Where to Stay in Paris | Planning your City Break 2024

If you are looking for the ultimate city break, look no further than Paris. This place has it all, including history, culture, tasty food and some of the most iconic landmarks in Europe. If you want to make the most of your stay here, then staying in the right place is really important. So without further ado, here is my perfect companion to help you to decide where to stay in Paris.

Montmartre

Montmartre is easily my favourite location in Paris. It gives you a quaint village-like feel, whilst in the bustle of the city. Montmartre is overlooked by the impressive and imposing Sacré-Cœure, one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. There are also plenty of things to see and do here, including the omnipresent artists who paint tourists. From experience, the food here is also very good and there is a wide-selection to choose from.

Whilst the area seems picturesque, there are a few negative aspects. Firstly, the entire area is hilly which can make it difficult to get around. I would also add that with the removal of the bustle comes the added challenge of getting around. It is not really remote, but it is still quite a bit out of the way.

When I have stayed here in the past I have really enjoyed it and I think Montmartre is a beautiful and unique place to stay in the city. However, if this is your first time in Paris other places would give you a better vantage point to explore.

Saint Germain

Saint Germain is where you stay to be in the heart of the city and to experience French culture. Firstly, it is the perfect place to stroll about and take in the sights and smells of Paris. It is the heartland of typical French bistros and cafes (Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are both found here) and has some of the finest architecture in the city. If you are looking for a stylish getaway filled with good food and fine shopping, this is the place for you.

Because of the huge appeal of the area, Saint Germain is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Places like the Ladurée boutiques offer a sense of luxury that transport you back to another era of France. The shops, bistros and boutiques are all relatively pricey because of this, as are the hotels.

For a luxurious getaway, I honestly wouldn’t look any further. You have access to some of the best food, drink and culture in the city in Saint Germain. Plus, all of the sights on the tourist checklist are just a stone-throw away. However, if you are not too fussed about the uber-luxury and want to be central, then The Marais could be a better option.

The Marais

I would go as far as saying that the Marais is quintessentially Paris. If I were looking at where to stay in Paris a few years back, I probably would have picked here. Not only do you get to see the ultimate Parisian architecture, but you can live your best Emily in Paris life and shop until you drop. Additionally, there are some of the best museums here including the ones dedicated to Picasso and Nicholas Flamel.

The Marais is also centrally located and means that you can access a lot of the main sights by foot. If you didn’t fancy walking, I think that the metro in Paris is one of the best in Europe, so you should be able to get to most places quickly. The food here is also what you would expect from Paris. There are older boulangeries, bistros and cafes that all cast you back to an older, more sophisticated Paris.

All of this comes at a premium though. The Marais is expensive and is known for being more up-market than other places in the city. If you are looking to live your best life in Paris, perhaps this Summer with the Olympic Games, then look no further. If you wanted a more humble abode, this probably isn’t for you.

7th Arrondissement of Paris

For the Paris-novice, one of the best places to stay has to be the 7th Arrondissement. Whilst this area is very touristy and busy, you have a lot of things to see here. The world-famous Eiffel Tower is just on your doorstep, as is Les Invalides, where you can see the tomb of Napoleon. If you are here for a romantic getaway, you have one of the best stretches of the Seine to walk down. My favourite time to do this is in the evening, especially in the Summer.

I would also like to recommend Rue Cler, a cobblestone street that is as authentically Parisian as you get. It is a great place to stop in the morning to grab a tasty pastry and a coffee.

The main benefits of staying here are that you are right in the middle of it all. Landmarks are only a stone-throw away if you want to walk and are easily accessible by metro if not. You can also get hotels with the quintessential Parisian view of the Eiffel Tower. With the Olympics in Summer 2024, the 7th Arrondissement places you next to a lot of the major events too. In my opinion, the main reason you wouldn’t stay here is the sheer number of tourists. Plus, whilst it is pretty, Paris can still do better…

South Pigalle

Perhaps you are looking for a more hip place to stay in Paris? Whilst sadly I think my clubbing days are behind me, South Pigalle is a fun, alternative place to stay in the French capital. Cocktails, fusion bistros, quirky hotels… All of them could make up your evening in South Pigalle. Adding to this youth-paradise is a selection of foodie attractions and an infamous nightlife scene. Things aren’t all geared to younger people. Musée de la Vie Romantique is one of the few free museums in the city and is a good cultural place to visit.

Prices here reflect the calling to a younger audience. It is relatively cheap, but you won’t easily find a luxurious, classical Parisian hotel. Instead, the hotels are either more simplistic with no frills, or fabulously themed to attract neo-thinking audiences.

People who come to “So-Pi” are usually younger and are less fussed about the accommodation. They are more likely to go out an enjoy an experience that only Paris can offer. Personally, I think that South Pigalle is a place to visit and not to stay. However, it could give you just the alternative to your classic 19th Century hotel in the Marais.

Champs-Élysées

Lastly, we have arguably the finest package that Paris can offer. The Champs-Élysées is the biggest shopping street in Paris and is easily one of the most upmarket neighbourhoods. If you want all the extras of Paris, including swanky bars and fabulous shopping, then this could be for you. However, expect this to be France’s answer to Hollywood’s Rodeo Drive… Things can get expensive, and quickly!

There is obviously a fair amount of culture here too; the Arc de Triomph is just at the end of the road. However, I always find that it feels artificial when I visit. It definitely feels like Paris, but almost has the same vibe as Las Vegas; it isn’t quite authentic.

For the extra trimmings and glamour, you can’t really get much better. However, for a Paris trip that gives you back a real sense of what it is all about, check out the options above. You can always come to the Champs-Élysées and buy that Chanel handbag…

You can also find me on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Did you know that I also vlog my travel adventures? I would love you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so that you never miss an episode… SUBSCRIBE HERE