What is the best most central location to stay in Paris?

Question

Please tell me by Arrondissment

Answer 1

Try a tent under a Seine bridge, like a lot of people.

Answer 2

My opinion is that for a tourist the 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissements are the best choices.

But I would go even further and suggest that you limit yourself to the parts of these arrondissements that are closest to the Seine. That means the southwest part of the 4th, the northwest part of the 5th and the northern half of the 6th.

This is because for a first time visitor to Paris who has only 10-14 days I think it is best to be in the very center of things.

Yes, it is true (as I myself often say) that Paris is a very compact city with an excellant public transport system (the best in the world in my opinion).

However, it still takes time to get form one place to another. Being able to get back to your hotel room during the day in just a short walk (rather than even just a short Metro ride) is a great convenience when a sudden downpour soaks your socks or you need to use a bathroom.

Also, a first time visitor needs to be be able to quickly orient themselves to the city. If your hotel is within sight of Notre Dame or only a few steps to the Seine that becomes much easier to do.

And while I don't suggest patronizing cafes or restaurants that make a point of advertising that they speak English or have English menus, the fact is, that in the area I describe its all but imposible to find someone who doesn't speak English.

None of these factors may mean that much to those of us who are familiar with the city and speak French but I suspect that it can make a crucial difference to the first timer.