Paris apt. neighborhood info...please!
 

We have an apartement in the 2nd near the intersection of Rue d'Aboukir and Rue d' Alexandrie. We will be picking up food most of the time so any suggestions to get morning coffee/croissant, fresh fruit/open markets, cheese shops, bread shops, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Tina

Hi Tina. I can't suggest any local places, but curious to know if you decided to book the unit through holidaylettings that you posted about back in December. What has your experience been with the owners? It looks like a real bargain. Happy Travels.

There is a monoprix at the intersection of Rue Réaumur and Bvd Sébastopol that you can do grocery shopping at. Rue Montorgueil, a market street with practically anything you would want (cheese shop, wine shop, pastries, etc.).

Chicago,
We went through Holiday rentals. The link is:

http://www.holidayrentals.co.uk/9345

It was a great deal in price but I really do not know what I am getting yet. I will let you know if it was a good deal when I get back.

Thanks Mr Nuke!

Chicago,
I forgot to add that I have been dealing with the owner, David, and he has been great. He responds to my emails very quickly and he has been very accomodating about the time we are getting there. Our flight does not arrive until 10pm. I hope that everything goes as smoothly when I arrive!

Tina

Hi tmoday,

not sure if it's any help, but we rented through holiday rental in Venice at easter, and it all went smoothly. of course we were dealing with a different owner, but all the ones I contacted when we were searching were vey helpful.

we were arriving late too, and what we found vey useful was to have the cell no. of the contact person who was due to meet us. so when our flight was delayed, I could phone him and let him know.

I phoned the no. a few days in advance just to make contact and check I'd got it right.

to find various businesses near your accommodation, just go to google maps - put in the address and the type of business you want - supermarket, delicatessen, bakery, launderette, etc.

hope this helps,

regards, ann

It looks almost too good to be true. What floor is it on and is there an elevator?

Barb,
It's probably on the 20th without an elevator since I did not ask. If you hear of an American wife murdered by a husband that had to walk up too many steps...that will be me. :O)

Tina

ttt

Between Monoprix and rue Montorgueil, you'll be all set!

And, you'll find other places as you explore "your" neighborhood.

Recommend visiting at least one of the larger markets (on appropriate days) such as Richard Lenoir, President Wilson, just for the experience.

Please report on the apartment. Looks like a nice, if miniscule, budget stay.

Tina please report back on the apartment. It looks like something I would be very interested in - unless it's on the 20th floor with no lift.

Hi-
I'll be interested to hear about this apartment after you stay. have you found any reviews of it anywhere?

I emailed the owner about availability for October and he replied within 24 hours, but did not answer all my questions.
However, he did say the apartment is on the 1st floor for those who are interested.

One of my other questions not answered was if this is a true 1 bedroom with a door which separates it from the living room. In looking more closely, I think this is just a studio, not really a 1 bedroom. That could be quite a shock for people traveling together expecting some privacy.

It's a studio, all right.

I have to say, misleading listings are becoming a pet peeve of mine.
I'm sorry, but that is not a "one bedroom" if it doesn't have a separate room. That's why the designation "studio" exists. Nor is an apartment with a sofabed in the living room a "two bedroom". Grrrrrr...
Ok, rant over.

I could not find any reviews on it so I am taking my chances. I will let everyone know how it is when I get back. Looking at the pictures, I think that it is a studio. We would have liked a bedroom but it is just with our children so not a terrible inconvenience.
I have noticed that he usually just answers the first question so I email him one question at a time and he is prompt in getting back to me...not sure what that is all about.
I am very happy that it is not on the 20th floor.

Tina

It is definitely a studio. You can see the bed in the "living room" photo. Looks like the bed is right next to the front door and the other door is the bathroom. The sofa doesn't look comfortable for sitting much less sleeping. The table is a fold-out and only two chairs are shown. There's virtually no counter space in the kitchen, and a small fridge.

Good location and great rate, though! Glad to hear not a lot of stairs are involved.

Just a trivial observation: the wardrobe shows in all pictures except for that of the bathroom, and yet you can't get an idea of what size it is.

A more interesting observation is that the apartment is shown as being available for all dates from today to the end of December.

Padraig is right. Availability is showing through December. If you rented the apartment those dates ought to have been blocked off unless the guy you're renting from just didn't get around to doing so yet. I find the way he replies to your emails frustrating. I suggest you confirm your dates...as I'm sure you have already paid a deposit.

We spent a month in Paris, and every morning my noble partner walked from our apartment right next to the Barbes-Rochechouarte metro to the rue des Martyrs because the boulangerie on the corner of rue de Navarin and rue des Martyrs has the best croissants in the world and fabulous baguettes, as well as wonderful pastries. Rue des Martyrs also has marvelous charcuteries, fruit stores, cheese shops, etc. - you must investigate it. It took him 25 minutes round-trip; perhaps you are a little further away, but it's worth it. The croissants were still warm when he got home (even after climbing 109 stairs to our apartment!).

I have paid a deposit so I hope that everything will be OK with the apartment. I know that it is small but really don't mind that, we just wanted something convenient.

Thanks likeswords for the boulangerie suggestion. It sounds wonderful...just six weeks before we begin our adventure!

Tina

Tina,

I thought your studio looked good! what a great price and a room with just what you need.

I stayed in the 6th in a smaller studio than that for more money last year. I'm always looking for budget places to add to the possibilities for the next trip.

have a great time and let us know your verdict when you get back.

lynda