Tour and Travel

Article by Stephen Daniels

If you are planning a trip to Paris, you will find an overwhelming number of luxury hotels, inns, hostels and even private apartments available for rental in almost every neighborhood. The most important factor to consider is the location. The perfect location will depend on individual preferences. Visitors will often hear the terms “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” regarding Paris neighborhoods, referring to the southern and northern sides of the Seine River, respectively. Here are some districts (or arrondissements) to consider for your stay.

Louvre/Les Halles/Palais Royal (1st arrondissement) – Those who are visiting for the art should find a hotel or apartment in the first district, located on the Right Bank. The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and many massive collections of art from all different eras. To examine every piece of artwork in this museum can take up to a week! This district also includes the city’s most formal garden, the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as the former food and meat market, the Forum des Halles – now a popular locale for shopping and entertainment.

Saint Germain (6th arrondissement) – If you are interested in browsing at boutiques and idling your afternoons away in little cafes, then Saint Germain is a great place to stay. This is the primary area housing the publishing industry in Paris as well as a major art school in its colorful Left Bank community, giving it both literary and artistic roots. With a myriad of charming smaller inns and hotels, it is also conveniently located near the popular 1st, 7th and 5th arrondissements.

Le Marais (4th arrondissement) – One of the most vibrant districts on the Right Bank, Le Marais has the newest restaurants, bars and clubs filled with eclectic types as well as a thriving gay and lesbian culture. It also contains two museums worth visiting, including the Musee Picasso and the Musee Carnavalet, a museum depicting the city’s rich history. Lodging ranges from boutique hotels to private apartment rentals. Those in search of exciting nightlife would find it convenient to stay in Marais.

Champs-Elysees/Arc de Triomphe (8th arrondissement) – Fashionistas and lovers of designer goods might like to stay close to the 8th arrondissement, which centers on the Champs-Elysees. This famous street extends from the Arc de Triomphe, one of the great landmarks in Paris, to the Place de la Concorde, featuring the 3,300 year old Obelisk of Luxor. Many of the city’s best restaurants, most luxurious hotels, most fashionable shops and most expensive houses are in this area.

Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) – Known as the old scholarly neighborhood, this Left Bank neighborhood is home to La Sorbonne Universities. Browse through the many secondhand bookshops as you wander through the old cobblestone streets. Accommodations tend to be less expensive than other parts of the city, good for the budget conscious traveler.

Invalides (7th arrondissement) – What tourist can leave Paris without paying a visit to the most beloved French structure, the Eiffel Tower? The absolute Eiffel Tower lover could find plenty of hotels to stay in the 7th district. Expect the area to be very touristy and a bit far away from the center of Paris where most of the other main attractions are located.

Montmarte (18th arrondissement) – Montmarte captures the romantic side of Paris. Its main site is the beautiful cathedral of the Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart), perched on top of a hill. This district is rather far from the Parisian center but is definitely worth a trip. You can also find cheaper hotels and hostels in the area if you don’t mind the walk.

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