Apartment in Paris

Hello
I have stayed in this apartment as recently as 2 years ago.
It is small but has everything you want (except a/c which you don't really need in Oct)
It is 2 blocks from Luxembourg gardens on rue de Vaguirard; great area and a great restaurant and bakery just downstairs.
http://www.parisrentaparts.com/PBCPPlayer.asp?PW=1&ID=525380

Karen, there are a few very well regarded agencies who's names come up over and over. One of them is Paris Best Lodge, see the link below for the "Place des Vosges" apartment that we rented for 8 nights last September. We found the apt perfectly adequate, though it was not our first choice from PBL (they were sold out for small apts 8 months out) and we were not crazy about the loft thing. It's in the heart of Le Marais, though, and we survived :-) You should get on this for a rental this year! Thierry and PBL were great to work with, easy peazy. EDIT: Note that with PBL you pay the rental on arrival, not beforehand; a good thing.

Use extreme care if you go through AirBnB, VRBO, Homeaway, etc. A really good agency gives you the best chance to have a hassle free experience, considering the "in flux" nature of the situation, with regards to the Mayor's task force to stop illegal rentals.

Vacation in Paris is another one with a strong reputation. They are in the U.S. and mail keys to you before departure.

As I allude, you are perhaps a bit late on the Paris rental timing, good things go fast.

http://www.parisbestlodge.com/voy.html

http://www.vacationinparis.com/search-paris-rentals

I too can endorse PBL,, used them twice and very happy.. however.. at this late date I think you will be out of luck.. September is super busy month in Paris.. not low season at all for accomadation.. there are trade shows and fashion week that fill hotels too.

I would contact them with your dates and ask if they have anything at all...

What ever you decide.. decide quickly.

I would say for a first time visit its nice to stay central.. any arrondissment 1-7, but with preference given to 4, 5th and 6th.

I am using Cobblestone Paris next year for my 7 night stay,http://cobblestoneparis.com. The units come with a washer/dryer and more.

We have used Homeaway (www.homeaway.com ) world wide for many years. Unlike Airbnb, they pay taxes in each city they rent apartments in so they have no problems with the government as the others do and so you will have no problems to worry about illegal renting. They have guarantees and top notch apartments. They were named one of the most trustworthy companies a year ago. The apartments come in all sizes, locations, and a price to fit most budgets. To see thousands of choices in Paris, visit here www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/france/paris/r1216 This is where we rented from when we lived in Paris and now when we visit Paris (several times a year), we rent from them.

We stayed in the same apartment last year as RAMI, in the 6th on Rue de Vaugirard near Luxembourg Gardens. Its a lovely apartment with a great location. Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Thank each and every one of you for your input. Kind of amazing that I have two recommendations for the same apartment! I think we are driving ourselves crazy because we just keep looking on different sites and then getting confused as to where we saw what! I have noticed that some apartments pop up on several different sites and then I have noticed that different sites have totally different apartments. May just be the filters and availability? I think we will focus on which Arrondissement we prefer (which isn't going to narrow it down that much since we would be happy in several of them) and only look at a couple of rental agencies. We will also stop looking at VRBO since I have heard the problem with the crack down on these rentals from several different sources. I have been briefly looking at the recommendations that have been posted and have found several places that look wonderful. We will be spending the next day or two zeroing in on a few and sending inquiries. We won't be in Paris until 10/10 so there are still options out there. Thank you again!

I've rented vacation apartments from different sources and my recommendation goes to parisautrement.com.

I do not personally recommend renting on airbnb or homeaway type websites. Chances are, the properties are managed by the owners or non-pro managers. My experiences with those rentals have not been great. The fact is they're not professionals. You might run into situations such as changed check in/check out times, shortage of supplies, inconsistent furnishing v. photos... You name it. Granted, I've also had great experience renting a property in Normandy in a farm setting which was truly lovely.

My next trip is in a few weeks and am staying at an apt from parisautrement.com. The manager/staff are french who speak great english. I've only had positive experience with them. The description/photos are very consisent with what you ultimately get. The price is also competitive.

"... they pay taxes in each city they rent apartments in so they have no problems with the government as the others do and so you will have no problems to worry about illegal renting."

I am skeptical of this statement in regards to HomeAway. The actual legalizing of a Paris apartment for use as a short term vacation rental is a long process and a very high bar, involving many things, including full disclosure by the owner and payment of taxes, and fire safety assessment. I don't believe that by HomeAway paying a tax of some sort that it takes the place of Paris ordinances regarding rentals. There are nearly 4700 rentals for Paris currently on HomeAway and I have a hard time believing that many or most of these are less risky than a good agency. What tax(es) does HomeAway pay to the city of Paris?

Dave, I have read several comments about VRBO, Home Away, etc. I believe I also read a comment from someone who was left without an apartment in Paris (very short notice) because the owner received a notice ordering them to stop renting the apartment immediately. I do not know what the laws are in Paris regarding apartment rentals. I just booked an apartment through Vacation In Paris (they are based here in the states)...several people have recommended that sight and we found an apartment we liked. After reading your comment I called them backed and asked if they were licensed in Paris, paid taxes in Paris, etc. I was told No to all my questions. It appears that no matter who you rent through (VRBO, Agency) etc. you run the same risk of being told you can no longer rent an apartment. Vacation in Paris told me that it is usually when others in the apartment complain about the rentals that the government then steps in and says you can't do that anymore. They said that has only happened to them a few times and if that did happen they would find us another apartment or refund our money. Not something you want to hear but it seems that no matter who you rent from the risks are the same.

I hope renting an apartment does not come back to bite us in the you know where :)

Karen, I'm glad you have found an apartment, that's great! And I'm glad you used VIP, I was one who suggested them or another good agency. I guess my point is that you are better off with a good agency (as you have done) than you are with a "one off" such as AirBnB, etc. Certainly, anything can happen, I have experienced being canceled on by a "one off" and it's no fun.

I'm sure all will be well, good luck and have a great trip.

Dave

Homeaway bought VRBO several years ago.

My favorite apartment is on the Left Bank, perfectly located on a quiet pedestrian street near the Pantheon and the Sorbonne. I met the U.S. owners on a trip to Montreal. They are so friendly and helpful, and I love the apartment. Information, pictures, and the e-mail address and phone number of the owners are on VRBO.com/8401.

Karen.. have you actually confirmed any of the apartments you like are even available for your dates.. September is such a busy month...

Pat, we have confirmed an apartment in Paris. We start our trip in late September but won't be in Paris till October so there were apartments to chose from. It was not our first pick but we are happy with the choice. We ended up booking through Vacations in Paris and they were easy to deal with. I am thrilled to have an apartment since it will be much larger than a hotel room. The only downside to this apartment is it is on the 8th floor! Yes, there are two elevators but I envision waits for the elevator :) Thank you for checking in on us and thank you everyone for your help!

I too am looking for a place to stay in Paris in early October, traveling to Europe solo for the first time. I hope to get some ideas from those who respond to you. As for Bayeux, I took my wife and her 88 year old mother to Normandy and Provence in 2013 and we stayed in a wonderful B&B in Bayeux that I highly recommend. Below is a link for it

http://www.relaisdelaure.fr/holiday-home-bed-breakfast-in-normandy/

The owners are Rene' and Christine Fatras and he is a retired Air France pilot who is an incredible host. The location is less than five minutes by car from the center of Bayeux, 10 minutes from the D-Day beaches and very easy to get to. Before we left home I rented a car from Hertz, which is located at a local gas station, and was planning to take a taxi from the train station to get there. Rene' insisted that he meet us at the train station and take us to get our car before checking in. If you do go there, look on the wall for a Louisiana license plate I sent him. He had one on the patio where we ate breakfast from California so I thought I'd add to his collection. Any questions about Bayeux or Normandy, please send me a private message. Good luck.

Jim

We have used this studio for the past 12 years or so. Great price and very clean.

Nadine Giblin
Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre
E-mail : locationparis9@cogib.fr
Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com

This is a great location in the Marais, well within your budget for October 2015.
http://www.ahparis.com/apt.php?page=photos&id_apt=201

Thank you to everyone for all the great information. We have booked an apartment in the 7th. Wish us luck!