Bonjour! I'm going to Paris in Sept and living there for 3 months. I've only visited short stints so this will be a big change. Can someone recommend a studio apartment that is affordable and convenient that is around $1500/mo or less? I'm not very finicky especially since this is coming up soon but somewhere clean and convenient would be perfect. Do you recommend I stay in a different neighborhood each month?

My purpose in going is to improve my French, take some cooking classes (if reasonable) and simply seize the opportunity to live in one of my most favorite cities even for a short while. I will have plenty of time to lull around and can really use some help and suggestions from those who have spent a lot of time there. I also plan to create a personal blog for my family so they know what I'm up to. Last time I went I used my HD phone camera to take photos and I was quite happy with it. This time tho I want to kick it up a notch but still keep it simple. Any recommendations for a point and shoot - not looking to change lenses, etc. Merci!

A short term apartment for 1100€ to 1200€ per month will not be easy to find. Paris is not an inexpensive city, I should think that 2000€+ might be a more realistic budget for a short term efficiency apartment.

You might want to take a look at Citadine offers to give you an idea of the market:
http://www.citadines.com/

Citadines is really more expensive and an "aparthotel", kind of geared to business travelers. $1500 is only $50 a day or around 35 euro (or 1100 a month).

You need to look at local French websites for apartment rentals, such as www.lodgis.fr I used them and they were fine. They have lots of options, including furnished short-term rentals.

Of course you can stay in a foyer, especially if you really are going to be a student. Some are restricted to students and official work interns. But I think those can be more like 50 euro a day.

Here is one foyer I know near the Sorbonne, it's a great location and I do know someone who stayed there and said it was okay. YOu don't have a kitchen, though, in those (there is a communal one). It is only 600 euro a month, though, for a private room if you qualify and are under age 26. http://www.unme-asso.com/foyersUNME/paris-fie.html

But if you want the apt route, you can find something that will be very small and maybe an outer area, but you should be able to get something for 1000 euro a month furnished but it will be very basic. If you can't, think about the foyer, or up your budget. I see the ones lodgis.fr lists as short-term rentals for 300 euro a week or less are pretty grim and are 14-20 m2. Which is the size of a small hotel room.

Thanks for the quick response and link, Sarastro. It seems like I might need to look on the outskirts and go further out from the center. Thanx

You can find plenty of on-line agencies offering holiday rentals in Paris. You will also find some commentary warning that these are against the law -- but so far they are still going strong. Some leading representatives are airbnb, homeaway, VRBO, plenty that specialize in Paris, and even hotel agencies such as www.booking.com
These agencies are of two types. One is the go-between, publicizing what's available and putting the customer in touch with the landlord. Then those two parties handle their negotiations. As an example, homeaway.
The other type manages the property and will have a representative on the ground for you to deal with.
For a longer-term rental you might be able to negotiate a discount.
airbnb has flourished partly because it handles the finanical transfers although the client still deals with the landlord.
Your idea of looking outside the immediate city centre is probably a good one -- near the Peripherique ring road, perhaps. The key is to have good access to the Metro. Your subway rides will be longer but you may enjoy a neighbourhood where ordinary Parisians are sharing the sidewalk.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouleva...iph%C3%A9rique

Have a look on Airbnb.com

Prices are listed but often are negotiable for long-term stays, especially off season. What months do you plan to be there?

If you do look on the outskirts, be sure and use Google maps street view to have a look at the neighborhood before booking. Better to choose an established village than communities of high rise apartments with few amenities and possibly less appropriate for a variety of reasons.

She plans to be there Sept-Nov, which isn't exactly off season.

Airbnb is a good idea, they actually have a couple in that price range, although they do look rather depressing. But maybe the OP wouldn't mind.

Thanks Christina, I missed it. No, not exactly off-season but there will likely still be possibilities for a discount if she's prepared to ask. Part of the problem (if it's a problem) with Airbnb these days is that there are so many choices. But easy to use the filters to narrow down the results, including price. And I'm sure there will be opportunities there so likely not necessary to stay in the boonies.

Thank you for the helpful insights, it's good to get different opinions. After looking at a number of places and agencies, decided to up my budget a bit to stay closer to the areas I like. Some looked really pitiful in my original &-range so will keep looking. thanx again for the suggestions. Yes, I'll be there Sept to Nov.

typo: I meant $-range (price range)

We have used France Homestyle for the last 3 years. Not inexpensive, but 3 months is a long time and, even if, as you say, you're not finicky, you will enjoy you're stay much more if you're in a nice apartment and a nice neighborhood. After all, á mon avis, Paris is all about the neighborhoods, and the beauty of a 3-month stay is that you will be able to really experience what it is like to live in the neighborhood you choose.

And back to the question of moving, I suggest it may be more satisfying to stay in one place for the duration. Part of the beauty of staying put is, as billandcindy says, "you will be able to really experience what it is like to live in the neighborhood you choose." Don't discount that pleasure. The longer I travel, the more I try to choose places to stay.

What are the areas you like? I assume you're young-ish, so just in case you've been focusing on the more touristy parts of Paris, I'd encourage you to consider the Ménilmontant, Belleville, Oberkampf, and Bastille areas. Lots of young people, cheaper real estate, cheaper everything, and lively and very "neighborhoody."

Thanks for Homestyle suggestion, a little too pricey and only 2-room avail, but I do agree that I'd rather pony up and have a better experience and be more comfortable. I too would prefer to stay in the same hood for entire stay, preferably the Marais or St Germaine area. I love the architecture and look of the Marais yet I really enjoy the energy in the 6th.

Thanks for the links. The foyer is only for under 26 and I'm way above that. 35 to be precise. Will keep looking. Thank you for the suggestions.

Well, your preferred areas are very touristy and very pricey, and most of the local residents of the 6th are twice your age.. You really might consider expanding your horizons. There is far more to Paris than Saint-Germain and the Marais, especially for a long-term renter.

I understand. I have visited several times and almost always spent most of the time in the outer areas for work. This time will be pure vacation so we'll see what I find!