I am thinking of going to Paris for a week at the start of July.?

Question

Can anyone recommend what areas I should be looking to stay in and any budget hotels as money is a bit tight. It will be myself and my 15 year old daughter.

Thanks

Answer 1

The cheapest areas are generally in the outskirts of Paris (if you're considering this you definitely need to check transport - go to http://www.ratp.fr/ and there's an icon in the top right which you can use to change languages if you need to), or near the Gare du Nord. Make sure you look at a map to see where any potential hotel is. The Gare du Nord area is quite seedy and I wouldn't recommend it. Another area which has some good value hotels is near Boulevard de Clichy - it's cheap because it's not easily walkable from the centre and Boulevard de Clichy is full of s*x shops, but if you go for a chain (eg Timhotel) the hotel itself will be fine - just depends on whether you mind the "scenery" on the way to the Metro station!

Some hotels in the outskirts are perfectly okay, but others may be in less desirable districts. Generally speaking the suburbs to the west and south are safer bets. If you have a look on the web or at a travel agent and get some specific hotel options, please feel free to email me and I'll let you know the pros/cons of the area.

Answer 2

Fly to Beauvais airport with Ryanair (earlier you book, cheaper it will be), bus outside of airport terminal (13euros each, can be booked on-line) to Paris Porte Maillot just north of Arc de Triomphe, metro to Bastille area (plenty hotels). Sets of 10 metro tickets (11euros) can be used during your stay to get about Paris.

Return bus journey will be the same back to Beauvais.

All tourist areas are within short easy distances of Bastille.

Language will be no problem.

Answer 3

Book early, and you can try www.hostelworld.com for budget accommodation.

Answer 4

Quartier Latin, the student area. Also good for cheap eating.