mrubio0806

We arrive in Gare du Nord which is in the 10th arrondisement. So I believe this apartment might be a good location and well within our weekly budget and not too far off to be able to enjoy our week in Paris and easily get around. Your input is highly welcome.

http://www.vrbo.com/353613wnerprofile

MelJ

I like the 11th very much and the Richard Lenoir market is a really good one. The flat looks terrific for the price and the reviews are good. My only question is what floor is it on? Remember that first floor French is second floor American (first floor French is called the "ground" floor). I didn't see where there is an elevator and if there isn't, I'd want to know how many floors I'm going to schlep up after a day walking Paris.

tuscanlifeedit

Looks like it's on the ground floor. It looks nice for me, and if you need two bedrooms, that's probably a good price.

I rather like the washer and clothes dryer, if they really are separate machines. I don't care for a shower over a tub, but they may mean nothing to you. I'm old and don't like the climb.

But I enjoy the Lenoir market and the 11th has lots of transportation links.

mrubio0806

good catch MelJ! cross-eyed after viewing so many apartments

Christina

I think it's fine if you like the apartment, that's just personal taste. I don't like loft apartments and stairs like that, I think they can be dangerous, but those are better than some I've seen that are really pretty much just a ladder. Those are a little better. At least the bathroom is upstairs so convenient to the bedrooms. I don't like showers in tubs that much, either, but most have that so I wouldn't reject one because of that. I'm surprised they didn't do a more modern shower given it appears they've renovated but maybe they really wanted a tub.

The location is fine and will be convenient enough, even though that metro line means you have to go to Nation or Republique and then transfer to get anywhere, but at least it is very near the metro stop. There is no direct line from Gare du Nord, either, you'll have to transfer once, but at least it isn't too far, as you note. It will be convenient that the no. 76 bus goes right down rue Charonne to the Louvre.

I think it's a good choice, all in all.

goldenautumn

Small note: I would have to bring a sleep mask so as not to wake up with the first light of dawn. In the video, it appeared that that curtains on the bedrooms were near-transparent and they get plenty of daylight from large windows.

Also, when I saw the fan being turned on I assumed that meant "no air conditioning." Fine if you are going early in the season, but I would not want to be in an upstairs loft in a heat wave.

If you watch the video, you can see the apartment is on the ground floor.

Leely2

I'd take it. What are you looking for in an apartment? Because this looks good to me. Nice restaurants nearby and not too "far out there" for this avid walker, non-type-A sightseer.

Christina

I think those are good points about the light. Some landlords never actually live in the apartments they rent which is why they are not usually as suitable as a place someone really lives in terms of light issues, I've found (not just light coming in a window with no decent curtains to block it out, but also most that I've viewed do not have decent reading lamps near a good chair or sofa, just more decorative lights). I read a lot so that really matters to me, and it is a real challenge.

There is no AC listed in the amenities so I'm sure they don't have any. No vacation rental apt which had AC would not mention it as it is a big selling point. I'm always surprised how few Parisian apts have AC, even ones of relatively modern construction sometimes do not. Many years ago this was fine but with global warming, it is often pretty darn hot in summer there. I used to stay in hotels and dorms long-term about 15-20 years ago with AC in Paris in July and it didn't bother me much (you'd have only an occasional real hot day), but now I wouldn't do it.

justineparis

Look location is ok, but I wouldn't stay there because you seem to think its convenient to Gare Du Nord I mean you are just arriving there and leaving from there, no need to stay near there at all.. if you read the really flowery description selling you on its location( and no map posted, why?) it basically says not convenient for first time visitors, you will take metro or bus to go to almost any sites at all Now, it is true that any location is not going to be convenient to every site, thats impossible but this location is not really walkable to most sites..

I also think there is too much light, and in summer too much heat I bet,, ( all that sunlight streaming in) ..but it looks nice enough I suppose, I just would keep looking myself, suggesting the 4th 5th and 6th as far more convenient .

mrubio0806

Merci beaucoup Justine!

Seamus

Absolutely agree about not restricting your self to a place near GdN, but also think this is a rather decent property and would stay there myself. Clearly it is well designed and appears to be well done. I see nothing indicating that the dryer is separate from the washer, rather looks like the typical combo washer/dryer. This is not my favorite thing, but not a total stopper, either.

Re: the light - the video shows shutters to close off the window, that should take care of the issue.

All in all, mrubio, it's a cool place that I would rent, but still prefer the property you found on Av Bourdon. That one would be much more comfortable for your group of four and I'd snatch that one up before someone else does.

annhig

if you are arriving at the gard du nord, any apartment that is on a direct line from there will be as convenient as any other. this one isn't. the one time that you don't want to be changing lines is when you are arriving or leaving! [BTW, do you have to get back to the Gard du Nord at the end of your trip, or to somewhere else?]

also, as pointed out above, they don't actually show it on the map - why not?

with no A/C [assuming your trip is in the summer] this place wouldn't be top of my list.