Paris Apartments

Where to Stay in Paris

The tricky, yet useful part to understand about Paris is that it is divided into areas called arrondissements.

Arrondissements number from 1 to 20 and are arranged in a concentric circle.

You need to know this in order to figure out where exactly your accommodation is situated, as all websites will state which arrondissement they are in. (see map below)

Paris also has areas which have specific names such as - the Marais, Montmartre, St Germain de Pres (see places in CAPS in above map). These names describe a particular hub that has its own unique feel. These areas will commonly overlap a number of arrondissements.

2. Choosing your location

If you're only staying for a short period in Paris, it's a great idea to stay closer to the areas you most want to visit.

Best spots - Our picks

If you want to be in the thick of the action these are the best areas to stay:

> Marais and Bastille
> Latin Quarter
> St Germain des Pres
> Montmartre
> Louvre and Les Halles
> Montparnasse

Check our quick reference guide by interest:
Paris art galleries and Paris museums
Paris shopping precincts
Paris Student culture/night life, jazz bars
Don't be too upset if you can't get a spot right opposite your most preferred gallery or shop - as the Paris metro is excellent, and walking around Paris is easy.

One of the great delights of visiting the city is walking and taking in the people, the architecture and the atmosphere. Take time to savour!

Locations by area of interest

Art Galleries and Museums
Bit of an art connoiseur? Then these places will knock your socks off:

Louvre and Les Halles The Louvre, Musee De L'Orangerie, Musee National d'Art Moderne, the Louvre also has - Le Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Musee de la Publicite, Musee de la Mode et du Textile, Centre Pompidou.
Montmartre Current Parisian artists display their works on the street, Dali Espace Montmartre (Dali's sketches and more), Musee de L'Erotisme, Musee de Montmartre
Marais Musee Picasso, Musee D'Art et Histoire du Judaisme, Musee des Arts et Metiers, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Cognacq-Jay, Maison Europeenne de la Photographie, Maison de Victor Hugo
Arc de Triomphe Champs Elysees & Grands Boulevards Musee D'Art Moderne De La Ville Paris, Musee du Parfum, Galerie Musee Baccarat, Maison de Balzac, Musee Galleria de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, Musee Grevin, Musee Guimet des Arts Asiatiques, Musee di Stylo et de l'Ecriture
Latin Quarter & St Germain des Pres Musee du Luxembourg, Musee National D'Histoire Naturelle, Musee National du Moderne Age (Musee Cluny), Musee National Eugene Delacroix, Musee de la Poste Bellevelle Musee Edith Piaf
Invalides & Eiffel Tower Musee D'Orsay, Musee Rodin, Musee du Quai Branly

- Champs Elysees - Arc de Triomphe - Marais and Bastille (smaller boutiques for other Paris shopping)

- Marais and Bastille (smaller boutiques) - Latin Quarter & St Germain de Pres - Montmartre