutetia on the Ile was great) on our daily outings.
Ile St Louis was very central for heading off to everything. The nearest metro is on Ile de la Cite, only a five minute walk or the one near Pont Marie, which I think was even less walking time. The RER is also on Ile de la Cite (for Versailles).
Wherever you decide to stay, you will enjoy it.....Paris is fantastic. I think it is one of the best "walking" cities ever. If you get tired, there is never a cafe more than a few steps further to stop and enjoy the views or activities.
