Tx_lv2trvl

Hello,
I have been searching apartments for our visit to Paris in Fall 2008. A little early perhaps but as we have only stayed in hotels before, I wasn't sure how early one should begin...in fact many of my inquiries are unavailable. We are 2 adults/2 young teenagers. I would certainly appreciate your input on the 3 apartments that I have found available within our budget ($125 or less nt.): VRBO #35715--This is a nice one in the Latin Quarter on 39 rue Galande. It does seem a little small however and my children will have to sleep together...manageable,but they prefer not to as one kicks in her sleep. The other two are through beau-paris.com ; Rue Du Marche St. Honore-Arron.-1...OR Poissonniere (Montorgueil) in 2nd. These apartments have separate beds for the chldren, but I don't know if we're giving up "character" which I hear the "Latin" has. I will say that my husband and son love to walk around the neighborhoods at early evening and night. They do it almost everywhere we go NYC, Rome,etc. NOT Mexico City...but I always worry a bit and would like a neighborhood that would interest them (no not Pigalle Ha)and remain safe. Last time DH really enjoyed walking around Rue Cler and to the Eiffel every evening, but as I'm the family travel agent he'll pretty much go where I lead so I don't want to choose a dud. Thanks all; I hope I've included the right info as this is my first post although I have been heeding y'all's advice for years.

surfmom

breathe.

We stayed here:
www.athomeinfrance.com/par5367.htm

The 2nd bedroom was bunk beds - but mine are used to them so they are fine. I have a review of it over at slowtrav.com -- also a great resource for apartments.

What sticks out for me: the location was great! We were around the corner from the Louvre and I would put the girls to bed (8) and go for a walk ad shoot photos of the Louvre/Seine at night and during sunsets. If I ever get my photos on line....

The living space is not huge, but that wasn't a big deal for us, since we typically are happy on the floor or at the kitchen table. Also, the tv wasn't International, so that could be an issue. I loved the kitchen (full-sized fridge), w/d, dishwasher, big bathroom (with tub + shower + counter space for 'stuff'), location. Also was about 2 blocks from the Monoprix (Opera), so we did grocery shopping there.

good luck!

tuscanlifeedit

Since you asked for help, I will offer my opinion. Please consider one of the apartments where your children can each have a single bed. They already don't like the idea of sharing a bed, and at their ages (as you state, young teenagers) it would be more comfortable for them if they were to sleep in separate beds.

It is nice that the beauparis apartments come with laptops and internet. I would take either of them, I guess. As long as the kids have their own beds.

AnselmAdorne

Tx_lv2trvl, I can answer part of your question. I stayed in an apartment in rue des Petits Champs in February. It's a couple of blocks from rue du Marché St-Honoré, which I had occasion to walk along. It's an interesting area of 19th century buildings. Some are offices (although it's actually hard to tell that from the street) and many are apartments. Most have a store front or restaurant at street level. You'll find the street busy by day and fairly quiet at night.

You need not worry about safety in that area (nor in most areas frequented by tourists in Paris). If you book that apartment, you'll be a stone's throw from the delightful and tranquil Jardin des Tuileries. Don't forget that there's an open air street market at Place du Marché St-Honoré each Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

I didn't look too closely at the apartment listings, but this might make you feel comfortable about one area.

Anselm

Tx_lv2trvl

sorry "surfmom"...got up a few times while writing original post and didn't realize it was so "long winded". Thanks for the info. I feel better about the Louvre area. Anyone know if there is a market in the area like the Montorgueil market?

Thanks "Tuscan" for your opinion. On further consideration the kids DO need their own beds...bunkbeads are fine.

tuscanlifeedit

Tx: last year, I ordered a book from the library that was called, I think, Markets of Paris, or The Markets of Paris. It had very good descriptions of all markets and many market streets, with listings by arrondisement and day of the week. I copied the listings tables before we went to Paris.

They Amazon, and if you find something that looks right, your library can get you a copy to borrow.

Christina

I didn't look at the websites, but lots of areas have as much or more character than the Latin Quarter. In fact, I personally wouldn't want to stay on rue Galande because it's too touristy in that area, and rather cramped, busy and noisy, but I do think your teens might like it.

The Louvre area isn't as residential as some others, and there isn't any general market street like Montorgueil in that area, but Anselm mentions a roving market, so that may be fine for your purposes. I wouldn't choose based on that. There isn't a market street like that near the rue Galande one, either, although there is a periodic market at place Maubert. There isn't any Monoprix near that one, though. YOur husband may enjoy walking along the Seine and that area in the early morning, though. If you like that apartment, I think it could satisfy your purposes, as I know a lot of people aren't as turned off by that area as I am.

Tx_lv2trvl

Ahh thank you Christina...good information. The Rue de Galande apt. is out since "Tuscan" made a good pt about the bedding.

Anselm, thanks for info on Louvre area...I didn't think there was a daily market, and it seems safe but now I'm wondering if it might be a little boring in the evening. Here I go again!

Well there is one more apt. that I actually like the best (2 bedrms) but wasn't sure about area. It's on Rue St. Martin, near Rambuteau metro and Marais district. If I get a thumbs up, this will be the one since I've already checked out the renters references. If you'd like to see it: beau-paris.com

Thanks everyone, you guys rock!

rosetravels

Which apartment at beau-paris were you looking at? I didn't see one on St. Martin but I may have looked too quickly.

Tx_lv2trvl

sorry Rosetravels, I gave wrong site. It's
paris-interiors.com. Apt Le Marais Loft Beaubourg.
Thanks

tuscanlifeedit

Tx: I love that last one. In February, we stayed in an apartment just of rue Rambuteau and loved it. Loved loved loved the location. Food shops up and down the street, the Marais was fun, loved the Beauborg location, loved it.

If that last one is in your budget, go for it. I would stay near there again in a minute.

There was everything on rue Rambuteau that we could want: bakeries, coffee, a green grocer,dry cleaner, a super market, you can walk everywhere, shops, just terrific. The area around the Beauborg should be lots of fun for your kids, too.

rosetravels

Oh yes, the Beaubourg one looks very nice. It looks like the price is good as well.

Tx_lv2trvl

Thanks everyone for your help on choosing the area for our wk stay in Paris. Now I just have to figure out where we'll go in France for the other two wks.