OK, just did a search on 'Paris' and a million posts came up so I'm starting a new thread!

Thinking of going to Paris on Sunday till Wednesday. Air fare seems OK so far (cheaper and shorter than the train) but accommodation choices are huge so I'm completely lost.

Travelling solo so need cheap but decent. Any suggestions?

I don't know Paris at all but thinking 1-10 arrondissements could be the way to go.

Merci!

Stay in or near Le Marais. Cheaper hotels can often be found just outside that area (walking distance) near Bastille or Republique.

I don't recommend staying near the Champs Elysees/Arc de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower areas; once you've seen those once, it's done.

I also don't recommend being swayed by cheap deals in La Defence. It's a treck from there into town (metro is slow, RER is outside zone1 and requires a more expensive ticket).

Dabbling in Le Marais just now....are many of the sights in walking distance or Metro? Looking at Hotel Ecole Centrale, it looks pretty good.

There is a recent thread here on Paris with 17 replies thusfar.

Thanks for the tip on Le Marais. I stayed on rue St Antoine, very handy to Metro and great for walking around. Good trip altogether and even the weather was better than expected...after the initial drowing on Sunday! In hindsight I would have taken the train, even if it was a bit dearer.

Glad you liked it! You stayed on a busy street; was it noisy?

No, really quiet! But then I didn't have a street view, was out the back somewhere in a weeny el cheapo room. That's OK though, it was fine. I'd certainly go back to that area again, it was great to walk around as well and certainly loads of cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Just curious: What did you do during the holiday?

Any tips on what to visit?

Well, I did a bit of reseach on the internet as it has been a lot of years since I was last in Paris and apart from the obvious sights, didn't really remember much about it. I did go to a couple of museums, mostly to avoid the rain as I am not a big museum goer, although the weather improved so I just walked heaps the rest of the time. I like architecture so loved discovering lots of lovely buildings.

I found the Batobus handy, hop on hop off for EUR13.00 for the day. I did the round trip and got off at stops that I thought would be nice. used it at night too, to see Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower by night. I'd also recommend, if you are there for a few days, to get a carnet of 10 metro/bus tickets (EUR12.00). It was handy to have them with me rather than having to buy a new one each time. Got on a bus one day and went the whole route to see some different parts.

You should probaly see all the well known sights if you haven't been before, but I am not one for standing in mile long queues so skipped the Louvre, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower, was happy just to have a look at them all and take photos, walking through gardens when they were there. Musee D'Orsay is worth a visit, I really liked that museum (EUR8.00). I bought a ticket the day before for that museum and would definitely buy in advance for all those places with the queues. Especially in August. I wouldn't normally go in peak season but timing was right for me.

I'm not a bar or club type, especially as I was on my own, so can't recommend any of those. You will find lots of interesting places just walking around. Make sure you have comfortable shoes! My feet were killing me after 3 days of walking and walking and walking!!

As for somewhere to stay, I was in Le Marais (Bastille Metro) but would also consider Saint Germain or the Latin Quarter as they also have character. Plenty of little hotels around and they don't need to be expensive.

If/when you go, have fun!

for accommodations, it's worth also renting apartments from private persons through sites like Homelidays. It can be cheaper and more comfortable than hotels.

Good to know that website. I would actually prefer an apartment, but not worth it travelling solo for just 3 nights. There were lots on offer when I was researching.

Pamela, where did you stay ? We are planning on going for 3-4 days in November and don`t need anything fancy... Just a place to crash thats clean, and near the train...
FYI, with the 31CHF 1-way (62CHF Return) via SBB/TGV it is a great deal.

Thanks for that link MrVertigo - looks good and have bookmarked it for later use. I like the Marais area too, good choice.

Hi. Stayed at Le Herse D`or...near Bastille. VERY basic but cheap and convenient. EUR6 for continental breakfast. Shared bath and loo but you can get en suite.

Wish I could have got the cheap fare but couldnt quite manage it.

Have fun.

If you understand French the Paris pas cher guide is a good one for tips on inexpensive hotels, restaurants, outings , etc: http://www.guideparispascher.com/ . If you're particularly interested in the Marais: http://www.parismarais.com/worldwide-links.htm which is in English. For FREE guided walking tours in English see: http://www.discoverwalks.com/index.html.

Cool... Sound like Marais is the area to stay in... I am looking at hotels now. I am just not into staying "in the center of things"... As most of the main sites are within 20-30 minutes walking distance anyway, it is not a issue.

And saving 50% of the hotel costs means more £££ to spend elsewhere...