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Post by denise on Jul 30, 2009 16:40:16 GMT -5
:)The longest we have stayed in a Paris apartment is 10 days. Next May we are now planning over a month stay. Choosing an apartment is a headache. Do you think it is different choosing somewhere to stay for a month as opposed to a week-10 days?
For those of you who have had long stays (and anyone else who wants to chip in) could you tell me what factors we should consider when choosing somewhere for a long stay. Is it different than a short stay? What do you think would be essential? Do you think a view is important?
I want to stay in the 2nd. An area we know and love, but expensive and central. Michael is thinking we could get cheaper further out like Vincennes.
Your thoughts would be welcome.
Thanks Denise love from England x
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Post by holger on Jul 30, 2009 19:38:10 GMT -5
Denise,
If you check perfectlyparis.com which is Gail's site, although you won't get the 2nd, you may find that the 9th is as wonderful as we have. Her places generally discount for a month and in fact one of her two bedrooms only rents by the month. I believe it is one that the Laidback's have stayed at. they also have a very nice one bedroom on Caulincourt. We stayed two weeks and would use her again for that long or longer.
Her rates are reasonable and many of the places have free calls to many countries landlines including the UK and also free internet.
I am thrilled for you.
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jazz
New Member
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Post by jazz on Jul 30, 2009 19:38:15 GMT -5
Hi Denise,
'Over a month' (!!! ) puts you in a very good position. I have stayed in apartments in Paris three times: two weeks just off rue Mouffetard in the 5th, one month on rue de la Roquette in the 11th (close to the Bastille market) and one month on rue Maitre Albert, the 5th, a five minute walk from the Seine and Ile Saint Louis. You have visited Paris often now and I think that you have little to worry about. If you were a novice visitor, I would recommend Arrondissements 1-9. But you are adventurous, have knowledge of the excellent transport system (bus and metro) and have experienced the first few of the complex layers of Paris.
What essential things should you consider for a longer stay? The only thing that would make a choice difference for me would be that I would like to live in a 'village' or 'neighborhood'...with lovely local food shops, a wine shop, and a few good cafes, bistros or restaurants. Most 'villages' have their own market. This is good because you will not have far to walk with your bags of groceries.
There is a very different intensity of time between a week and over a month. Dining out, night in and night out, wears thin and is expensive. Too much of anything is boring. When I would spend a month, I would eat out for perhaps three nights, then visit a wonderful market (or small shops) and prepare a fabulous at home dinner. However, I did this because I was alone and liked to be with people in the evenings. You may want to eat in your apartment more often. I like to vary my experiences depending on mood...dining out (at whatever level), picnics, and exploration of the food markets and small shops.
I think that renting an apartment 'for the view' is totally unimportant and not worth the extra money. Most of my days, I was out 8-12 hours and was so tired when I came home that I could barely see my way to my bed, let alone spend hours looking at the view from my windows. I have never understood why people need an apartment with a view of ie: the Eiffel Tower. In your waking moments anywhere in Paris, how can you not see the tower? In my rue de la Roquette apartment, I looked out onto a modest (shabby?) courtyard, but, I loved it, and can see it as I write this. And, I looked at the rooftops and the sky.
If your heart is set on the 2nd, then you have time to search. It seems expensive and since it isn't an area I have researched, I don't have a suggestion. What is your budget? It may well be possible to find a place there. I doubt that you will have to go to Vincennes to find an apartment, but it may be beautiful there. You can find a closer place. In my next trip I want to stay in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, or 20th....all cheaper and, to me, intriguing.
My idea of apartment budget for a month is 1200-1800Euro/month.
I have found:
1. Price usually drops dramatically when you want it for a month. Once, I was going to rent for 3 weeks instead of a month and the manager said 'why bother?' , there is almost no difference at all between three weeks and a month....there was only a 40E difference! (I took the month)
2. Elevators and air conditioning: Both of these make the apartments more expensive. Learn to love stairs and, since you are going in May, you won't need air conditioning.
3. Arrondissements 1-9 are to arr. 10-20(except 16th,17th) as Paris is to the rest of France. You usually pay far more for much less space in in the very inner core.
Bonne chance Denise, I know that you will find a great place.
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jazz
New Member
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Post by jazz on Jul 30, 2009 19:45:33 GMT -5
Holger is right, Gail's apartments are definitely discounted for the month. www.perfectlyparis.com Many sites do this.
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Post by janetnj on Jul 30, 2009 20:25:53 GMT -5
Hi Denise. How wonderful to have over a month in Paris. When I was thinking about my criteria for a longer-term apartment, I asked myself what would bug me after 10 days or so. I knew I wanted a fair amount of natural light, a stand-up shower, a comfortable bed and internet connection. I also looked for places that were furnished as if people actually live there and not just with the bare minimum.
My tradeoff to manage my budget was to give up being central and I never regretted the decision. I spent most of my days outside of central Paris, so being central really wasn't that important to me.
As for a view, I personally don't think it's important. I saw beautiful views every day. What I will look for in my next apartment is a balcony, terrace or garden. It would be nice to have breakfast outside or to sit outside and relax at the end of the day.
I also rented with Perfectlyparis. They offered a good discount for a longer stay. My apartment was in the 17th.
Another thing to think about is accessibility to stores. I loved that I passed a Monoprix and all the other typical stores as I walked from the metro to my apartment. It just made it so convenient to keep my apartment stocked.
Have fun with your planning. I LOVED searching for my apartment.
Janet
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Post by Katharine on Jul 30, 2009 20:58:22 GMT -5
Denise - First let me say that I am thrilled you are struggling with this issue. How much fun!! I will be in Paris for just over three weeks next June. I am staying in the same apartment that Janet (janetnj) stayed in for her month in April/May. It is Gail's "Parisian Living" apartment in the 17th in rue deSaussure - www.perfectlyparis.com/Parisian%20Living.htmlGial has been a dream to work with and according to Janet it is near rue de Levis, a market street, as well as a Monoprix and other indespensibles. Gail has offered me a discount for my stay, and I feel sure you would get the same or better for a month. I am really looking forward to being "off the beaten path." Why not give it a look? Keep us posted on your search! Hugs and kisses - Katharine
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Post by sdtraveller on Jul 30, 2009 23:24:05 GMT -5
We have stayed twice for a whole month (in the 4e and the 5e) and will be in Paris next May for four weeks (Batignolles area, 17e). I think being located in a "neighborhood" that is more for Parisiens than for tourists is important, meaning rich with stores, shops, cafes, services. In the 4e, we were in upper Marais, just a bit below Republique; in the 5e we were close to the lower end of rue Mouffetard. In both cases we alternated time spend throughout Paris (and day trips beyond) with days exploring "our" neighborhood. That is a real treat, provided you have enough time and/or have been to Paris enough prior times that you are not trying madly to "see the main sights." There will be enough [artially-raing days in May that you might want to spend some time in the apartment, so having enough space and comforts for the number of people is far more important to us than the view. We have also valued having a kitchen that invites some "normal" kinds of meal preparation--not just reheating take-out. Obviously, we are staying this next time outside of the seven "prime" arrondissements, and our previous apartment (on the eastern border of Jardin des Plantes) was not predominantly a tourist area. I would avoid densely-residential areas (e.g., near Bois de Boulogne).
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Post by jo on Jul 31, 2009 6:35:23 GMT -5
Denise,
How wonderful for you! A whole month (maybe more) in Paris! You will have so much time to just wander and linger, no need to rush, all that market shopping (and eating) and so many new discoveries waiting to happen. I'm so happy for you.
Janet's point about having a garden or terrace made me think of our own Luc's apartment ~ a very large studio in the 11th, close to the Bastille and to all the everyday necessities and luxuries you would ever want or need and best of all, a beautiful garden where you could have meals surrounded by flowers and greenery and just the sounds of the birds chirping. It really has to be seen to be believed. It's a great location, has free wifi and cable, and long distance calling (well I know it's free to the US and Canada, not sure about the UK), a full size washing machine, a large bath with shower attachment, separate WC, and lots of closet space. I can just see you guys enjoying your breakfasts in that beautiful garden.
Have fun looking and planning.............Jo (just slightly jealous, but very happy for you!)
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Post by Happygoin on Jul 31, 2009 10:00:17 GMT -5
What a fun problem to have, Denise One neighborhood I've always wanted to stay in, and haven't yet, is the Batignolles area of the 17th. It seems to have such a neighborhood vibe to it. And you're still quite close to tourist central if you want to visit some sites. One day soon....
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nutsabouttravel
Full Member
Fais que ton r?ve soit plus long que la nuit
Posts: 154
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Post by nutsabouttravel on Jul 31, 2009 11:03:40 GMT -5
Since I have been to Paris many times over 25+ years, I have come to feel at home in certain areas (mainly St-Germain and the Latin Quarter), even though I have been all over the city. There is something very comforting to me, as a solo traveler, to already know where my favorite places are: where to get the newspaper, the movie theatres that show old movies, to remember (and be remembered by) a waiter, a shopkeeper, at the patisserie, to walk around without a map, etc. So, I have stayed in the 6eme and will be in the 5eme starting mid-Sept. for a month. I recognize that I pay a bit more (though not a whole lot) for being in a central location, but I have been able to find apartments which have good value for the money. These longer stays in Paris will last in my memory forever and I am very picky about my environment, so I am willing to pay a bit of a premium. In considering an apartment for a month, which I will have done for the 3rd time by Sept., I just tried to imagine what my daily life would look like and listed my criteria ("must haves" and "nice to haves".) What I considered highly important were: a central location close to the metro, a charming apartment with an attractive décor, plenty of space and natural light, in a pretty neighborhood and under 2,500 euro for the month. Also essential were TV with cable/satellite since I am a news junkie, a washer (preferably a dryer too), a pleasant view from the windows (although not necessarily a spectacular view), and quiet at night. Additional criteria were: good kitchen with 4 burners to be able to cook with ease, a bathroom with bath tub and plenty of counter space for the ever-increasing number of "maintenance" items I now require to prepare myself to go out in public . Highly desirable, but not easy to find, is a computer in the apartment. I had one last year, but not this year. However, there is an internet cafe in the neighborhood which has reasonable subscription rates. These are the things that were important to me and I hope this helps you to think about what will make you happy and comfortable.
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Post by denise on Aug 1, 2009 4:13:17 GMT -5
:)Thanks for all your tips. These are really interesting and I have taken note. Unfortunatly the Parisien living apartment is not available according to the calendar, but I have enquired about lots of other properties and await a reply. My priorites are.
Good transport links Proper kitchen with oven Washer dishwasher Preferably in a "village" like area with local boulangerie and market. Not bothered which arrondissement. but of course it has to be respectable. Budget up to 2500 euros If possible king size bed or twins.
Unfortunatly my recent trip reports will have to wait till I have sorted this out, I am sure you all know that finding an apartment is an all consuming, full time job, day and night until you finally book one.
Can my mental health survive the sleep deprevation? LOL!
Los of love and thanks to you all
Denise.xx
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Post by Shoesy on Aug 1, 2009 4:47:59 GMT -5
An entire month in Paris? Wow !!! I'm so happy for you, Denise. ;D ;D ;D
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Post by holger on Aug 1, 2009 5:42:34 GMT -5
Denise,
If you just write to Gail with your requirements she will let you know which apartments meet them and if they are available. The St Georges seems to fit your requirements, is only rented by the month and looks wonderful. I seem to recall that the Laidbacks have stayed there. The 9th is a great neighborhood. I checked Parisian Living and it seemed available in May 2010. Janet stayed there for her month, I believe.
Have fun.
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Post by suzanne on Aug 3, 2009 16:09:13 GMT -5
Wow!How Lucky you are to be able to stay for a month. One thing the last place we stayed taught us, is to be sure you have convienient shopping close by. We were trudging quite a ways up and down a hill each day for supplies and pastries. It is so nice to just pop out for things as we did when we were near Rue Mouffatard, Montorguiel, and Rue Cler. I also would have to have a washer and cable TV. I'm sure there are many other places in Paris that are convient for shpping and living. We are not really up for climbing lots of stairs anymore so I would not do that. I would like some sunlight and maybe a street view as opposed to a tiny courtyard or airshaft as we once had. Noise is also an issue for me. The apartment we rented in St Germaine was next to a night club blasting music till 5 Am. I'm thinkg of staying in the 17th on our next trip. We had a little walk there and it seemed very "homey".
Good luck with your search. I know how all consuming it can be.
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Post by holger on Aug 3, 2009 17:29:59 GMT -5
Our location in the 9th had several patisseries and bakeries a block from the apartment and we were two blocks from the outdoor market on Rue Cadet, less than two blocks from a small super market, a bit further to the Chicken Man near Metro Anvers. Anvers weekly market was also walking distance if a bit further. Next time we will buy a small wheeled cart for toting our food back to the apartment instead of having multiple bags.
The location was great for that and easy walking to several excellent small bistros and restaurants.
I agree this is important when in an apartment for any length of time.
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Post by JustTravel on Aug 20, 2009 19:40:04 GMT -5
We booked this apartment for our month in the fall www.vrbo.com/79965. This is a return for us. We were there for a week in 2007. We stayed in Perfectly Paris St-Georges apartment over the 2006 Christmas holiday for six weeks - www.perfectlyparis.com. Last year we rented this apartmenst for three months - letsparis.com/douai.html. Good luck in your seach. Fun, fun, fun!!!!
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Post by shortstayparis on Oct 18, 2009 5:37:38 GMT -5
Paris in May, what a great time to spend a month there. Make sure you deck your apartment out with plenty of fresh flowers and get down to the weekend markets regularly - ask a neighbour if you don't know where to find your nearest one - and get some of the delicious, fresh, non-supermarket produce in your fridge to enjoy cooking with! If you get up early enough you can have a really delicious breakfast at the market, do your shopping, and still have time to enjoy a museum in the afternoon...
Have a fantastic time!
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