Mahya2

thanks Kerouac. I file all these good tips away for later use.

TweedyXC

I can't be of much help in the apartment search but I saw a bunch of comments of people griping about the cost to get your family around on the metro. Do your self a HUGE favor and buy a "Paris Visite" pass for each of you on the Paris Tourism website. It gives you unlimited rides for up to 5 consecutive days in zones 1-3 which covers everything within the main city area out to the edge of the suburbs. A 5 day adult pass is only 29.90 Euros which is much much cheaper than buying a carnet of tickets each day. I would hold on to the kids though because you only get one tiny ticket for the whole week. Even in the business card sized holder I as an adult was constantly misplacing mine. This way you can travel all over the city without having to feel guilty.

I would also check out the Musuem Passes on the tourism website as well. Keep in mind anyone under the age of 18 (25 with student ID) gets free admission to most musuems (including the major ones). I would check out the ones on your list before you buy your kids passes as they most likely won't need them.

I guess I can give some area advice though. I just recently stayed in the 7th (Hôtel Duquesne-Eiffel - AMAZING hotel!!) and it is a great decent priced area. You can walk to the Eiffel Tower and Invalides, it's fairly quiet at night but still has lots of places to eat. We felt very safe as two young women walking around at night. Keep in mind the lower the number of arrondissement the more you are going to pay. The higher the number the cheaper the hotels etc. but also keep in mind the area may be a bit rougher around the edges. I strongly advise staying away from the 18th (Monmarte) and upper section of the 9th (Pigale/Red Light District) with kids. They are fine during the day but a bit hairy to say the least at night time and this is coming from someone who spends a great deal of time in Philly and NYC here in the US.

Good luck in your search!

DebitNM

We are staying at this apt next month, good sized, sleeps 5 and is only 99 euros a night and is in a great location.

http://www.vrbo.com/339804

cheryllj

NinaSearching: Did you ever post a trip report or a review of the "Bastille Pleaser" apt from VIP (239)?

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_239.htm

I was thinking of staying in that area on my next trip and the photos look good. But they always do.

DebitNM

We LOVED our apt [see above] The location was perfect, the apt large and had everything needed, the owner was great to work with and we would most heartily recommend staying at this great apt.