best places to stay in Paris

Last Updated: 14 September 2017

Paris is a beautiful patchwork quilt of enticing arrondissements, each one with its own reasons to lure you away from the rest of the city. The City of Lights is aglow, thanks to these unique neighbourhoods rich in vintage French culture, cuisine and sights. The differences in these areas are outstanding, from the natural islet of Ile Saint-Louis to the youthful exuberance of the Latin Quarter. Searching for the best places to stay in Paris? We’ve uncovered the six best neighbourhoods in Paris, along with the top attractions that can be found in each one.


6 Best Places to stay in Paris

Not sure where to stay in Paris? We’ve uncovered the six best neighbourhoods in Paris, along with the top attractions that can be found in each one. 


Le Marais

Spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is one of the most historic districts in Paris, home to centuries-old churches, fascinating museums and world-famous hotels. This fashionable district has always exuded style, which today flows from its art galleries to its authentic French restaurants. 

You could easily lose yourself for days at a time while exploring the streets of Le Marais, as it is lined with antique facades and manicured gardens. It’s comprised of multiple inner neighbourhoods where you can visit the oldest covered market in Paris, browse through independent boutiques and sit out under the sun in corner cafes. 

Where to Stay in Le Marais

Best places to stay in Paris
Best places to stay in Paris: Le Pavillon de la Reine

The four-star Le Pavillon de la Reine is highly rated among HotelsCombined visitors, primarily for its desirable location close to the popular boutique shopping strip Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. It’s also a short stroll from the Musee Picasso, a museum dedicated to artist Pablo Picasso, and the Place de la Bastille, a historic square where the Bastille prison once stood before the French Revolution.

Le Pavillon de la Reine features a range of rooms and suites that can accommodate families, couples and groups. Each suite is decorated for comfort and style, incorporating French flair and subtle luxuries. The Suite de la Reine is the most opulent abode with a 17th-century fireplace and marble bathroom. Get pampered in the on-site spa before indulging in some local wine at the hotel’s garden terrace or library-esque lounge. 

Star Rating: 4*
Price: €220 – €507
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 28 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France


Ile Saint-Louis

One of two natural islands in Paris, Ile Saint-Louis is encircled by the Seine river and connected to the rest of the city by four bridges. This neighbourhood provides a tranquil oasis in the busy city centre, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly narrow streets and limited vehicle presence. 

Stroll around this artsy neighbourhood while admiring the extravagant mansions, home to renowned artists and aristocrats. Ice cream parlours and cafes are interspersed with fine-dining restaurants and high-end designer stores. While most of Paris follows modern trends, Ile Saint-Louis seems content to remain in the 17th century with its atmospheric baroque church and village-style cheese shops. 

Where to Stay in Ile Saint-Louis

Best places to stay in Paris
Best places to stay in Paris: Hotel Saint-Louis en l’Isle

Nestled in the heart of Ile Saint-Louis, Hotel Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle complements the neighbourhood’s cosy village vibe with personable staff, terra cotta and oak finishes, and a vaulted stone basement where you can enjoy a traditional breakfast each morning. Each room, from the Superior Double to the Triple, features antique furnishings that evoke a feeling of an antique French abode. 

Hotel Saint-Louis enI’Isle is well-placed for sightseeing, with the 13th-century Notre-Dame de Paris and the 17th-century Saint-Louis-en-l’ile church within easy walking distance. Want to venture to the mainland? Cross the Seine using the historic Pont Marie where you’ll no doubt stumble upon local stallholders selling artwork and artisan goods between the statues.

Star Rating: 3*
Price: €162 – €162
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 75 Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Île, 75004 Paris, France


St-Germain-des-Prés

One of four parts of the 6th arrondissement, St-Germain-des-Prés is centred around a 6th-century abbey. This timeless neighbourhood has attracted many famous writers over the years including Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Wilde. These days it looks like it was taken out of a piece of literature with its lively cafes, hole-in-the-wall shops and grand bookstores. 

You’ll find many of the top sights in Paris in or around St-Germain-des-Prés, including the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and French art museum, the Musée d’Orsay. Art enthusiasts will be right at home among the famed Ecole des Beaux-Arts school and painter Eugène Delacroix’s former home-turned museum, Musée National Eugène Delacroix

Where to Stay in St-Germain-des-Prés

Best places to stay in Paris
Best places to stay in Paris: Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés hugs the borders of St-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, placing you close to two of the best neighbourhoods in Paris. From this four-star Paris hotel, it’s mere minutes until you’re admiring the French Gothic architecture of the Notre-Dame de Paris or visiting the tomb of French philosopher René Descartes at the landmark Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 

Of the hotel’s five apartments, you’re sure to fall in love with the Studio Seine View or 1-Bedroom Seine View. Both give you mesmerising Seine river views from your bedroom window, along with a fully-equipped kitchen and heavenly bed. Stay active in the on-site gym or get out among the Parisian streets with a stroll to Luxembourg Palace or the market strip, Rue de Buci. Indulge in hot chocolate at the nearby Café de Flore, before treating your sweet tooth with ice cream from Berthillon. 

Star Rating: 4*
Price: €73 – €330
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 53 Ter Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, France


Montmartre

Montmartre stands out on the diverse Parisian landscape with its namesake hill and famous basilica rising high above the neighbouring buildings. This historic district is part of the 18th arrondissement and home to several museums, including the surrealist Espace Dali, as well as the renowned Moulin Rouge and 19th-century concert halls. 

A number of feature films have immortalised Montmartre and given it a romantic appeal, particularly the 2001 movies Amelie and Moulin Rouge!. It’s one of the best places in Paris to pocket your map and simply follow the streets, admiring the former homes of world-renowned artists. 

Where to Stay in Montmartre

Best places to stay in Paris
Best places to be in Paris: Best Western Prince Montmartre

HotelsCombined visitors rave about the superb dining opportunities at Best Western Prince Montmartre. This isn’t surprising considering the popular hotel offers a delicious breakfast of Danish pastries, fresh fruit and baguettes every morning. It’s also located minutes from an array of fine-dining restaurants, including the historic Chez Frezet and the Spanish-inspired El Tast.

The rooms at this budget-friendly hotel are just as alluring, particularly the Superior Room, which captures vistas of Montmartre’s centuries-old Parisian architecture. You will also receive complimentary champagne upon arrival and can choose to add a balcony if available. While staying at Best Western Prince Montmartre, be sure to take advantage of your central location with a stroll to the Musee de Montmartre art and history museum, as well as the iconic domed white church, Sacré-Cœur

Star Rating: 3*
Price: €36 – €112
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 116 Rue Ordener, 75018 Paris, France


Latin Quarter

Nestled on the left bank of the Seine, the Latin Quarter is a student hub in Paris with notable universities, fun late-night bars and clubs, cheerful cafes and cheap eats. Make sure you visit La Sorbonne, France’s oldest university, before browsing the bookshops down Boulevard St-Michel and the high-end boutiques along Rue Mouffetard. 

The Latin Quarter is part of the 5th and 6th arrondissements, so you’ll find numerous sights around its breezy streets, including three natural history museums, the 24-hectare Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens and a 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, Arènes de Lutèce. 

Where to Stay in the Latin Quarter 

Best places to stay in Paris
Best places to stay in Paris: Hotel Europe Saint Séverin

Offering a romantic Parisian atmosphere of individually-laid stone walls, exposed timber beams and views across the tops of iconic grey rooftops, Hotel Europe Saint Séverin is an iconic place to stay during your holiday in Paris. This Latin Quarter hotel boasts rooms soaked in traditional grandeur. Book the Balcony Privilege to enjoy breakfast on your private balcony, while the multi-storey Junior Suite features an in-room Jacuzzi and views of Notre-Dame de Paris from your bed. 

You can dine on classic Parisian fare at the on-site hotel or explore local restaurants and shops scattered throughout neighbouring streets. Wander over to the Panthéon, which houses the remains of notable French citizens, before catching an unforgettable musical or play at the 18th-century Odéon Theatre.

Star Rating: 3*
Price: €58 – €163
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: 38-40 Rue Saint Séverin, 75005 Paris, France


1st Arrondissement

The 1st arrondissement of Paris is one of the city’s oldest and features a collection of sights you most certainly won’t want to miss. These must-see sights range from the world-famous Louvre museum and the 16th-century Tuileries Garden to the impressive Palais-Royal palace.

With so many noteworthy sights, the 1st arrondissement is a hotspot for luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, including a former haunt of writer Ernest Hemingway in Hotel Ritz, now called Bar Hemingway. Despite its touristic appeal, this neighbourhood still possesses local gems, such as an open-air market, Europe’s first English-language bookstore and trendy shopping strips. 

Where to Stay in the 1st Arrondissement 

Best places to stay in Paris
Best places to stay in Paris: La Clef Louvre

La Clef Louvre is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. If you’re planning to see the city’s biggest sights and don’t mind splurging on accommodation, this hotel is the perfect fit. You’re about two blocks from the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Museum of Decorative Arts and multiple theatres. The famed Eiffel Tower is just across the river, along with 19th and 20th-century art masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay.

Despite all this close by, you might still feel tempted to stay at the hotel, which stands out with its timeless Art Nouveau facade. Inside, intimate apartments spoil you with high-quality beds, full kitchens, Nespresso coffee makers and sun-drenched street-facing windows. Book the Royale Suite for the added luxury of a private balcony. A scrumptious buffet breakfast and afternoon tea are also served daily in a formal dining room. 

Star Rating: 5*
Price: €171 – €403
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 8 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France


This guest post on the 6 best places to stay in Paris was written by HotelsCombined.

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  1. Thank you ! We are traveling this fall with relatives who have enjoyed three trips to Paris already, but this will be our first. We plan to spend some time together, perhaps at the beginning of our stay in France, and then return — perhaps at the end of our stay, after visiting Burgundy, or perhaps other areas — maybe Provence. Your suggestions above for hotels are very much appreciated. Just a few miles outside the city, the values are superior. We are happy enough with 3* accommodations, especially if the bed is good, the room is clean, the water is hot, and there is some character, too. We hope to avoid large western hotels (where the larger groups will be staying), but will need more than a full size bed or two twins. We are Hilton members (Best Western OK) and will be traveling with Renaissance (Marriott). Your suggestions for tours to wine country where we may tour up to four (not just two) wineries per day are appreciated. Yes we are particular about food and wine, but care more about effort than price.

    1. Bonjour Margaret,
      How exciting you are going to France soon! It sounds like you have some lovely ideas planned. For wine country ideas would you consider Alsace? There are lots of wine producing villages where you could visit a few wineries a day. Four might be quite ambitious but 2 or 3 is definitely achievable. Have a look at our article about the Alsace Wine Route for more information on this. You would need to look up individual wineries in each place.
      You could also consider Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux or Provence as you mentioned but not sure if that is too far afield and it depends what time of year you are travelling. Check out our article on the Luberon – it is a gorgeous place to stay and they produce a lot of rosé wine there. You can look up tours on the following link with Tour Scanner : https://frenchmoments.tourscanner.co who we partner with. The site provides information on tours across France including some winery tours.

      Whichever wine region you choose you should have a lovely time as they are all stunning .. but one of our favourites is Alsace!

      Let us know where you end up visiting!

      Pierre

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