I want to stay in "Central" Paris
I am often asked by people for accommodations in central Paris. Though I know what they mean when they ask that, I almost feel like saying, "what is central Paris?" The thing is that most tourists don't understand the geography of Paris and overestimate the distances. If you go onto some of the Paris travel forums (I won't site them but I am sure you all know which ones I am talking about), you will find "experts" on Paris telling people to stay in the 5th, the 6th or 7th districts. I have nothing against these areas and have lived in the 5th and gone to school in both the 5th and the 6th (Junior year abroad), but Paris is so much more than just these areas and because of the escargot shape (snail shape), the 17th is just next to the 8th, and the 18th. The 18th is next to the 10th and above the 9th (where you have Opera), The 9th is just above the 2nd. So are you far? Not at all. I have taken a casual walk to the Marais from the 18th via the Champs-Elysee (in the 8th), through the Tuileries gardens (the 1st), past the Louvre (also the 1st) and I think it took me an hour or so. Paris also has a great metro system not to mention a great bus system. I think that all the districts of Paris merit being visited. If for nothing else but to experience Paris the way a Parisian does, going to local bakeries, pastry shops, bars and restaurants. Go to places where you might actually run into a Parisian. Ha, now wouldn't that be funny? I welcome your opinions on your Paris experience and would love for people to comment here about the interesting places they've visited.Labels: Paris Holiday, Paris Vacation, Travel
3 Comments:
My favorite arrondissement is actually the 19th - it has probably the best park in Paris - Buttes-Chaumont, where men play petanque and people walk their dogs, a great open-air market on avenue Secretan and a view of Paris only seen by true Parisiens. A must visit.
I completely agree with you. If you stand in front of the Mairie du 19eme you find yourself standing in front of one of the best looking townhalls in Paris and just behind is the Buttes which is one of the rare green spaces within Paris.
It is amazing what one will find when they just step outside the guide book a little.
Thanks for your comment Parker
Yetunde, you are SO right about the "geography" of Paris. You don't have to limit your stay to a "certain" area, and you *don't* want to be stuck in a "tourist trap" environment. We have stayed in hotel rooms before. This time we stayed in one of your apartments, a first for us. You delivered all that was promised (feelslikehomeinparis.com). We were traveling under less-than-ideal circumstances this trip, with children and extended family members, but it turned out to be a wonderful stay in spite of our circumstances. You made our stay so comfortable and gave us so much help with everything from directions for getting around and recommendations in the neighborhood, to help with some equipment in the apartment. You have thought of and taken care of every detail so that we could just enjoy our time there, hassel-free. We avoided lots of problems and saved lots of precious time due to the benefit of your thoughtfulness and attention to detail. We highly recommend to anyone wanting their stay in Paris to feel as nice as home, and better, to contact you. You will feel totally pampered, but left alone (in a good way). Thank you, again, and see you next time!
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