Renting a privately owned apartment in Paris is an incredibly rewarding experience! An apartment offers more space and lifestyle flexibility than a hotel and enables guests to feel sort of “Parisian” by osmosis, like a citizen of the city! A one-bedroom apartment (with bedroom, comfortable living room, separate kitchen and private bathroom) generally costs the same as a typically small Parisian hotel room. This extra space and life-style flexibility makes an apartment feel like a real “Home” away from home”!
If possible it’s best to reserve your apartment several months in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit Paris during the popular months of spring, summer and early fall. Starting your rental search early ensures you will have a large selection of terrific apartments from which to choose. Keep in mind most Paris apartments require a 5-night minimum stay (there are exceptions for shorter stays) and the average length of visit is 5-7 nights. Generally, guests can enjoy a mid-morning arrival check-in time and receive a mid-morning check-out time on the day of departure.
The city of Paris is divided by the river Seine which runs horizontally through the center of the city. There is the Right Bank (north of the Seine) and the Left Bank (south of the Seine). The city is further composed of 20 Arrondissements (neighborhoods or Quartiers) many with distinctly different characteristics. Arrondissements 1 – 8 are generally considered to be the most central because from there it is easy walking to the banks of the Seine and to many of Paris’ iconic sites such as the Musée du Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, etc. Some guests have deep passions for the souls of particular neighborhoods (Le Marais, Quartier Latin, St Germain des Prés, etc.). In this case it’s fun to choose an apartment in your favorite quartier. However, it’s also nice to explore new neighborhoods and since Paris is well-served by an excellent public transportation system (subway, buses and even the ‘Batobus’ boats) it is easy to get around the entire city.
Traditional Paris apartment buildings are 6 stories high and many of these apartment buildings do not have elevators. Prior to renting an apartment you should know what floor your apartment is on and whether your building has an elevator. Keep in mind you will be carrying your luggage up and down the stairs on arrival and departure. If this is an issue, make sure you are on a lower floor or that you choose an apartment building with an elevator.
Over the last 20 years Paris apartment rentals have modernized and now offer far more amenities. Most Paris apartment rentals now offer a washer and dryer as well as ‘American-style’ walk-in showers, WiFi, Cable TV, some international phone calling and multiple bathrooms in the larger apartments. The French have a terrific system of flexible bedding that works well in apartment rentals; where 2 twin beds attach firmly together and are made up with appropriate linens to compose a large King-size bed. Conversely, these large beds can be separated into 2 twin beds. When choosing an apartment, having the choice between a large King-size bed or 2 separate twin beds is very practical.
Lastly, to fully enhance your Paris apartment rental experience it’s very important to work with a reputable company that specializes in personalized service. For many, a trip to Paris is the trip of a lifetime, and should be planned with a caring and knowledgeable professional who knows the city of Paris and has intimate knowledge of their properties. To ensure you enjoy a memorable stay in Paris this professional needs to clearly understand your expectations and priorities and be 100% invested in your happiness!
Connie Afshar (owner), Panache Rental
Paris, the French countryside, London and Venice Property Rentals
www.panacherental.com Phone: 781 383 6006 (Massachusetts)
Editor's Note: What I particularly like about Panache Rental is that they are a U.S.-based (Massachusetts) company having been in business for many, many years. It is a company I have had and my clients have had positive experiences with. In dealing with overseas rental companies, I have seen travelers have issues with currency and payments, problem resolution, language and customs issues. Those issues are absent in dealing with a U.S. based company.