Paris Hotels - Where to stay in Paris ?
Paris is among the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and different atmospheres: Romantic, luxurious, contemporary and original. From a neighborhood to another, the architecture can be very different even if it is one of the most protected architecture in the world. The hotel location will strongly influence your Paris experience for short and long term stays as well. To guide you through this choice, we have listed below 6 main areas of Paris:
Opera, Madeleine, Saint Lazare | Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe | Saint Germain des Pres, Montparnasse | Gare de Lyon, Bastille, Vincennes | Louvre, Beaubourg, Marais | Wagram, Batignolles, Porte Maillot.
Paris districts and areas
1. Opera, Madeleine, St Lazare: Paris 8 & 9
Personality: Business, shopping and classy
Paris Opera district features gorgeous stone buildings of Haussmann era. Opera is located in the West Centre part of Paris, between the Louvre and the Champs Elysees. Its large range of department stores makes this district a real paradise for shopping.
> View Paris Opera Hotels- Tips
- Take a daytime visit at Opera Garnier
- Plan ahead your reservation for Comedie Francaise and Opera as well
- Shop in the Japanese Brand store Uniqlo, rue Scribre
2. Champs Elysees, Etoile : Paris 8, 16 & 17
Personality: Luxurious, shopping and touristic
Luxury, finance and political power, the Champs Elysees is a prestigious part of the capital. The Champs Elysees Avenue is considered as the most beautiful avenue in Paris and an attraction of Paris that one must see.
> View Paris Champs Elysees Hotels- Tips
- Shop on Sunday and week evenings on the Champs Elysees Avenue
- Enjoy lighting of Champs Elysees during Christmas period
3. Saint Germain des Pres, Montparnasse: Paris 6, 14 & 15
Personality: Elegant, cultural and shopping
Paris left bank, Saint Germain des Pres is the historic district of bookstores and publishers with a blend of culture and style. Close to Saint Germain des Pres, Montparnasse also offers many attraction and dining options.
> View Saint Germain des Pres & Montparnasse hotels- Tips
- Take a drink at Café de Flore or Café des Deux Magots
- Visit the art galleries, rue de Seine
- For kids only, Ride a pony in the Luxembourg Gardens
4. Gare de Lyon, Bastille, Vincennes: Paris 11 & 12
Personality: Popular, lively and trendy
The Paris Gare de Lyon district is next to Bastille and the Marais, both places are great spots for bars, restaurants, nightlife and alternative shopping. The city of Vincennes offers a relaxing and peaceful environment a few minutes away from Paris.
> View Paris Gare de Lyon Hotels- Tips
- Explore the nice open-air Aligre market, closed on Monday
- Have a walk on the Promenade Plantee
5. Louvre, Beaubourg, Marais: Paris 1, 2 & 3
Personality: Historical, touristy and lively
The Louvre district is settled around the Louvre Museum and the Palais Royal. The smart streets around have much to offer with lots of fashion, jewelry and Haute-Couture stores. The Marais is one of the oldest districts of Paris. Trendy, this spot is also well-known as the gay life district in Paris.
> View Paris Louvre & Marais Hotels- Tips
- Get free admission in Louvre Museum on the first Sunday of each month
- Shop in the Marais, on Sunday as well
- Please note that Picasso Museum is closed for renovation until 2012
6. Wagram, Batignolles, Arc de Triomphe : Paris 17
Personality: Classy, peaceful and business
The Wagram Monceau area is next to Opera and Champs Elysees. It shares many similarities in terms of atmosphere and architecture with these districts. This residential and peaceful area offers charming and typically Parisian architecture.
> View Paris Wagram & Batignolles Hotels- Tips
- Get a brunch at the Jacquemart-Andre museum cafe
- Explore Rue Poncelet Market
- Have a walk in the Batignolles district
