One month rental in Paris April 17 - May 14

Ooh, I would go with the agency. Maybe if the other was owned by a really good friend you highly trust, but even then, a five flight walk up is a bit much with luggage at any age, much less 79.

Edit: the posts below mine are pretty damning of this agency that seems to be running quite a scam, so I agree, steer clear. But the "friend of a friend" apartment isn't your only option. While apartments can be ideal for parties of 3 or more, is it really necessary for you as a solo traveler? I stay in hotels in Paris, and have stayed in one once for 3 weeks. There are other more reputable rental agencies in Paris, listed by others on this forum, so look for those, but I would urge you to look at hotels, too.

I suggest you google for reviews of this agency and read them; I would not chance it myself based on that. We stay at a friend's place. 40 years ago we had no trouble finding reliable rentals, but there are now lots of scammers in the business or sub par apartments. The walk up is daunting at your age (also my age pretty much). BUT if you can do it I'd go with a friend's place. And a month to pretend you live in Paris is a delightful vacation.

I have no idea if they're related to this shower, the names are similar. If they are, I'd avoid them like the plague.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k14799062-Cityapartmentstay-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

I'd never rent from an agency that someone I know and trust hasn't recommended. It's too much money to risk.

I would not personally go for the apartment in the 18th, up 5 floors. Not only will it be difficult with luggage, but one of the main assets of renting an apartment (and not using a hotel) is that you can do some of your meals in the apartment. That gets you out to the little stores in the neighborhood to shop for your meals, and so you feel closer to living like a real Parisian. But lugging the groceries up 5 flights is daunting. Also, the 18th is not m y favorite area. So unless you are getting a killer deal on the rent, and thus will save enough money so that you can eat j ust about every meal out, I would go with an apartment with fewer stairs or an elevator, even a small elevator. Peter

A friend of a friend is too far removed from my comfort zone. And five flights of stairs? Yikes! I am only two years older than you and although in good health, with two sturdy titanium knees, the stairs would get old REALLY fast! Look around, although time is getting short for you. Best of luck!

70+, F, Solo traveler and public transpo only. Love, Love love Paris! Went for a month in November 2022, April and November 2023. Always stay in apts wherever I am.

Luggage: taking it up once and down once, so what's the big deal. Now I have to say I only bring a carryon and always get an apt with a washer. And if you are met in order to get the key, you will have help with the suitcase.

Groceries: your apt is not 90 miles from the nearest grocery so even going shopping with 5 flights is not a chore. You may need TP but will buy 1 roll not a package of 16 or even 4! And the beauty of Europe and for me Paris in particular is the local market and especially the market street of the butcher, baker, cheesemonger, wine shop, etc. For me a non-French speaker with my expressive face, wild hands and poor attempts at French, find shopkeepers remember me and shopping is a delight!

5 flights: I go out once in the AM, back in the PM. And go out maybe 3x a week at night! My last apt in the 3rd was up 5 flights with the last one up peculiar little steps to a top apt and there were 2 others behind private doors with very steep steps.

Apts: I have used booking.com 2-3x a year since 2021 with maybe 35 bookings and no issues and only 2 were slightly disappointing. I like a nicely decorated apt, good windows, close to a Metro, excellent reviews and I book at least 8-9 months out and get great rates.

Friend of a friends apt--see if it is possible to get pics or maybe they normally rent it out and can get the website info. Check out what is available on booking or apt websites in order to evaluate the friend of a friend apt. Go for it!

FOAF sure beats agency with terrible reviews. And of course there are other options. Look for other possibilities. Of course the problem is it is hard to get a full month rental so late -- these things tend to be arranged long in advance. I have a month booked next fall and I wanted 6 weeks but the apartment I like was not available the two following weeks already over a year in advance -- so we will try something else for those two weeks.