Cecile Apartments

[katec]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have been reading many of the threads regarding the renting of Apartments in Paris. I have never rented an apartment in Paris before so I am new to the whole process.
I am taking my mum to Paris for her 60th birthday in Nov 2011 and have spent the last few weeks researching apartments. I am looking at renting the following apartment from Cecile's Apartments and was wondering (hoping) if anyone has rented from this agency previously.

www.cecile-apartments.com/paris-st-germain-buci-apartment.php

Any help would be appreciated.

Merci,

Kate

[Happygoin]

Hi Kate. Welcome to OPF, btw.

I have no experience with Isabelle's apartments, except to say that it seems that all of the reviews are either very good or very bad. No middle ground. I don't know what that means, except that it seems to me it's a gamble. There are lots of reputable owners and agencies out there, and if it was me, I think I'd go with an apartment owner or agency that consistently gets positive feedback.

I don't know what your criteria is, budget, location, stairs vs. elevator etc. but you might give us your criteria and I'll bet we'll be able to recommend a suitable apartment. Many people here have stayed in MANY different apartments owned by many different agencies, including VRBO. A few here even own rental apartments that can be vouched for. Let us try to help you make this trip with your mom a really great one!

[katec]

Hi Happygoin,

Thanks for the advice.

My criteria is as follows:
Budget: 180 Euro a night but can be stretched to 215 Euro for the right place.

I am looking for a good central location like the 6th but hopefully not an area that is just full of tourists. We will be doing alot of sightseeing so I don't want to have to catch the metro everywhere but I do want to be somewhere that has great food places around and that is close to transport. It can't be too noisy at night as we are both quite light sleepers. My aunt once rented a flat that was above a discoteque - something she discovered when she arrived as the owner did not disclose this little fact.

If there is no lift in the building then the floor the flat is situated on is an issue as my mum couldn't be constantly doing stairs. 2nd or third floor would be alright (she won't do a ground floor flat) but I can't see her doing six flights a day although it would work off all the food I am planning on eating.

Looking for a place that is very clean and has lots of light. Happy with a 1 bedroom plus sofa bed if it is the right flat.

Recommendations would be welcome!!!!

[Happygoin]

I have always used Vacation In Paris apartments. Many people who visit Paris often have a "favorite" agency or apartment. VIP is mine. I've used them 7-8 different times. They"ve always provided great value for the money. You might have a look at this one: www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_241.htm

It seems to tick all your boxes. The Saxe-Breteuil market is quite close to there. It's a really great street market. I stayed in that neighborhood last October. It's a really great area to stay. It's close to Métro stops, good restaurants, and the bus line is very near the apartment, which might work better for your mom than all the stairs in many of the Métro stations. It's mainly a residential area, so it tends to be quiet.

If you don't like that one, I saw 3-4 others that would work well for you too. Scan the one BR's they have to offer. I'll bet you can easily find one you like. Others will come along with their suggestions too.

[janetnj]

Hi Kate. Welcome to the forum!

I think the apartment you mentioned looks great. Happygoin referenced Isabelle's apartments, and I agree with her caution about Isabelle. But unless I'm missing something, this isn't one of Isabelle's apartments. If it's not, I really like it. If it's associated with Isabelle, I'd avoid it.

I took my mom to Paris 3 years ago. She was in her late 70's. I agree with your perspective about having an elevator or being on a lower floor.

I rented from Vacation in Paris once and was happy with the apartment. Parisbestlodge.com also gets good references.

Since you're both light sleepers, one key is to have double paned windows. Even relatively quiet streets can be noisy with the odd motorcyle or garbage truck, and the double paned windows really help to block out noise. Another option is to find a flat where the bedroom faces the interior rather than the street.

Enjoy this trip with your mum. We went 3 years ago and still talk about about it. I'm considering doing another trip this year.

[katec]

Hi All,
Yes the apartment I am looking at is not Isabelle's but Cecile's however I have had a quote for our stay of 5 nights at 238 Euro/night which is more then I am wanting to pay.
I have seen alot of bad reviews for Isabelle so I am definitely avoiding those apartments.

I do like the apartment that Happygoin has referenced above (thankyou) so I will take a good look at that and I am going to do some more searching on the websites that have been mentioned on the forum to see what else I can find.

[bronwyn]

Hi Kate,

I'm also taking my 73 y.o. mom to Paris (in February) and I decided on this apartment through VIP vacationinparis.com/apts/id_229.htm.

I chose it because it is on the 2nd floor and in a great area: I've stayed on a higher floor apartment (w/no elevator) on the same street and LOVED the area: 5 minutes to St Paul Metro which is line 1 (very handy line) and only 2 blocks from the Seine and some nice neighborhood bakeries and eateries close by. It's close to the busy-ness of the Marais, but on a quiet street closer to the Seine. The only downside I see is that this apartment is faces the courtyard-- so no view & it may be a bit dark compared to the apartment posted by happygoin.

This is my first experience w/VIP--so far everything has been very easy & smooth.

Bronwyn

[Jody]

HI and welcome Bronwyn.

We stayed in a VIP apartment on Rue St Antoine very near your apt. Ours was right across from the church , #92 rue St Antoine. The area is excellent in every way. Transportation is great and the shops along St Antoine will fill all your needs. You must try the little bistro , on the corner of St Paul and St Antione. We had 2 excellent meals there and wished we'd tried it sooner.

VIP is so easy to deal with. We've rented from them before and will do so again.

[jo]

Welcome both of you!

We rented this 2 bedroom in September:

www.vrbo.com/15502

It's on the 4th floor, but has a tiny elevator that worked well the whole time we were there. Although it's on busy rue de Turenne, it faces a courtyard and is very quiet. The 2 bedrooms were very large by Parisian standards and the beds were comfortable. The kitchen is very well equipped and there is free wifi, free calling back to North America and a separate washer and dryer. Lots of light coming in through the living room and kitchen windows and probably through the bedroom windows as well (there was construction going on while we were there, so the bedroom windows were covered by a tarp ~ our landlord gave us a 30% discount to make up for this).

David is a great landlord, very quick to reply to e-mails and speaks excellent English.

The downside ~ well, the furniture could use some sprucing up, as could the floors and plumbing. But the location, space and amenities made up for the lack of a WOW effect when you walk in, at least for us. It's priced well at 1400 euros per week for such a large apartment. There are 2 metro stations about 5-10 minutes away, the 96 bus is at the corner and the 69 bus is 2 blocks away. You are 1 block from Place Des Voges and in the middle of Le Marais, so plenty of restaurants, cafes, shopping, etc. The Bastille Market is a five minute walk as is a large Monoprix. We would rent here again since we were very comfortable with the space and location.

Happy hunting and have a wonderful trip with your mom.

Jo

[Happygoin]

Oh Lordy...I just realized I went on about Isabelle's apartments...it's CECILE'S apartments.

I have to say that I think the buzz about Cecile's apartments have been mostly very good. Ah well, still have a look at VIP. They're really very good!

Sorry for the misunderstanding...must have been too much Champagne...or something...

[PariS]

Kate, a place we stayed in awhile back might do nicely for you and your Mom--Lilas, from Guest Apartment Services. Here's my review:

www.ourparisforum.com/index.cgi?board=apartments&action=display&thread=3244

I was initially concerned about noise from the street, but it has dual glass windows and proved to be very quiet. It's on a side street off the main artery thru the island, so not a lot of foot traffic past the apartment. We loved walking the island in the quiet mornings and at night when we had it practically to ourselves.

The elevator is big enough for 4 or 5 people (or two with lots of luggage!) and worked the entire time we were there. But only one flight up if it's out for some reason.

Transportation options were good, too, with line 7 (Pont Marie) and line 1 (St. Paul) both a short walk--these stops made it easy to get anywhere on the right bank. There is also a bus stop directly across from the apartment, which made it handy to catch connections to anywhere on the left bank.

www.guestapartment.com/properties/1_bedroom/lilas.html

[Happygoin]

I LOVE the apartment the Annette just referred you to. It's a perfect location for a first trip. Your mom would love it too!

[katec]

I spent all of yesterday afternoon looking at 100's of apartments (good thing I am on holiday and have the time to spend on this search)including the ones the forum have so kindly suggested.
I have come across one which I really like and would be interested to hear what all you seasoned travellers think.

www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_74.htm

Is there any specific questions I should ask about it?

Thanks

[Shoesy]

It looks really nice, Kate.

[Laidback]

We have always loved this area. We have several French friends who live close by so maybe we are partial! It has wide streets, great transportation for both bus and metro. There are many very good affordable restaurants close by that you have probably read about---Le Florimond, Pasco, all the Constant restaurants, Fables de la Fontaine, Fontaine de Mars. You can walk to the Eiffel tower and watch it twinkle every night before you go to bed!

[holger]

This looks like a great apartment in a good location and it has all the requirements you listed.
You may want to book just to be sure not to lose it since this is a special occasion for your mother.

[Jody]

Lovely apt. Unlike others though I am not fond of the 7th, a bittoo quiet . I like a buzz!

[Happygoin]

Kate, that was the other apartment I was going to suggest. Honest! I know of people who stayed there and they loved it.

[katec]

Jody has mentioned that the neighbourhood is quiet.

How quiet is quiet?

My mum might be turning 60 but I will probably be the one suggesting it is time to go home at night!!!!

[Happygoin]

Kate, the apartment is on the residential end of a commercial street. It's a 5-10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the roof of the Grand Palais lit up at night from a front window. There is a large grocery store just near the Ecole Militaire métro stop. Just across the street from the apt is a restaurant called Auberge Bressane. I ate there twice with friends last October. It was full of locals and we all loved the food. It's hearty if not haute cuisine. It would be simple to pop in during the day and reserve for dinner. You're also an easy walk to r. St. Dominique which is full of restaurants and shops. I think you'll find plenty to keep you busy at night in the neighborhood. You're also close enough to the river that a walk along the Seine after dinner is easy enough. Also an easy walk to the Rodin museum. There's lots to do but it's not a good place if you're looking for clubs or that sort of thing that are within an easy walk of the apt.