Seamus

yk - registration numbers are generally prominently displayed on the property listings. There are loads of totally legit AirBnB properties in Paris, I would not hesitate for a moment.

yk

]
Okay good to know. I actually quite like the airbnb I linked to above in my post. Many of the reviewers say the place is quiet, which is more or less the No. 1 requirement for me as I'm a light sleeper.

Loire is too difficult to navigate around without a car, and I'm not brave enough to rent a car and drive myself and my 7-year-old son around ...

Thanks everyone for your input. When I have time I will spend more time on airbnb to look for legit apartments to rent and plan to stay in Paris for the entire duration. The trip is still 6 months away so hopefully there are still some good options.

bilboburgler

The Loire is very long >1000km, the tourist bit of the Loire is far shorter, but a train goes along much of it and there is a cycle path and buses that go along the bits you can't get a train to. While you might find it odd to step away froma car, really the options are fantastic.

start with seat61.com to understand the French train system
https://francetravelplanner.com/go/l...ans/index.html
https://www.loirebybike.co.uk/travel...s-and-coaches/
https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk...e-valley-train
https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/

more search options exist.