Where to stay in Paris – 5 best places
Having sufficient knowledge on the best area to stay in Paris will enable you to investigate all that Paris brings to the table.
Even though Paris is known as the romantic city on the planet, romance isn’t all that Paris offers.
Millions of guests arrive in Paris every year to encounter the remarkable air of the town. Regardless of whether your Paris occasion is for love, family occasion or shopping, there is something for everybody in Paris.
Paris is isolated into twenty zones (in France, they are called arrondissements) that are partitioned by the Seine river, as you can see in the picture. Parisians often say – to live on the left bank or the right bank.
One district can cover several arrondissements, and in reality, it is. But do not worry, it is confusing, but in practice, the term arrondissements uses most post, police and other state administration organizations. In English, you will be ok with the expression district or neighborhood.
Each part has its particular attributes and vibe. An ideal approach to settle on where to stay in Paris is to comprehend what each area brings to the table.
So, the question is – where to stay in Paris? Which neighborhood is the best to stay for the first time? We chose five options for you.
1) Saint Germain
Saint Germain or the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district (No. 6 on the map) is the best neighborhood for families or people who want to discover the true Paris at any cost.
Saint Germain holds the timeless charm of the Left Bank while buzzing with a lively array of galleries, restaurants, and jazz clubs.
From the upscale shops that are situated along the bustling Boulevard Saint Germain to the aristocratic peace of the Jardin du Luxembourg (also known as Luxembourg Gardens – excellent in summer), this district is popular with locals and tourists.
This neighborhood typically attracts a well-heeled crowd who come seeking only the biggest names in fashion and food.
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.
Where to stay in the Saint Germain district?
Which hotels are reasonable in this area? Check out our selection of the best hotels in the Saint Germain area. The average price is about EUR400 – 450 for 3 nights.
Public transport
The possibilities of public transport are excellent: two central metro stations and twelve bus stations. Metro: purple line No. 4 (station Saint-Germain-des-Prés) and yellow line No. 10. (station Mabillion).
How to get to Saint Germain from Paris airports?
- From the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) always take RER line “B” and go to the Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station. After that, you have three options for how to get to the district. If you don’t have heavy luggage, you can go on foot. From the station it is about 10 minutes walk away. Or you can go to the metro – purple line No. 4 and take two stops to the station Saint-Germain-des-Prés. And the third option is to take a taxi. All the public transport ways take about 45 – 55 minutes, taxi about 60 minutes.
- From the Orly Airport (ORY), always take the Orlybus and go five stops to the station Denfert-Rochereau-Métro-RER. From here you can change to the metro – purple line No. 4, from station Denfert-Rochereau and go six stops to the station Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This way takes about 45 – 50 minutes. Taxi takes about 40 minutes.
Where to eat in Saint Germain area?
1) Lovely is the Cezembre Restaurant. The whole menu for EUR29, at the weekend for EUR35. Please, if you were satisfied, comment on this site tips on food for the others.
2) If you want something cozier, try Freddy’s restaurant/bar, it is a very nice hidden gem in Paris!
3) If you are on the budget or want to eat at late night, try this fantastic restaurant – Cook’n Saj. Again, if you were satisfied here, comment on this site, please.
Want to buy wine for a great night?
Relative good French wine you can buy from supermarkets. For example, this one, in the area. Do you want something special? You have to go to the wine shop and, in this area, it is this regional seller La Derniere Goutte (and do not be fooled by the outside of the store).
Our next tip for you is the wine shop La Maison Des Millésimes close to metro station Mabillon.
2) Le Marais
This is our favorite area.
The trendiest district in Paris, the Marais is defined by the hip Parisians who come to eat, drink and shop in this uber cool quarter.
Though the character of the neighborhood leans towards a younger audience, the Marais’s diversity offers something for everyone. Ranging from its famed Jewish quarter to the historic Place des Vosges.
For visitors who’ve already checked off every place in their checklist, the Marais is the perfect place to understand Paris outside of the guidebooks.
Where to stay in the Le Marais area?
Which hotels are fine in the Le Marais district? Check this list of the best hotels. The average price is around EUR600 for 3 nights.
Public transport
There is nine metro stations and very much bus stations. Metro: green line No. 3, pink line No. 8, yellow line No. 1, brown line No. 11 and orange line No. 5. That’s very comfortable.
How to get to the Le Marais from Paris airports?
- From the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) take RER line “B” and leave the Châtelet – Les Halles station. After that, you can change the metro brown line No. 11 and go two stops to Rambuteau station. This way takes about 50 – 60 minutes, by taxi about 45 minutes.
- From the Orly Airport (ORY), you can take the train T7 and go sixteen stops to the station Villejuif – Louis Aragon. From here you can change the metro – pink line No. 4, from the station of the same name to the station Pont Marie (12 stops). This way takes about 60 minutes. Taxi takes about 40 minutes (in this case it is a better solution).
Where to eat in Le Marais district?
1) If you want to save your money or want to eat something small, there is an excellent baguettes buffet Miznon where you can find yummy products at a reasonable price.
2) Another nice option is this cozy bistro Le Chanard. But you have to know they accept cash only!
3) Do you want to try something original from the French cuisine? Go to the Restaurant L’Ange 20, another hidden gem with for your sour tongue!
Where to buy good wine in the Le Marais district?
In this area is many small supermarkets, where you can NOT buy good wine. So in this case, try to find some wine shop. I can recommend the following:
1) Wine Touch wine shop, close to Le Centre Pompidou and metro station Rambuteau.
2) “Lot” Of Wine wine shop, which is close to river Seine.
3) Nicolas Bretagne wine shop, which has two shops with wine in the Le Marais district.
3) 1ST Arrondissement
Sightseeing is unquestionably something you should do in Paris. The Louvre is the star attraction of the 1st Arrondissement and you can spend days at the Louvre.
The outdoor gardens are a must. Walk from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde through the Jardin des Tuileries and wonder at the outdoor statues, gardens, and fountains.
You could shop at the in the elegant boutiques and trendy cafés along the Rue de Rivoli street.
Ponte Neuf Bridge is the oldest bridge in Paris and one of the favorites in the city.
Take a walk along this centuries-old bridge linking the Right and Left Banks through the Île de la Cité. Also if you like walking, the area around Les Halls and the River Seine is home to many pedestrian streets.
Shopping
There’s a premier underground shopping center called Les Halles. This was formerly the Paris food market, now it’s a place to shop and see a movie. Palais Royal is home to the ministry of culture but you can visit its gardens and surrounding boutique shops.
Where to stay in the 1th arrondissement?
Here we chose for you hotels which are not so expensive ones: the best hotels in Paris city center. The average price here is about EUR550 for 3 nights.
Public transport
It is not so big place, but still there is 7 metro stations with five metro lines (yellow 1, pink 7, purple 14 and 4, and green 3). Because it is a histrorical center, there is no too much bus stops, as well as vehicles in the streets.
How to get to the 1th arrondissement from Paris airports?
- From the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) take the RER line “B” and after three stops leave the Châtelet – Les Halles station. That’s all. This way takes about 50 minutes, by taxi about 45 minutes.
- From the Orly Airport (ORY), take Le bus direct (EUR12) to the station Paris – Gare Montparnasse. From here you can change the metro – green line No. 12, from the station Gare Montparnasse to the station Concorde (7 stops). This way takes about 50 minutes. Taxi takes up to 40 minutes.
Where to eat in the 1th arrondissement?
You cannot expect cheap buffets, although of course, fast food is always there.
1) If you want to experience heaven on earth, try book a place in the Mumi restaurant. Lunch about EUR30, dinner about EUR50. Bottle of wine from EUR40 – 300.
2) Michelin restaurant Pur’ – Jean-François Rouquette can attract you with a special French food. But don’t ask me for a price list.
Is there any cheaper alternative? Of course, there is.
Chez la Vieille – more at the east from 1th arr., but not so far. À la Carte menu about EUR15 – 25, a cake for EUR6.
If you have personally more tips about great restaurants for a good price (best with locals) in the 1th arrondissement, please feel free to write to me at mark@wheretostay.tips
Where can you buy good wine?
In this location, definitely in LQV Le Quinze Vins wine shop.
Tip for backpackers – try to buy wine in supermarket Monoprix, close to Pyramides metro.
4) 7th Arrondissement
A visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower and if you are seeing it for the first time, this could be the best place for you to stay in Paris.
Napoleon’s tomb is located in Les Invalides and you can have an interesting tour through the military history of France.
The Musee d’Orsay museum is a dream for those who love Impressionism. With Monet, Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Surat, Manet, and Gauguin hanging from its walls, it keeps the largest collection of impressionist art in the world.
You may have seen the giant green area from every aerial view of Paris, that’s the Champs de Mars which offers beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and is a perfect spot for a Parisian picnic.
Best places to stay in 7th Arrondissement in Paris
There is a chance to catch a good hotel for a reasonable price. Especially if you book ahead, you have great opportunity to stay for cheap money in the nearby center. Check out these best hotels in the 7th arrondissement in Paris.
5) The 11th Arrondissement (great price tip for the first stay)
If you have a limited budget, but still want to stay near the city center, it is a perfect location. I was there and can confirm it myself. Going to the eleventh arrondissement will understand the culture of the Parisians.
The 11th is also the best neighborhood for foodies. Located just outside the central arrondissements and with lower rents, many of the city’s up and coming chefs have started up in this area. Regularly catering to a local crowd, prices are comparatively more affordable in the 11th where the focus is on relaxed eateries with excellent food vs. conventional haute cuisine. You’ll find everything here from newly created Michelin star establishments to the most trend-setting chefs to amazing natural wine bars.
Where to stay in the 11th arrondissement in Paris?
Here you can choose your next stay from these cheaper hotels in this location.