Paris: Where would you choose to stay? Pantheon or Bastille?

Question

I'm debating between a hotel right next to the Pantheon by the Latin Quarter or one 2 blocks directly north of the Bastille by the Marais. I'm in my mid-20s and interested in a picturesque area with lots of cafes, bars, and walking distance to various sights (Seine, Notre Dame, etc). Which would you pick?

Answer 1

Dear, the Pantheon is for dead people and Bastille was a prison, so I would prefer a hotel. Now, after a joke, I should pick for the hotel near the Pantheon. Bon voyage !

Answer 2

I've never been to Paris, though I doubt I'd stay near the Bastille. It was a prison you know.

Answer 3

Check out the Princess Hotel... It's just a couple of blocks from the Louvre and close to everything.. and it's usually pretty cheap.

Answer 4

I just got back from Paris and there is no escaping the "picturesque cafe with beautiful people" scene!  I would choose the Bastille near the Marais- it has more to offer.  There are lots of little neighborhoods to get lost in and find where the locals hang out.  

The Latin Quarter is amazing but gets touristy after a while.

I would really recommend hanging out by the Sorbonne- lots of great little bars with local music- tons of fun!

But everything is very close and the metro will get you to where you don't want to walk.

Have a wonderful time!

Answer 5

Both areas are good choices.

The Bastille area is certainly more trendy but the Pantheon area in old Latin Quarter remains very lively.

The Pantheon is slightly more convenient for sightseeing as it is somewhat more central. My choice would therefore be the Pantheon area.

Answer 6

Of the two locations I think the location near the Pantheon would be your best location.  You would be within easy walking distance to the Luxembourg gardens and somewhat farther to Notre Dame.  That area has more people your age because of the University.  

As far as I can remember north of the Bastille is not really close to as many of the sites in town as is that other location.  The metro will get you to any area.  

Get the latest Michelin guide.  It's the best and only guide book you will need.

Bon Voyage.

Eric

I highly recomend: http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/

Answer 7

Get the one near the Bastille - that's a great area, just a few minutes walk from the Marais, plenty of bars and restaurants.

I visited Paris in December - it was my 11th visit but the first time I had been to the pantheon - it is near the main left bank area and latin quarter, but not quite in the "happening" bit, and the area immediately  round the Pantheon is best described as "non-descript". Definately the Bastille area - really good place to stay, with as much choice for night time as the left bank. During the day, you will be crossing the city and visiting all the areas anyway so it makes no difference where you start the day from, but on an evening if you don't want bus/metro journeys the Bastille area is the best choice.

I notice you say "walking distance" from the main sights but wherever you stay you'll only be immediately near a few of them. The "sights" of Paris are well concentrated for a big city and youcan tackle much of it on foot but do make use of the excellent metro and buses.