I would like to go to Paris for a three or four weeks, but keep putting it because of finances. This year I want to finally do it! Does anybody have any suggestions on visiting Paris on a budget... The biggest expense I'm concerned about is a cheap place to stay that has a kitchenette, but other cost cutting tips would be appreciated! Thanks.

Hi<BR>I've compiled the following info, I have not used any of the agencies<BR> <BR>www.locaflat.com less expensive than some, "clean but simple apartments"<BR>www.paris-sleeps.com recommended by a Fodor's poster<BR>www.europalet.com <BR>www.interhome.com <BR>www.untours.com<BR>www.villasintl.com <BR>www.albany.net/~nracnyfr/parisapt.html <BR>www.apartmenthotels.com/ <BR>www.britishtravel.com/britishtravel<BR>/parisfla.htm<BR>http://www.halliger.com/parisr.htm<BR>www.londonconnection.com<BR>www.choi ce1.com/index.htm?404<BR>http://www.homerental.fr/<BR>http://www.apartments-in-paris.com<BR>/index.htm<BR>http://www.citadines.com/ukindex0.htm Citadines Hotel-Residences, has been recommended <BR>www.vacationinparis.com<BR>http://www.parislodging.fr/<BR>http://www.parisnet.net/short.html<BR>https://www.myflatinparis.com/<BR>http://rentoparis.com/onebedroom2.html<BR><BR>Orion 30 pl d'Italie 75013 <BR>in the US 800 546 4777 or 212 688 9538 <BR>fax 1 40 78 54 55 in the US fax 212 688 9467 <BR><BR>Chez Vous is based in the US in California phone 415 331 2535 fax 415 331 5296 <BR>recommended in Gourmet magazine and on the Fodor's discussion board<BR>March 2001 rates start at $940 per week for a studio apartment<BR><BR>Paris Sejour Reservations, recommended on Fodor'f forum, offer studio to 3-bedroom flats.<BR>Located in the US. Telephone 312 587 7707. Fax 800 582 7274<BR>www.PSRyourhomeinParis.com www.psrparis.com<BR>www.qconline.com/psr www.yourhomeinparis.com <BR><BR>Paris Connection, based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA recommended by a Fodor's poster in 1999. U.S. phone # is 954/475-0815; faX # is 954/475-0630. Paris manager, Jim Buongiorne, probably more familiar with what's actually available. His e-mail address is [email protected]ELS: <BR>

The following hotels are reaonably priced and have kitchenettes ( from the cheapest to more expensive)<BR>1. Family Hotel (15th arrondissement)<BR>2. Rhin et Danube ( 19th )<BR>3. Hotel le Vert Galant (13th)<BR>4. Residence Henri IV ( 5th)<BR>Hope this helps!<BR>

I don't think Elaine mentioned<BR>http://www.parisbandb.com/<BR>I've recommemnded them before on this board, as I had a very satisfactory experience renting a studio apartment with kitchenette in the 7th for 5 nights for about $118 per night, which qualifies as budget in Paris. Email me if you want details.

Buy a 'Carte Orange' for the Metro /RER - you can get them for Mon-Sun, or for a calendar month, and for 1-2 zones or further out. Even if you aren't there a full month, the cost may be beneficial compared to carnets or other short-term passes. There are many things to do for 'free'; also, do a search on this board and see if you can locate the "100 things to do in Paris" thread. Most of all, just soak in the atmosphere and culture...

Heather,<BR>Also vacationspot.com<BR><BR>Very reasonable prices, and well-located accomodations. As Alice said, soak in the atmosphere, there's a lot to see that doesn't cost a lot. If possible, do buy a museum pass, an excellent value for the money.<BR><BR>Bonne Chance & Bon Voyage,<BR>BC

What exactly is your budget? 3-4 weeks at over $100 a day is not cheap to me (but might be in your budget) and almost all ST rental apts, hotels with kitchenettes, or programs like Untours are in that range. I know how to go to Paris real cheap, I've done it twice and may again -- but you have to go to school and stay in a student residence hall. Some are pretty nice, my last one was, but you will not have your own kitchenette. I've stayed in Paris for a month for only about US$1200 total including both room and board AND tuition at a university. But you do have to go to school and learn French (or try anyway). Hostels are at least US$20 a day in Paris, I believe, so any private apt with kitchenette will be higher. Locaflat does have a student residence hall (think it's in suburbs) and teensy cubicles with kitchenette in a boring area of Paris, but they are only about $400 a month, as I recall. PSR might have some cheaper studios in outer edges or lower quality ones for around $75 a day (as may Locaflat). I know residence halls you can stay and not be a student (about cost of hostel) but you will not have a kitchenette. Occasionally you can scare up a private studio apt rental for about US$50-75 a day, I have a few URLs. It's your desire for a kitchenette that will cost you, you could stay in a cheap hotel and eat cheaply out probably cheaper than renting an apt from some of these places. So, if you can be more specific as to what budget you are talking about, it would help, maybe I or someone else can suggest something.

If you aren't afraid to stay in hostels (which can provide a great social atmosphere) stay at The Three Ducks hostel near the Eiffel tower. You'll meet lots of budget travelers like yourself, and it's a neat little hostel with a really friendly staff and a great bar. The rooms are about $17 a night and include sheets, showers, and a kitchenette. I stayed there for a week last winter while I was traveling Europe by myself.

The famous hostel to stay at in Paris is called the Three Ducks, has its own bar and is located at 6, Place Etienne Pernet, 75015 Paris, France, Tel: 33.(0)1.48 42 04 05<BR><BR>However, keep in mind that it is often booked long in advance. However, there are tons of other hostels in this fine city, and i suggest visiting any of the following websites to find out more about hostels in paris.<BR><BR><BR>I suggest visiting http://www.budgettravel.com/hosteleu.htm and just scrolling down, or http://www.europeanhostels.com/. Another web site that has many reviews of different hostels is available at http://www.eurotrip.com/hostels/ Also, you can book hostels online at such websites as http://www.hostels.com/europe.html, or http://www.hosteleurope.com/ or http://www.hostelworld.com or http://www.members.home.net/guideforeurope/bookeurohostels.html<BR><BR>

I would like to budget about $2000 for the whole trip not including airfare... That's $71 to $95 per day depending on if I stayed 3 or 4 weeks. I would very much like to stay someplace that at least had a refrigerator and if possible a bathtub. Do you think that can be done? I am most interested in staying in Paris to soak up the atmosphere and not really "sightsee", although there are certainly places that I would like to make it a point to see such as Monet's Gardens, Notre Dame and the Louvre--- it's just not the focus of my trip. I would also like to take some day trips to the country... I don't know, maybe I am being unrealistic about the budget and the time frame. I have followed up on some of the links some of you have posted and found some very good information, but haven't had the chance to sort it all out yet. Thank you so much for everyone's help.

Heather, Try www.aparisianhome.com. I have rented from them twice in the last few months and was very satisfied. (If you stay a month, you can get a great deal.) I've seen plenty of studio apts on their website for less than $850 a month. Shop the local markets, use the Carte Orange, and check Pariscope weekly for free events. Paris is waiting for you...have a blast!

Budget Travel magazine recently had a cover story on paris

I'd recommend staying at the Grande Hotel Jeanne d'Arc - it's very inexpensive and is in an IDEAL location in the Marais. A room for 2 is 105 Canadian, so I would imagine it would be super cheap for one in US dollars. You can eat from the markets, boulangeries, etc. for very cheap. Just being in the city is worth the experience so don't fret if you cannot afford a lot of galleries, etc. My favorite thing to do in Paris is wander the streets, imagining I live there, or relax in the Place des Vosges or Tuileries. Enjoy - it's my favorite city!<BR>p.s. parishotels.com for Jeanne d'Arc.

Heather,<BR>Paris also has some wonderful bread shops and cheese shops. These can make a great meal.<BR>Also, the markets have a great variety of fruits and veggies as well as meats and cheeses for sandwiches.<BR>And of course wine is cheap.<BR>Happy travels.

Heather, after considerable research, I've rented an apartment in Paris from an owner through his/her rep in Paris: Pascal Zytomirski, whom you can reach at [email protected]. His 6 or 7 apartments can be viewed on the web - ask him how to access them. He is prompt, speaks English fluently, and I found him to be straighforward and very helpful. His apartments are very much cheaper than those run by agencies, who tack on 20%-30% and make you pick up or drop off the apt keys at their office at specific hours or they charge you a fee. You may be able to get an apartment through Pascal at about $800 or perhaps less if you rent for a month, all inclusive, no hidden fees, depending on what's available when you are traveling. Best of all you can cancel up to one month prior to arrival with no cancellation fee, while some agencies stick you with the deposit no matter what. Once you find what you like, e-mail him or better call him as I did, and ask him any questions you have on the apartment and the conditions of lease. He'll fax you or e-mail you those. Tell him Ronny from L.A. recommended him - it can't hurt and maybe it'll get you an extra lollipop! Good luck

topper

Check out this link.<BR>http://www.frommers.com/features/art...02_2a.html#top

This site for a hostel was just recommended on another board. It is so cheap that you might not need a kitchenette. It is recommended by Parisian residents, in Montmartre.

I might add that a benefit would be if you are going to be alone that you might meet other people more easily to do things with.

I wonder if there are convents in Paris that might rent rooms to ladies. Does anyone know or have experience with such accommodations?