Thursday, December 20, 2012

Where to stay in Paris: What’s the best spot for YOU?



You have decided to visit beautiful Paris, great idea! You are interested in renting a holiday flat, you may already know the number of bedrooms you want, your maximum budget, etc. But have you thought about where to stay exactly in the capital? Paris is divided in 20 districts, each with its own personality. Some neighborhoods are more family-oriented than other, some are very central but quite noisy at night: there is no such thing as a perfect place, but there is for sure a perfect spot for YOU!

Paris, France


Paris 16th district
If you plan on visiting with family, you’ll certainly prefer a quiet district with easy access to the main Parisian attractions. The 15th and 16th districts are a good option: there are not so touristy and rather calm, with plenty of green spots. The huge Bois de Boulogne is where Parisians work out during week-ends, and the Jardin d’Acclimatation is simply ideal for an afternoon with children. In the 15th district, the Park André Citroën is another place of choice: it lies next to the Seine and you can board on a hot-air balloon, for a panorama of Paris 150m above the ground! 
 

Paris 9th district
If you are more into a girls-just-wanna-have-fun spirit, you should definitely consider the 9th district, where Paris’ Opéra is located! It is basically paradise for shopping amateurs, especially around the Haussmann Street, where the two world-famous department stores Le Printemps and Les Galeries Lafayette and international brands line up. Plus Pigalle quarter is a big part of the Parisian night-life. You will encounter bars, nightclubs, cafes but also sex shops and striptease clubs! You may not know but Pigalle has a rather scandalous reputation… Or why not stay in Le Marais, formerly a Jewish area, and now more of a gay-friendly neighbourhood. It is situated right in the centre of Paris, in the 3rd and 4th district. You’ll find there a mix of old stones, vanguard shops, museums and a great party scene!

If you’re travelling with your loved one, Paris should then be synonym of Romance to you! Easy, choose a vacation apartment in Montmartre in the 18th district. Picturesque and lively, you’ll benefit from a breathtaking panorama while having a “crèpe” or wandering along its paved streets. The 1st district is another alternative. Next to the banks of the Seine, you will be next to the majestic Louvre Museum and many more very romantic spots, such as the Pont des Arts. 

Paris 18th district


Business travelers will appreciate the proximity of the 15th and 16th district to major business centers: the Parc des Expositions de Versailles and La Défense for the latter. There are plenty of short-term rentals there to choose from. 

Paris 10th district
Travelling on a budget? Then look for a neighbourhood not so central but still nice. My personal pick would be the 10th district: nice and picturesque around the Canal Saint-Martin, it benefits from a great cultural mix in the area of Little India or Small Turkey. Plus, it borders the great Marais district and the most beautiful Parisian park is close by (Les Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th district). In general, to limit your housing budget in Paris, choose a holiday flat in districts from the 10th to the 20th.


Once you have figured out the neighbourhood that best fits your needs, it’s time to look for a nice holiday flat… You’ll have plenty of alternatives! Have a look at City Getaway, there is an apartment for everyone there, whether you plan on travelling with your family or with friends, for a short stay or a whole month. Next? Enjoy your trip in Paris!

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