I am a single professional going to study in Paris for 3 months. I would like to rent a furnished apartment but was looking for suggestions on where to live. I really want a true "Parisian" experience i.e. cobblestone streets, teeny cafes, people on bikes running me down etc. and near a convenient metro. My inclination is towards the Marais (BTW - not interested in the 6th at all) but would love any feedback! Leaving in September.

Hi,

I can't help, but this reminds me of a Shel Silverstein cartoon in playboy about 35 years ago.

Shel is in a tiny, cramped, cold-water, walkup garret and the landlady is saying: "This room is 850 francs per month, but if you would like a nice, warm room on the first floor - it is only 700 francs per month".

I'd imagine both the Marais and the 6th are among the most expensive neighborhoods in Paris. It seems to me that most people who've "lived" in Paris for more than a week or two have done so in nighborhoods which are slightly more off the beaten track (8th, 12th, etc.)

Here's one thread I found which has suggestions for long-stay apartment resources:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34394495

Well the Marais certainly qualifies...the Metro issue shouldn't be any problem since everywhere in Paris is within a few blocks of a Metro station.
I wouldn't skimp on THIS one because it will be the memory (and hopefully not the nighmare) of a lifetime..you'll make ALL that money back and then some soon..and it will never be this cheap again!

Of the friends, and friends-of-friends I know who have lived or live in Paris, they all were out in the higher numbered, less central arrondisements. I assumed this was because it was less expensive there.

I agree with the above posts - most affordable residential districts in Paris are the outlying arrondissements.

The Marais is a highly coveted area and for that reason, apartments tend to be expensive and difficult to find. That doesn't mean it's impossible of course.

However, you might want to think about setting your sights slightly further east, to the area around Bastille and into the 11th/12th arrondissements, as you'll still be near the Marais, and there are many small winding streets, cafes and markets in the area. Still not sure about the people on bikes, of course (you wouldn't get me on a bike in paris if you paid me! I value life!!!).

You might also want to investigate the area around Denfert Rochereau in the 14th - rue Daguerre is a nice pedestrian shopping street with market stalls and cafes, and even the area around rue des Abbesses and rue Lepic in Montmartre (18th)

To be honest, once you arrive in Paris you'll realise that appartments are in short supply, so you may have to review your list of requirements to fit in with what's actually available.

Your best bet for a short stay is to look in Fusac, a free magazine available in most English/Irish pubs, English bookshops, etc (apparently it's also available in New York, check www.fusac.com or www.fusac.fr). It comes out twice a month, on a Wednesday, and you have to be quick off the mark, as the properties tend to get rented out extremely quickly! Prices are a little higher than elsewhere but you're more likely to find a short-term rental.

Expect to pay at least 700 euros per month for a smallish studio.