We are returning to Paris in February for a special Anniversary / Birthday celebration. We have stayed in the 7th on our previous three trips and loved the location. We have not found an apartment there that is suitable this time and wanted feedback on the above areas? Le Marais and St. Germaine? We are staying for 5 days before heading to southern France for a few days either Avignon or Arles?. Any suggestions ? Have visited both on day trips but never overnight.
Thank you
Both areas are good. I would first choose an apartment or hotel that meets my needs regardless of the location, but fairly close to the river.
I loved my stay in the Marais area but both locations are equally popular on this forum so I would say either one would be good, wherever you find a good apartment that meets your needs.
landlords play fast and loose with descriptions. The Marais is particularly likely to be applied to all sorts of places most wouldn't consider the Marais, so the particular location is important. Both of these areas are full of charming and beautiful squares and buildings and streets; both are very very very full of tourists. They are convenient to many of the sites people come to visit, perhaps St. Germain slightly more so, but both are good.
It will boil down to the specific location and particular apartment. I'd probably take the apartment that worked best for me.
Things have changed in Paris, regarding vacation rentals.
The property owner must have applied for a 13-digit registration number, which is tied to his financial information.
This number must be displayed on any website.
If you don't see it, it is illegal.
I'd suggest the area around Odeon Metro station, because it's relatively central, has good Metro and Bus connections, and you can walk almost anywhere from there. Most people think of this area as what Paris is really like.
I would not recommend the Marais, because you'll probably be disappointed. The sidewalks are narrow, the streets and the buildings are dark and most do not have elevators.
If you are used to the rue Cler area, you will much happier in the Saint-Germain area, where you can have a lot more room.
The Marais tends to be a younger, "hipper" crowd, if this appeals to you, it's fine. It is certainly true imo that one could well feel more cramped for space in the Marais, however its charms are well worth it, ymmv.
With regards to the apartment situation it's fair to say in the same breath that enforcement of the registration numbers is not actually in effect right now...it begins December 1, so you are not likely to see many. You can surely ask for the information, and demand it in order to rent, and I would recommend that you do so. Finding a five day rental for February at this point may be a little late, and with just 4 or 5 nights a hotel might be less footwork and offer greater selection.
As an aside, if it were me I'd add the 5th, relatively close to the river, to my search.
Thank you to everyone for your replies. I will take your thoughts and suggestions under advisement.
Janie
As a word of caution, I would not send funds until at least mid-January, when property owners have a chance to update their websites.
You don't want to get caught in a scam.
We have inquired regarding an apartment inParis. The question was specifically regarding the legitimacy of the apt. The owner did not answer that question but booked , I.e.confirmed the property, and deducted the first payment. VRBO referred me back to the owner. Will mid January not be too late to book a property for a February 9th arrival.? I gather not many of property owners have complied with this requirement yet?
Janie, the risk lies in the owner getting shut down by the City between the time you book and the time you arrive. If that happens and they don't tell you, you're without lodging on arrival. While February is obviously not peak season, it's always busy there, and the selection of apartments in mid January will consist of those already passed over for various reasons by others. It's just a dicey time, but especially if there is not a legitimate reg number. If you specifically asked and they ignored the question, that means they have not complied and likely have no intention of doing so. The existing situation, and a relatively short stay, is why I recommend a hotel this trip, though I personally much prefer an apartment, like you.
"I gather not many of property owners have complied with this requirement yet?" You gather correctly, however the requirement is effective as of December 1 so they still have a month. I feel like mid-December is an okay time to send money as opposed to waiting for mid-January.
Why not stay here? It's a legal apartment, has what you need and is in a great neighborhood with good Metro and Bus connections.
http://www.residencehenri4.com/en/
What time of year are you travelling to Paris, anyway?
Thanks to all. We received a refund on the original apartment. We are booking through Paris Perfect. They have assured me all their properties are within compliance.
Janie - did ParisPerfect display the 13-digit registration number on their website?
If so, you are renting an illegal apartment.
Paris Perfect is a difficult situation. Some of the apartments they rent are perfectly legal. . . .but not all. How is one to tell the difference? An acquaintance has decided to pull the apartment she lists for short term rental on Paris Perfect because as a non primary residence owner, she is worried about the 50,000 fine if she is caught. Why wouldn't Paris Perfect tell you all of their apartments are in compliance? The risk is not to the agency but the apartment owner. Paris Perfect has nothing to loose.
Janie - I would e-mail ParisPerfect and insist that the property owner has his act together, as far as acquiring the 13-digit registration number.
If it doesn't appear on the website, it is illegal.
You don't want to be caught without a bed.
Agencies can list any apartment they wish, but it's the property owner who will be in hot water if he doesn't have the registration number.
St Germain is really the neighborhood I recommend for multi-generational trips to Paris. The stores, cafés, and boutiques of the neighborhood really cater well to families. 2 minutes from both Odeon and Market, you have everything a family could need: great bakeries, a really convenient supermarket, and a market. The neighborhood is well served with cabs and public transportations.
One thing that could make a difference is the layouts of the streets. I am born and raised in le Marais, and I love its charm, the narrow medieval streets, the cobble stones, the narrow sidewalks wide enough for only one person. But this is when I am traveling alone, or with my wife. When we go as a family, well, we love St Germain, its wider streets, and the sidewalks wide enough that our entire family fits without fearing for our little one to be hit by car or a scooter.
I would stay as close to the Seine as possible. It is wonderful to stroll along the river in the evening, early morning, really anytime.
I stayed here last February and it was great. It has a 13 digit number.
