Just as you can love Paris every moment, there’s a lot to like about the various neighborhoods (arrondisement) that make up the city. Public transportation is reasonably priced and efficient, so it’s easy to get to points of interest from almost anywhere. Here’s a (very condensed) capsule rundown:

    1, 2, 8 and 9 – The core of the Right Bank, the part of the city north of the Seine, this is Paris at its most formal, home to the Louvre, the grand magasins (department stores), Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs Elysee and other iconic sights. Skillful research can find a property that is hidden from the tourist crowd and even not trop cher, but by and large this is a pricey part of town.

    3, 4, 10 and 11 – While the 3rd is considered the trendy and gay-friendly Marais district, the spirit blends into the 4th, which includes sedate Ile St-Louis. The 10th is less-touristy and some buildings there adjoin the picturesque Canal St. Martin, while the 11th is east and north of the Bastille.

    5, 6 – The Left Bank of sidewalk cafés and ex-pat dreams as well as ancient churches and the Jardin du Luxembourg. The 5th is less pretentious; get off the main streets and you’ll see many more Parisians than tourists and find reasonably priced dining choices. It’s possible to stay here and be within a comfortable walk of Notre Dame in one direction and the bustling rue Mouffetard in the other. The 6th is home to classic cafés such as de Flore and Les Deux Magots, bookshops and boutiques. Late night noise can come with the bustle, but quiet spots can be found.

    7 – The Eiffel Tower; need we say more? OK, how about the Musee d’Orsay and les Invalides. There are fewer vacation apartment choices here in part because beyond the attractions it is a premier residential district.

    13-15 – A bit away from the center of town, these districts are where many middle-class Parisians live. But they are well-served by the Metro, so if you want a break from the crowds they can be good choices.

    16-17 – These generally upscale neighborhoods contain posh boulevards and quiet homes. Rentals are fewer and tend to be more luxurious. While a bit removed from the bustle of central Paris, transport connections are handy. The 16th contains the huge Bois de Boulogne and the Trocadero; the 17th includes Parc Monceau and some of the city's best restaurants.

    18 – Montmartre still fascinates but has become tourist central. Still, by avoiding the most congested areas you can find charming escapes with great views of Sacre Coeur and central Paris.

    19-20 - A spectacular science museum, a star-studded cemetery and Edith Piaf's singing grounds, these districts are more diverse and less comfortable than others. Worth a visit for the adventurous but quality rentals are rare.