Paris Apartment Rentals for next July

The one you're probably thinking of that is often recommended here is 'Apartment in Paris'.

If you want to search for prior threads go the Search box at the top of the page (with the magnifying glass) and type in apartment in paris and then uncheck all the boxes except 'forums' and click on GO it will bring up many past threads on the subject.

@ Nancy and Becky, I think it's called Vacation in Paris. In any case, someone who has used it will come along and tell you for sure. It's been used by a lot of people on this site.

Thanks Bets, you are correct, it's Vacation in Paris or VIP. My bad.

Not long ago there was a discussion on the Trip Advisor Paris forum about the government cracking down on short term apartment rentals which are illegal. I suggest you familiarize yourself with that issue before making a commitment.

I clicked through from TA Paris yesterday to this article in Adrian Leeds' newsletter regarding the "crackdown" on short term rentals in Paris, it's pretty interesting reading. She rents somewhat upscale apartments, many of which are in Le Marais, where a lot of attention from the city seems to be focused; you can subscribe to the newsletter if you want.
This year we rented through Paris Best Lodge-thanks Pat!-and it could not have been smoother, highly recommended. Last year we were canceled on by an apartment owner in the 6th when their neighbors in the building protested the short-term rental of that apartment; we had to scramble for a hotel, which worked out fine but it was an eye opener. My sense is that you are safer using a well recognized agency rather than a one-off such as you may find on VRBO, Home Away, or AirBnB-not saying they don't have their place or do a good job, but I do know it was no fun having our Paris apartment pulled out from under us with seven weeks til departure. Using a busy agency that has a lot of strong reviews is the best way, imo, to combat this.
Have a great trip.
http://adrianleeds.com/french-property-insider

As Dave said I have used and recommended Parisbestlodge...the apartments are as pictured, clean , excellent locations, and bonus for summer visits is some have air-conditioning. Thierry ( company owner/manager) and I discussed the issue of rentals last year and he assured me he has all the proper permits and had to pay a ton to get them! I will also note in the first apartment we stayed in he owned all the units in the entire building! So no neighbors to complain there! ( that was the Esmeralda, lovely but too small for three people)
A lot of it is a complicated issue, lack of apartment vacancies for locals is an issue, and then there is the fact that many owners hate having different strangers( us tourists) tramping through their buildings ever week , it makes them feel insecure , I have to admit I wouldn't like it either.

The problem is the outsized rate of empty apartments in Paris that have been handed down in families. Instead of renting or selling them, people hold on to them because they're literally as good as gold. Renting to tourists, even if the legality is sketchy, allows flexibility for the landlord. On the other hand, the government is attempting to house people on waiting lists for subsidized housing, about a 12 year wait. Add to this the occasional tragic fires in overcrowded fleabag Paris hotels that kill people who have no other housing, and I guarantee that this controversy isn't going to disappear soon.

Thanks to everyone for the great information! I really appreciate the insight, and I especially appreciate knowing about apartment rentals and legality! I would really rather that we rent from a legitimate agency than not have a place to stay--especially since I'll be there alone with the kids. Truly, I really appreciate the information.
Best,
Becky