Need to pick Paris apartment
 

We think we have narrowed down our choices for an apartment in Paris at the end of June 2008. All four are from Vacations in Paris, which we feel comfortable using. This is our first vacation to Europe. My husband and I are traveling with our two daughters, ages 20 and 18. We plan on visiting most of the usual sights, especially the museums.

We would appreciate any comments on the apartments and the neighborhoods.

#1 Simon Le Franc One Bedroom Id #72, 10 rue Simon le Franc, Marais, http://vacationinparis.com/apts/id_72.htm

#2 Vieux Paris Id #79, 12 rue Marie Stuart, 2er, http://vacationinparis.com/apts/id_79.htm

#3 Luxemborg-Port Royal Specialty Id #156, 18 bis rue Henri Barbusse, 5er, http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_156.htm

#4 Island Living Id #168, 24 rue le Regrattier, Ile St. Louis, http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_168.htm

Hi ontoeurope,
I'd go with a 2 bedroom as it would be so much more comfortable with the girls. The one near Luxembourg gardens even has 2 bathrooms which is a plus.

I've always wanted to stay on Ile St. Louis so I'd probably go with that one myself. It looks really nice and is larger.

Did you notice that both are on the 4th floor, meaning 5 flights of stairs? That's something to consider. I've done it, and I ate more pastries to make up for all that silly exercise, but it does keep you from going in and out of the apartment on small errands. And I do like running out for pastries and cheese frequently.

We took our 2 kids, 14 and 23, to Paris and Rome last year and I'm so glad we did. We had a fantastic time.

Thanks for the reply rosetravels. The 2 bedrooms would certainly be more comfortable, but of course are more expensive. They are still somewhat in our budget, if the locations are worth it.

Where did you stay when you went to Paris? We'll also be staying in Rome. Any tips for lodging there?

We stayed in a VIP apartment two blocks west of the first two on your list and loved the location. We travelled with our two sons (early twenties) and did not have any troubles. The one bathroom for three women might be a serious consideration.

Good luck and enjoy.

We are also now looking at an apartment in the 8th arrondissement right across the the street from La Madeleine. Does anyone know if that is an affordable neighborhood in terms of restaurants and groceries? http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_158.htm

As luck would have it, I took too long to make a decision and my #1 pick was gone. I am now booked for the St. Sauveur One Bedroom, still with Vacation in Paris (Id #64, 39 rue Saint Sauveur). It's a little smaller, doesn't have a washing machine, but it seems to be a bargain, and is near rue Montorgueil which seems to have everything we're looking for in a place to stay.

Any comments, before I send in the deposit, from anyone that's been near there?

Last March, we stayed with our two teen grandsons in a lovely apartment right in the heart of St. Germain des Pres, just off Rue St. Andres des Artes. It's a one bedroom, one bath with queen size futon in the large living room. Both beds were exceptionally comfortable.
The kitchen was modern and fully equipped, with dishwasher and also a washing machine.
The location is unbeatable, just 2 minutes from two metro stops and the RER B, and a 5-10 minute walk to the Louvre, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf. It's surrounded by numerous cafes, bakeries and a grocery.
What we liked is that the apartment is only occasionally rented out by the owner, so it is filled with beautiful books, has a piano, feels like a home rather than a sterile rental. There is also an elevator, so no need to climb stairs.
You can find it on perfectplaces.com, advertised as a chic apartment in St. Germain des Pres. You deal directly with the owner, Francine Carpon, who speaks beautiful English and who kept in frequent contact with us prior to our arrival.
We loved it and hope to get back there again! Whatever you choose, have a wonderful trip!

Wishing you a great trip ontoeurope. We too are planning our first Europe trip with our 18 & 16 year old daughters in September and i'm looking at the same apartments!! ie ID 72 , ID 79 and ID 115 plus a couple with Paris Best Lodge. Its all very confusing
and hard to make a decision but theres great feedback from this site.

I'd go with the 2 bd on Isle St Louis. Comfortable to have 2 bds, and very central location.

We stayed at 23 Rue le Ragrattier on Ile St Louis in May last year and loved it. It was just off the main Rue St Louis but far enough away that it was quiet. The garbage truck at 6am felt as though it was at the end of the bed but our apartment was at street level.
A short stroll over the Seine will find you in the Marais or the Latin Quarter which your daughters will love.
Notre Dam is another short walk.
The shops along Rue St Louis are wonderful - cheese, bread, butcher and wine just around the corner as well as lovely gift shops.
A good range of restaurants too.

If its not too late, try www.myvideoplanet.com/apartments , it's a new website based on video reviews, so you can watch it before book it. They have this apartment, for example: http://www.myvideoplanet.com/apartme...n-rental-paris

Hagan, I was interested in that apt. you rented because it had a piano. I would really like an apt. with a piano so I can keep in practice, but they are hard to find for these short-term vacation rentals.

I found the description on the website, but cannot see any piano in the photo of the living room. That photo is awfully dark, but can you say where this piano is and what kind of piano is it? I mean, it is an upright, baby grand or spinet, or is it even a digital? Can you recall what condition it was in, or even what brand? thank you