Paris trip, DH nervous.

[MegCleary]

We have booked an Airbnb, two dds coming too and we go in two weeks. We were planning stuff and I linked DH to the apt and looking at the latest reviews there is a homeless encampment mentioned outside the kitchen window, the review mentioned being watched eating breakfast if you don’t close the blinds.
DH is VERY risk averse and now stressed about going.
Anyone had any issues like this? Advice appreciated.

That is a very convenient location if you're on a budget (as we were when we stayed there over Christmas), but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to the OP as an alternative to the Gare du Nord. There were a.lot of people hanging round buying and selling drugs at night, which made it slightly threatening, and our car was broken into down the side of the Holiday Inn Xpress. Admittedly, that is unlikely to happen to the OP - we were just unlucky - but it didn't add to the ambience of the area. It is great during the day admittedly, with lots going on in the park nearby and a short walk to the Metro.

Have messaged the host and just said we are a bit anxious as travelling with two dds. DH and I had a good google map around and I think it will probably be ok. DH relaxing a tad too. I agree we will be out and about lots. As for going without DH nah, big fan of DH and his holiday as much as anyone else in the family. He is a cautious, protective soul is all.

Ah that's a shame esp about your car.

We liked the area, but also don't mind if things are a bit gritty! Maybe we just didn't notice the drugs as it's like being in london at the best of times. I used to live in Tottenham so I'm perhaps blind to it after going through seven sisters tube station😂

Just returned from Paris yesterday and stayed right opposite the beautiful front of Gare du Nord station. Nice wide open pedestrian area, lovely traditional brasseries and great for getting busses, metro and RER around Paris. Paris was looking great, a few rough sleepers but less than London. I would go and enjoy the amazing sights and food.

I think he is right to be cautious and protective. Some of those areas are quite sketchy and you have to be aware, and be careful.

You'll be fine OP especially if you see it as a big adventure.

And you are a short walk to Galleries Lafayette from there. Also theres a fab massive pharmacy opposite GL down the side entrance. DD and I spent an hour in there buying cleanser!

Yes, I’m sometimes amused by the ‘Paris is a fiesta of street crime!’ posts, which clearly come from people who’ve led far more sheltered lives than I have. I lived next door to a halfway house not a million miles from Tottenham for years, and we had DS while living there, and, tbh, its inhabitants were a lot less trouble as neighbours than our current ones, who are surgeons. Paris is like any other big city.

Yes, the car was probably the major downside for us, but we were on the side of the road just by the park and the square behind us definitely felt a bit threatening at night with the kids. I think the fact the OP said her DH is risk averse made me think it might not be the area for them. My DH was dubious from the start which made it worse, but i think if we hadn't had the car, we would have liked it overall as the connections to the centre were excellent.

Honestly OP I'm sure it'll be fine. Paris is a bit grimy and there are more people on the streets than is really ideal, but there are loads of cool things to see and like you say, you won't be spending much time in the Airbnb.

Just keep your wits about you and don't do silly things like stand by the metro doors with your phone in your hand.

If you want to visit the bigger museums and galleries then it's a good idea to book in advance.

If you're planning to go up the Eiffel Tower then my top tip is don't! Go up the Montparnasse Tower instead, ideally just before sunset and stay to watch the sun go down and all the lights come on.

Ask for a refund. This should be noted by the host prior to booking.

Book somewhere else in the meantime while this is being resolved.

Consider using booking.com

Grim in YOUR opinion, which nobody cares about as the OP is visiting Paris.

It sounds fine to me. Paris is lovely; I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

It’s very easy to whip yourself up into a frenzy over this
the reality is they probably won’t be interested in you forewarned fore armed just keep curtains shut

Come on, OP, what do you think is going to happen? You'll be fine. Maybe it will be a good way to teach your kids that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.....
Admittedly, the area around the Gare du Nord isn't the prettiest (never stay near a major railway station is a basic rule), but you will be able to easily access everything you want to see.
The galleries in Paris are wonderful - enjoy!

Have you ever travelled much or has your H’s anxiety prevented it?

Go out for breakfast then they won't be watching you eat it! Lovely croissants and coffee!

Me too. Maybe it's just because I've been a Londoner for twenty years, but... what do you think the homeless people are actually going to do, even if they're still there? They didn't do anything to the previous visitors other than exist in their vicinity. If they indeed have tents there, they probably don't want to draw police attention and risk getting moved on. They're no more likely to be a threat to you than the average rando, and probably are the victim of a lot more crime than they perpetrate. Shut the blinds if you really can't stand the sight of them.

Like Euston, Paddington, Clapham Junction or London Bridge? Yes. Why wouldn’t you? Those are fun bustling areas. I lived in one of them for over a decade and don’t recall any homeless encampments.

I think your husband is correct to be anxious about this and I wouldn't be happy walking back to the accommodation in the evening. Its just my honest opinion and being protective of my children. We stayed in a lovely air bnb in cordoba this summer with an open space and fountain at the front. Lots of homeless men were living there. No begging or annoying tourists but were urinating on the trees next to young families who became upset and lots of drinking and shouting. They seemed harmless and just wanted somewhere to put their heads down but I certainly didn't want to spend any time there.

OP, there’s a lot of Little England small town and suburban paranoia in these responses. Suspect these are the sort of people who go ‘London is so dangerous’ and wander around clutching their bags to their chests. 🤣

You'll be fine. It’s unlikely there’ll be an ‘encampment’, but if there is, walk round it and go about your business. Have a fabulous holiday.

This.

Paris is a bit rundown lately.

I mean, it's not ideal but realistically how much time are you going to spend in the apartment? Just close the blinds when you're eating breakfast.

Don't forget you need to book your museum entrance etc in advance.

Same - I really feel like Tottenham prepares you for anything in life 🤣 I grew up near there and a homeless encampment could describe the majority of Edmonton green. I do wonder where alot of posters are from.

I wouldn’t change if it meant losing money.