Paris Travel Answers

Saint Germain is a great area -- we stayed near the medical school a couple years ago, at Hotel des Grandes Balcons . It's a bit quieter than the "Latin Quarter" but easy walking distance to all kinds of restaurants and clubs, shopping, art galleries... multiple Metro and Bus stops. It's an ideal base. On the other side of the river, I like staying in the Marais -- Grand Hotel Jeanne d'Arc was where we stayed last year. Again, easy walking distance to everything -- shops, bars, cafes, museums, multiple Metro and bus stops, etc. The Marais is slightly more "hip" and Saint Germain is slightly more "classy," and a little quieter. BOTH are walking distance to a whole lot more than Montmartre :-) I've got reviews of both hotels and nearby restaurants from both areas on my Paris page, here.

I'll second the post above. St. Germain is a great place to stay. You'll find lots of restaurants, bars and people out walking at all hours of the day and night. We've stayed at the Hotel le Clement right across the street from the St. Germain Market (really a shopping mall) and it is very convenient. The entire area is fun and safe. Be sure to check St. Sulpice if you've read The DaVinci Code. Also, there's a Delacroix inside and a coin in the side box will light it for you. The fountain in the square outside is beautiful. Another favorite area with lots of things happening is the Latin Quarter. It's a bit less expensive. Both quartiers are near many major sights so you can walk nearly everywhere. Have fun.

Hi, St. Germain is a very nice neighborhood and it's my favorite area. There's alot of good atmosphere there. Lots of restaurants, cafes, and some nice bars, but it's quiet and safe at night. It's very close in walking to the Latin Quarter and the Marais too. I stayed at the Hotel Abbatial St. Germain in 2002. It's not in St. Germain (6th dist.) but it's in the 5th district or Latin Qtr. Just that the street addres is Blvd. St. Germain. However, it's a few minutes walk over to the 6th district. And you'll be only a few blocks in the other direction from the Seine. It's a great location. I did a write-up on my Paris page if you want to check that. But all in all it's a good place, however, be aware some rooms are typically tiny so if possible ask for a 5th or 6th floor room-triple if you want more space. Just don't reserve a single.

Another reason to reserve a 5th or 6th floor room is for the view (Pantheon and/or Notre Dame spires).

Hi there ChrisRJ You mentioned that you stayed at the TImhotel Montmartre on your last visit to Paris - please let me know what its like. (My question is a little further down the Paris Forum)... ... I understand its a great location, so am pleased about that... but if you have anything else to add, I would be really grateful. Many thanks. Helen (aka Teddyaderwich)

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I think I will definitely give the St. Germain area a try on this next visit. As far as my experiences at the Timotel hotel in Montmatre during my last stay, it was a nice hotel and I don't think you'll be disappointed. The rooms were pretty small, but that's not uncommon in many hotels in Paris. I do remember a nice bar right across from the hotel entrance that we would go to in the evenings. You could sit outside, have drinks and just chill. Then within walking distance there a number of small, very Parisian restaurants, plus a Metro stop and a number of shops. Also the hotel is in a small, cool looking square and so there is very little traffic. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay there.