http://www.paris-travel-guide.info/eiffel-tower-bookends/
Finding the Right Place to Stay in Paris
When planning your next visit to Paris, the first thing on your mind is probably where you’re going to stay. Paris has an incredible selection of accommodations, ranging from hostels to vacation apartments to hotels. The choices are pretty limitless and really comes down to what kind of experience you’d like to have in Paris.
Many people visiting Paris want to stay near the popular attractions. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame are the most popular Paris landmarks, all centrally located. But what most first-time visitors to the City of Lights don’t know is that these tourist destinations are located in different parts of the city, and staying near one means you’ll be further away from the others.
The truth is that Paris is divided into 20 districts – known as arrondissements. The closer you are to the city center of Paris, the lower the number. For instance, very center of Paris is the 1st arrondissement. This is where you’ll find the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Palais-Royal. The 8th arrondissements is next to the 1st and is home to the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, which itself is bookended by the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.
If you cross the Seine over to the 7th arrondissement, you’ll be able to explore the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and the Hôtel des Invalides. In the neighboring 6th arrondissement, also known as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Palais du Luxembourg, home to the French Senate, is surrounded by the stunning Luxembourg gardens.
One more pass over the river takes you to the 4th arrondissement, one of the most diverse districts in Paris. It covers two islands – Ile de la Cité and the Ile-Saint-Louis – as well as parts of the Marais. The 4th arrondissements is home to Notre Dame and the Bastille, as well as the iconic city hall of Paris known as the Hôtel de Ville. Visitors will find the Centre Georges Pompidou here, along with the Place des Vosges.
While all of the most popular sites in Paris are clustered around the center of the city, the outer arrondissements hold an abundance of charm. The 18th arrondissement was made famous in the movie Amelie. Montmartre, as it’s called, offers the Sacre Coeur, terrific views overlooking the city, and lots of Parisian charm. Both the 20th and the 14th contain two of Paris’ most famous cemeteries, Pere Lachaise and the Montparnasse Cemetery.
Knowing that the attractions of Paris are spread out – and completely accessible via the Metro – the best way to decide where to stay is knowing your budget and level of service that you want. Hotels without any services like room service or a business center will cost less money than a full-service hotel. Paris is also home to some of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world, like the Ritz and the George V.
If you’re traveling in a large group, you may consider renting a vacation apartment in Paris. From a financial standpoint, a Paris vacation apartment can save you money. You’ll be able to find apartments with multiple bedrooms, and because you’ll have a kitchen, you’ll be able to shop in the markets of Paris and prepare meals in your apartment. What’s more, by staying in an apartment, you’ll be able to get the full Paris experience, living like the locals do.
There are many resources online that can help you find the accommodations that are right for you in Paris. Check out sites like Trip Advisor, Haven in Paris and ParisienSalon.com.
About the Author
Linda Donahue is an award-winning travel writer, photographer and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of ParisienSalon.com. She splits her time between Paris and Miami.