Parisecret

I've been researching Paris apartments for what seems like forever, and I thought I'd made my choice for my January - March, 2013 trip. Now, however, I've found another apartment that seems to suit my needs and am trying to decide between these two finalists.

On Rue Monge:

alacarte-paris-apartments.com/Left-Bank-Pant…

On Rue du Cherche-Midi:

http://www.iloveparisapartments.com/a_cm5.htm

For this trip, I will be solo, and will be studying French at one of the established schools (haven't decided, but am leaning towards Alliance Francaise). Other than improving my French skills, I hope to live as a Parisienne as much as I can, visiting markets and cooking in the flat, joining conversation groups, hanging at cafes, and doing lots and lots of exploring of neighborhoods and cultural sites on my own---especially off the beaten path places I've never had the time to see on shorter trips. Oh---and drinking copious amounts of French wine, of course.

The prices posted on the websites really don't apply, as I've received a very good long-term deal on both flats. When all is tallied, I anticipate the Rue Monge will cost about 10% more than Cherche-Midi. That isn't a deal breaker for me.

My thoughts on the main differences between the two:

Rue Monge: is a bit bigger, better view (with elevator), separate WC for guests, wall mounted shower in tub, includes weekly cleaning, but charges for monthly electricity.

Cherche Midi: has that warm fuzzy "old" Paris look, even though fully restored; 1st floor walkup; price is bit cheaper; love this street and area; doesn't charge for monthly electricity (other apt does), but doesn't include any cleaning other than out-clean.

Both agencies have been professional and prompt in my inquiries, and both receive positive reviews online.

I would appreciate any comments you good people have to help me finalize my decision.

Cathinjoetown

I can't open the Rue Monge link so can't really compare. I like the Cherche Midi neighborhood, also
it's much closer to Alliance Francaise.

davispeets

Is this the one?

http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments...-Pantheon.html

Mimar

The rue Monge is a bit noisy, lots of traffic. But that unit is fairly far high, so it might not be so noisy. And it will get lots of light, nice in the winter. I don't know about the rue Cherche-Midi.

zoecat

I like the windows/light, view, kitchen, layout, bed, and furnishings/decor of the Ala Carte apartment.

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of kitchen in the other apartment, but I do like that location better.

I would go with the Ala Carte apartment.

Good luck and enjoy your stay!

Parisecret

Sorry about the Monge link. Yes, davispeets has it right. This is the link for that apartment:

http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments...-Pantheon.html

Leely2

So if any cost differences--electricity, for example--don't factor (that's what you're saying, right?), I'd probably go for the Rue Monge simply because you're talking about a long solo stay in winter. With a long solo stay, I'd want lots of windows, light and an interesting view. Yes, I'm that weird lady always looking out her window.

Have fun.

Parisecret

Leely2---and I'm that weird lady you always see looking out her window when you're looking out yours. lol!!

Thanks for the replies. With Paris winter days being short, I really should have thought about the issue of having lots of windows to maximize light. Great point!

uhoh_busted

I'd ask for records as to electricity costs per month while you would be there. When we were looking at long term rentals in France (not Paris) it became CLEAR that in the colder months, it was REALLY expensive for heating.

Otherwise, I like the light in the Rue Monge apartment better than the other. However both look like they would be fun to live in for several months. I kind of like the thought that you can easily walk up at Cherche Midi...vs having to wait for the elevator at the Rue Monge. Tough decision.

davispeets

Hi Parissecret -

The Rue Monge apartment gives me a more "happy" feel. It's the openness, windows and brightness, I suppose. I like the kitchen better as well. The negatives for me would be the chairs around the table, desk, and side chair in the living room. I prefer sturdier chairs - but not a deal breaker - especially if the apartment was just for me. Disclosure: I have a thing for all things sage green - the color of the bathroom.

I enjoyed the Cherche-Midi video and hearing how to pronounce the name of that street - I can't pronounce anything correctly and feel such shame. Have a wonderful three month trip.

Leely2

I like that guy who comes with the Cherche-Midi apartment. A tall glass of water--did you see him duck to enter the front door?

Parisecret

Leely2---you and I may have been separated at birth. The property manager DID happen to mention that he would be the one to show me around the apartment upon my arrival. Point Cherche-Midi.....

Parisecret

Davis, the more I look at Rue Monge, the more I realize that it just might be my happy place, too. I think it's the windows. Does everyone in Paris get used to seeing what everyone else is doing in their homes? I'll have to get used to that! I'm also loving that green bathroom and the cupboard in the kitchen.

Uhohbusted----smart idea to ask for electricity records. I'm pretty easy on the utilities when it's just me, but I'll definitely check on average monthly costs.

avalon

I would go wit rue Monge because it is more a neighborhood feel whereas Cherche Midi is business like. Lots of services and good cafes in the Monge area and a great market street. Yoou can also walk to the Seine in a short time

avalon

Parisecret, ANnette left you a message on OPF concerning her apt . You might want to send her a personal message on the site as she said she can speak to the agent if you want to book it far in advance

Parisecret

Rue Monge it is!

Avalon, thank you. I did see Annette's message, albeit after I'd already contacted the booker for Rue Monge. I just sent Annette a PM on OPF.

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I just love that apartment!

Guenmai

I definitely like the rue Monge apartment best, but the rue Cherche Midi neighborhood best. Have fun. Smiles. Happy Travels!

GregY2

Another vote for rue Monge.

We stayed in the building next door in 2009 and loved the location. This apartment is much better furnished, much bigger, and the extra height will give you great views and lots of light. The building is directly on top of the metro station and we were bothered by train rumbling at night but we were on the 2nd level - I doubt it would be an issue in this building.

We have bookmarked this site and I have also sent off an enquiry for a month in 2013!

annhig

just a thought - if you want to live as a parisienne, is there a chance of living with a family? most italian language schools, for example, will arrange a stay with a family so that you get more chance to practice with native speakers.

as you are looking at 2013 you have plenty more time to plan so you might like to look into this before you book.