The Paris Traveler

Up, Up and Away: A Different Way of Doing Things.

by Kim on January 23rd, 2008

If I could plan your trip to Paris and was allowed to select your accommodations, hands down, I would set you up in one of the hundreds of vacation apartment rentals available throughout the city.  I had no idea anything like this existed until I began researching places to live when I temporarily relocated there in 2005.  Back then, there were a “handful” of websites catering to this type of thing.   Now, there is an almost endless selection of apartments available to fit all needs–from tiny studios for one person to amazing homes that have been featured in numerous design magazines (maraishouse.com)

The advantages are many.  You are actually staying in a building that is a residence–people live here, going through the  motions of being Parisian.   They walk their dogs, take out the trash, stop and talk to the gardienne or concierge,the individual responsible for taking care of the building.  One can be a bit of a voyeur as to how life is lived in a different place. 

 I love being able to get back to “my” apartment after a wonderful day that leaves me weary and be able to plop down on a sofa and just relax.  I can go in the kitchen and open a bottle of wine to share with my family before heading out to dinner.  Or, maybe, we are too tired for dinner out and have opted to bring home some delicious goodies from Le Grand Epicerie (a beautiful, gourmet grocery store) or we stopped in at the corner Franprix, a grocery store chain, to pick up some brie, baguettes, perhaps some fresh fruit and just chill in the privacy of our own place.  I think that this would be especially welcome for those of you thinking about going over with young children.  You can opt for meals in when everyone is a bit “cranky”.  I have been there and would have loved something like this when my girls were little. 

But the REAL reason I love renting apartments is that in the morning, I can have coffee in my pajamas! Weird, I know, but when you drink a pot like I do to get things cranked up, the little bitty cups of coffee at the corner café just don’t do it for me.  This way, I can put on a full pot and take my time getting ready to greet the day.  Paris isn’t an early morning city anyway, so why rush?! Certainly, this may not be a priority for you but the luxury of being able to take one’s time is just one of the perks of being on vacation–or at least should be!

There are a few downsides but nothing you can’t overcome.  Elevators may not be available to bring luggage up to the 6th floor studio you have selected and your 50 pound bag feels like 100 as you lug it up a tiny spiral staircase built in the 18th century.  A little frustrating after you have been awake for almost 24 hours and don’t want to be your own bellperson. Hopefully,  you have an owner that is willing to help you.  Agencies will have someone there to greet you and offer assistance.   They will also bring you your key.  Should you forget it in the apartment or lose it, there is no front desk to provide you with a quick replacement.  Nor is there anyone to give you directions or call a taxi for you.  They will help you arrange for airport transportation if you need it, but otherwise, you are on your own.  And, you have to make your own bed (or not).   There isn’t daily maid service.  Most companies offer cleaning once a week should your stay be of a longer duration.   If those things are something you are uncomfortable with, then this type of arrangement may not be for you.  If going outside your box fits your personality, then this is absolutely the way to go.  

I am going to give you a list of agencies that I have used and have had good luck with.  There has been only one nightmare-I rented a studio from a woman whose idea of clean was used handsoap and bugs in the bathroom.  Stayed in it one night, threw all the clothes away that I slept in and moved on.  This may come as a shock but I am not referring you to that site!  

If this is something you want to do and have any questions, please feel free to email me.

•  Paris Attitude
•  Paris Pied a Terre–lived in their CDM 2 unit and loved it.
•  Paris Perfect
•  Apartrental
•  Paris Address

There are so many more out there.  Do a Google search for “apartment rentals in paris” or “vacation rentals in paris” and tons will pop up.  One tiny problem:  you could spend hours looking for your perfect pied-a-terre. Going through these sites can be addictive!

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