Paris France Stories


Apartments in Paris

By BP Editor
Important information:

*Check to see what the agency fees are (some will be much higher than others, and if you search enough on the Internet, you might just find the owner and be able to wave the agency fee).
*Don’t let pictures excite you so much you forget to check out the square feet!
*If you are sharing a rental, make sure that the only bathroom isn’t accessed through one of the bedrooms (or that you and your friends have a good understanding)!
*Always, always, always ask for the all-inclusive price before you get excited about the estimate. You don’t want to get caught with a phone and electric bill.
*Many apartments now have DSL/Noos, or are willing to have it installed. Make sure to ask. If they say, "No, but there’s a great Internet Café right across the street," then just remember that unless you are equipped with a great acumen for the French keyboard, this might not be your best bet (especially because you’ll be charged by the hour).
*One more thing about checking your email; if the apartment comes with dial-up, make sure to ask if it has a local "forfait" -- or if you pay the regular France Telecom rip-off rate.
*A Plan de Paris or a L’Indispensable is a must for traveling to Paris, and a should be required material for serious apartment hunters.
*Some of these agencies are one and the same!
*Just because we might be missing certain things from these sites, does not mean that the agency does not have them. When requested, they’ve all been very generous in sending me extra photos, etc.


Contact owner directly:


$2850/week

Christmas and New Year's -- $3300 per week

Pros: A dream come true. This spacious, two bedroom flat is located on a quiet street, a block from the Luxembourg Gardens and and two blocks from the legendary restaurant, La Coupole. You'll feel like royalty with maid service every day.

Cons: Don't get too attached, you'll have to leave eventually.



$1300-1700/week

The Elzevir apartment is an elegant and beautifully designed apartment. It's furnished with furniture and accessories by world-renowned designers.   Rarely will anyone find an apartment where the owners pay such attention to detail. In addition, they are certain the apartment is maintained in perfect condition.   The Elzevir apartment is rarely available since many clients rent each year. Consider yourself lucky if you're able to reserve it.  Not only is it located in the sought-after but it may be one of the best-buys in Paris considering the quality.


Pros:  This is a great site that offers stunning apartments on the Left Bank, remodeled to the highest standards.  If you’re looking for romance or special vacation, this is the place.  Parisperfect owns their apartments so take a lot of care to maintain them, have a full time manager, and make immediate repairs, very important. This is rare -- most rental companies list other people’s apartments for a commission and can’t do repairs or guarantee the state of the apartment when you arrive. Parisperfect has put together the best of everything: the best location, best floor, large hot water tanks, luxury beds and sofas etc. Location is great, Left Bank, a stone’s throw from the Seine and surrounded by tons of shops, café’s and restaurants.  Buy your Herald Tribune across the street and enjoy café’ au lait on one of their balconies every morning. There are more open food markets here than in any other arrondissement in Paris:  Pont de l’Alma; the famous rue Cler, Ave du Saxe and Rue de Grenelle.  Walk to the Eiffel Tower (propose on the second floor a’ la Tom Cruise), Invalides, Musee Rodin, Ecole Militaire, Bateau Mouche boat tours, Sewer Tours (a fascinating tour; kids love it).  For shoppers:  10 minutes to the Couturiers on Ave. Montaigne, from Dior to Chanel, Louis Vuiton, Hermes, Givenchy, Valentino, Bonpoint, Ungaro, Ynes de la Fressange, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Max Mara, Scherrer, Jean-Paul Gaultier and many, many more.  Stop at the Four Seasons George V or Plaza Athenee’ Hotel (final episode of Sex and the City) for tea or 3-star dining after a hard day of shopping.  The apartment prices are reasonable for the quality, arrondissement and views –a real bargain when you check the prices of the Plaza’s or George V's rooms – which don’t have luxury living rooms, balconies or views!
Cons: How you’ll ever choose among these fabulous apartments I’ll never know!


This is a great site for short term vacation rentals for any part of France.
Pro: Just select which part of France you want to visit, the number of people visiting and how long you want to stay--though your only two choices are weekend or week stay.
Con: This site also makes it difficult to get a real feel for the properties, as many of them only offer one picture taken from a single perspective.

http://www.fusac.fr/
This site offers more of a newspaper-like listing of apartment and home rentals.
Pro: It’s a great place to browse--you may come across a real find! The site is very quick to load.
Con: There are no pictures of the properties available on the site.

http://www.harvard-magazine.com/
Pro: Here you’ll find a fast loading site and some great ads, if your looking to rent an apartment in Paris for vacation at great prices.
Con: You’ll definitely have to sift through the ads on this site as not all of them are for Paris. There are no pictures on this site.

http://www.homelidays.com/
Pro: Very quick and easy to load, you’ll find lots of pictures of beautiful properties here--offered at extremely reasonable prices.
Con: This site is in French.


Pro: This is a very easy site to use as it provides a table with different categories such as pets, smoking , etc--so that you can easily determine the apartment that suites your personal needs.
Con: The quality of the properties offered on this site are only so-so.

http://www.nomorehotels.com
Pro: If you know exactly what you’re looking for this site is for you. It provides icons with each listing that indicate any amenities the apartment may have to offer.
Con: This site can be slow to load.

http://www.pour-les-vacances.com/ile-de-france-uk.html
Pro: If you’re not sure what you’re looking for and want to browse different housing options this is the site for you. Here you will find a selection of apartments, houses, villas and bead and breakfasts.
Con: Because each listing is independent, in order to view a particular property in more detail one must click onto that particular property’s web site, which in many cases, are extremely slow loading and vary in quality.


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http://parisbandb.com/
Pros: Dedicated to the bed and breakfasts of Paris, this site is for romantics who seek the charm in the City of Light. You'll find a long list of places to stay, organized by arrondissement and most of the room rates run between $90-$185. You'll also find some great apartment rentals listed here as well with lots of pictures that upload quickly.
Cons: Breakfast is included, but the extra pounds put on during your stay are your responsibility.

http://www.rentalfrance.com/
This is a wonderful site.
Pro: It offers 4-star vacation rentals and long term rental service that is still cheaper than a hotel room.
Con: It is not possible to view the pictures of each respective property all at once. The downside of this site is that you are constantly waiting for the pictures to upload.

http://www.rentals-paris.com/
Here you’ll find some great properties.
Pro: In close proximity to main landmarks as well as transportation. Local telephone calls are included with your stay and so is internet access.
Con: the pictures are slow to upload and not very informative in terms of the interior of the apartments.

http://www.aparisianhome.com/
On this site you’ll find both short and long term furnished rentals all over Paris.
Pro: They offer studios as well as one, two and three bedroom apartments.
Con: You’ll have to fill out a submission request and then you are able to take a look at the matches that they find for you, so you aren’t really able to browse. The pictures are small, so it’s a hard to get a real feel for the apartments.

http://www.franceforrent.com/specials.shtml
Here you’ll find a great selection of apartments and even a special section dedicated to last-minute rates that are generally quite less expensive.
Pro: This October you could rent a one bedroom apartment that sleeps four, for $990 dollars a week! The site is set up so you really get a feel for the apartment. There are photos of each room that upload very quickly and the site is designed in a way that makes it really easy and fast to maneuver your way around.

http://www.paris-apts.com/2piece.htm
This site offers 86 corporate and leisure apartments in total--for much better rates than a hotel room.
Pro: For the price of two in a so-so hotel you can sleep four in one of these apartments.
Con: They do not appear as luxurious as a four-star hotel room in their photographs, and it is only possible to rent studios and one bedrooms online. It is possible to contact them if you are looking for a two bedroom, but it seems that if you have a large party, this is not the place for you to make your reservation.

http://www.rendez-vousaparis.com/
Here you’ll find very clean, well furnished apartments with renovated bathrooms that offer cable TV and can sleep up to eight people at a time.
Pro: This site offers plenty of pictures of both the apartments and their surrounding areas.
Con: You do have to fill out a request form before they offer you property suggestions, so it’s not really possible to window shop.

http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com/
Here you’ll find apartments assorted by area, most are quite close to major landmarks.
Pro: The site provides a detailed list of each of the respective apartments amenities.
Con: In the photographs many of these properties appear quite cluttered and unorganized.

http://www.apartment-paris.com/
This is a very efficient site, run like a hotel travel book where each apartment listed is accompanied by symbols which let you know how many people it sleeps, whether pets are allowed etc.
Pro: It’s a fast way to find an apartment that meets your personal demands. It also includes many pictures of the apartments taken from various angles.

http://www.paris-aparts.com/
Pro: These apartments are listed by street, there are only a few but most are in decent areas.
Con: The apartments themselves are very modest and the pictures on this site don‘t show much in the case of most of the apartments. Also, the map on this site is very slow to load.


Here you’ll find beautiful, luxurious apartments for short or long term stays.
Pro: The site is equipped with photos that show off the entire interior of the apartments. The prices are more than reasonable. There is a form that you are asked to fill out regarding any preferences you may have in terms of apartment-type. The form is quick and easy and the results appear quite quickly.

http://www.parisprimerentals.com/
Here you’ll find apartments in great areas that have up to four bedrooms, which is rare for a Paris apartment, let alone a rental.
Pro: This site uploads very quickly and is easy to use.
Con: You will have to really sift through these apartments, there are some that are incredibly luxurious while others are much more humble.

http://www.parisvacationapartments.com/
Here you’ll find beautiful apartments backed by a very dedicated and personal staff, who will be there to greet you when you arrive and help meet all of your needs.
Pro: This is a very sophisticated site, it uploads very quickly and the pictures and descriptions are crystal clear and present gorgeous apartments. The site is extremely informative, including information about transportation to and from all of its properties, as well as information regarding the surrounding neighborhood.

http://maisondumoulin.com
Pros: Provence (Grignan) : along the river, in the middle of the Rhone Valley Wine Road, an old mill welcomes you with charm and authenticity in 4 independent rooms and a guestroom. All independant, fully renovated rooms. Heated pool, river, water bassins and fountains will give your stay at our B&B a touch of calm and relaxation. Cooking classes : provencal cooking, truffles,lavender.
Cons: This site is in French so you'll have to put the Google translating tool in good use.

http://www.corsicanholidays.com
1700-2600 Euros/week
Pros: Incredibly fast to upload and with information available in both French and English, this a most easy to use, hassle free site that will allow you to focus solely on your dream vacation. This is a four bedroom, incredible townhouse filled with charm. You'll find excellent photos and descriptions of the house as well as what to do and see during your stay.
Cons: You have to bring your own beach towel.

http://www.villeetvillage.com/
Pros: If you're planning on taking that much needed vacation in either France, Italy, Spain or Portugal, Ville et Village will assist you in finding your dream accommodations. You'll find nearly 1,000 listings in France, located in Paris, Provence, the Riviera, Dordogne, the Loire Valley and the Ile de Re. Their site is extremely easy to use; simply click on your destination and you will have access to hundreds of apartments and cottages, accompanied by detailed descriptions and pictures.
Cons: The problem with this site is that it offers more than one destination. Personally, I have trouble picking deciding on a fancy drink at Starbucks. Good luck choosing between Provence and Paris. Well, you may just have to visit both!


 

4th Arrondissement


E150-850/week

Pros: The price is right! This small apartment sleeps 4-6 people, though judging from the photos, fewer bodies would be better. It is in an excellent location-- right in the heart of the Marais, close to shops and restaurants. There are several pictures on this site, so take a look for yourself.

Cons: Pictures can be slow to load.



E700-840/week

Pros: Bring your furry friends! This apartment welcomes pets, so not only will you save money due to low rent, you won’t have to pay to board Fido. Take Fido for a walk along Places des Vosges, in the Marais, one of the most historic squares in Europe.

Cons: This site can be very slow to load.


E800/week

Pros: This is an astounding price for an apartment only a couple of blocks from Places des Vosges. You’ll be able to browse the work of respected Parisian artists in the many art galleries on your short walk to the park located in the center of Places des Vosges. Everything is included with this apartment in terms of linens, towels, shampoos, and soaps--just like in a hotel.

Cons: The pictures on this site are not great, and it is hard to get a feel for the size of the apartment from the photographs.



E1100-1500/week

Pros: A two-bedroom apartment located in the Marais, close to the Places des Vosges, two minutes from the Picasso museum, in the midst of trendy shops and chic restaurants. This is the perfect place to bring your family--one of the bedrooms has twin beds, and the Places des Vosges contains one of the most charming parks in Paris. Bring your Frisbee and throw it around in the summertime. The owner speaks English, a huge plus so that you can be sure that there is no "confusion" about any requests you might have.

Cons: The pictures on the site are very tempting--it is possible that, overcome by the beauty of the magnificent Places des Vosges on a sunny afternoon, you will reach into your bag, pull out your credit cards and reserve now--before you are even sure that you can get a flight to Paris.



E1200-1500/week

Pros: If you plan on renting a car and taking lazy drives through the French countryside, then stay here and rid yourself of the terrible parking hassle in Paris. This two-bedroom apartment with original beamson the ceiling and tile floors, contains a garage for your convenience. A beautiful area, just minutes from St.-Paul Church in the heart of the Marais.

Cons: There are not very many pictures of the apartment.



$1390-1690/week

Pros: Air conditioning! Controlled by a remote control? Yes…this beautiful apartment located in the Marais has air conditioning and a heating system that you can adjust with a clicker--just like the TV. In fact, now you can adjust the air conditioning WHILE you are watching TV. But who wants to watch TV when you’re surrounded by some of the coolest shops in Paris--fabulous restaurants at affordable prices, Jewish delis and a wild and fluorescent night life.

Cons: Take special care in the shower--the combination of the steam and the sporadic autumn colored bathroom tiles may cause dizziness.



$1550/week

Pros: Live in luxury in this spacious, newly renovated (September 2002) Marais apartment. An excellent location, just five minutes from both Hôtel-de-Ville and St.-Paul métro stations. After a day of sightseeing and eating baguettes, come home to your apartment and pamper yourself--relax in the jacuzzi.

Cons: You may not eat out as much due to the beautiful brand new stainless-steel kitchen you’ll have waiting for you at home.



$1600/ week

Pros: Adorable restored apartment in the Marais with lots of light and a Hollywood-movie view of Paris rooftops. There is so much charm in this spacious two-bedroom and plenty of privacy. The bedrooms are located at opposite ends of the apartment. Click on the site to view the slide show.

Cons: This place is so romantic you may stay a week and never see more than the rooftops of Paris, if you can make it out of bed to the window.


6th Arrondissement:



E700-1540/week

Pros: This is on Rue du Bac... chi chi rue with the high-fashion dames and big French poodles... just one of the best streets in the 6th/7th.

This one-bedroom apartment is located on the fourth floor of a 19th-century building (with elevator) overlooking a quiet cobblestone courtyard. Three minutes from the métro, and a six-minute walk from Mabillon, you’ll find yourself in a community of art galleries, cool clothes and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. After dinner, grab a carton of Cherry Garcia and bring it back to your adorable apartment and eat it with a big spoon, in the warmth of your own bed. The owner, Yingying is one of my favorite people with whom to do business... Try one of her other apartments:



E700/week

Pros: A charming studio on Rue de Grennelle in St.- Germain-des-Prés. It is minutes away from the fabulous boutiques and boulangeries on the Rue du Bac and located right above the most famous cheese shop in Paris so, you’ll never go hungry.

Cons: How you’ll ever choose between these two gorgeous apartments, I do not know.



E700-850/weekk

: Great location--minutes from the Church of St.-Sulpice. You’ll want to go to the Buci market on Sundays, where you might spot Catherine Deneuve. Within walking distance from the Luxembourg gardens; great shopping and delicious restaurants along the Boulevard St.-Germain.

Cons: The bedroom looks awfully small.



From E720/weekk

Pros

Cons: Wish there were more pictures on this site.



E750/week

Pros: This apartment is offered at an excellent price considering its trendy neighborhood in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

Cons: Might want to ask the owner to email you more pictures, as I found myself wanting to see more.



E900/weekk

Pros

Cons: It is always a bit odd when the bathroom is right off the kitchen.



E1200/week

Pros: A very elegant apartment dressed all in white, located in St.-Germain-des-Prés right behind the Luxembourg gardens. Walk to markets and charming cafés. Mobile phone provided.

Cons: Be careful not to spill on the white linens.



E1400/weekk

Pros

Cons: Funky tile motif going on in the kitchen. Check it out.



$1400-1550/week

Pros: Very, very close to St.-Germain-des-Prés, just behind the Musée d’Orsay, neighborhood galleries and small book shops, Ladurée tea house only a few minutes’ walk; venture back to your apartment for quiet time and relax in front of one of your two fireplaces.

Cons: Pets not allowed. Call and make sure you can actually use the fireplaces.


http://www.welcome2france.com/apartments/apartments.shtml
Pros: Here you'll find luxury apartments located all over Paris--and when I say luxury, I mean hardwood floors, chandeliers, velvet couches and high ceilings. These places look fantastic! The site is run directly by the owners of the properties, so you won't have to go through a large corporation and deal with those "additional fees, "you can contact the owners of the apartments directly. Check this site out--tons of pictures, detailed descriptions of fabulous apartments at affordable prices.
Cons: Those of you Rive-Gauche  "I always stay in the 6th" snobs may change your tune when you take a look at some of these places behind the Palais Royal. Simply... divine


Pros: If you're not technically inclined, this is the perfect site for you. It's easy to book your rental in France, with big buttons and lots of pictures. A huge selection of options all across France, from an apartment in the center of Paris to a boat in Cannes.
Cons: The boat option is so tempting that you may go aboard, sail down the Seine and never see Paris from the street.

http://www.parisbestlodge.com
Charming apartments furnished in Paris with internet. Only St Germain des Prés and le Marais. Owner direct.

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