Paris for 1 month

I don't think a month is too long, especially for what you are looking to get out of your visit. Then again, 3 weeks in Paris, then a week elsewhere would work, too. There is so much to see and do outside of the usual tourist attractions that you shouldn't have trouble keeping busy and will have lots of time to simply relax and soak it up, too. My last 3 trips were for 2 weeks each and I spent very little time at the major tourists sights, other than at a few museums. And I always felt I had left things to see and do for my next trip.

I could easily spend a month in Paris eventho I have been many times. But your suggestion of saving 1 wk outside is a good one as there are many options that are simple to reach by train from Paris. Loire Valley, Normandy coast or Provence to mention 3. It would allow for a more relaxed look at Frances attractions and history.

Thank you for your replies. If there are places in Paris that you think we would need/must/want to see, would love to hear about them. The best information is that from other people - following up on this information gives us a lot more to see and do and discover that we might otherwise never think of.
Don't necessarily need to stay in France for the other week if we only do 3 in Paris and we are not limited to 30 days, just somewhere around that amount.
We have been to Strasbourg but only for a couple of days but enjoyed it. Has anyone spent 5-7 days here?? Guess we probably only want to do a 2/3 hour train journey from Paris. Don't want to head near Spain or South of France as we spent 6 weeks there last year.

I’ve stayed in Paris for a month or more many times and that would be my choice. A month still isn’t long enough for me to see and do all the wonderful things I enjoy doing... walking, exploring, sitting at outdoor cafés relaxing and people watching, outdoor markets, flea markets, museums, Notre Dame, BHV department store (I am not a shopper but I love this store), rue Mouffetard, rue Montorgueil, Luxembourg Gardens, special exhibits, Nissim de Camondo museum, walking tours, day trips: Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau, Versailles, Giverny, St Germain-en-Laye... Just to name some of what I enjoy.

A month in Paris is definitely not too long. I loved the month I spent in Paris a few years ago, so much to see and do so there's never enough time, and like Susan I love to just hang out at a cafe and people watch and I could spend hours at the outdoor markets. I took several day trips outside the city also which is easy to do with that much time. I found my apartment on VRBO, they are reliable as long as you do your due diligence - make sure they are registered (number should be on the website), call or email the owner to get a feel for them, check the reviews carefully. I had no problems with my rental and my 'landlord' was a charmer. I'd recommend the apartment for it's location and price and it suited me well but might not suit you - 5th floor walkup (no lift) and no A/C.

My choice would be to fly into Marseille rather than Paris, spend a few days there and then in Avignon and Lyon, easily reached by train, finishing with up to three weeks in Paris. I'd also look hard at multi-destination search sites to find how to fly home from Paris, maybe but not necessarily connecting through London. The more stops, the more chance of luggage going astray but there is some protection in having the entire route on a single itinerary with airlines who are in alliance with each other.
I've just come back from a short stay near Place de la Republique, which is very convenient because it is served by several Metro lines. Small streets with hotels etc. radiate from the place, very busy with locals as well as visitors and plenty of food and drink choices. The nearby Canal Saint-Martin has also become a hip place for walks, dining or just hanging out.

It can be pretty warm in southern France in June. Great if you're heading to the beach, but not necessarily ideal for general sightseeing. I'd check some actual day-by-day historical weather stats for that period before making a decision. Odds are it would work out a lot better to do that before Paris (as suggested).

Thank you for your replies and information.
Our flights home are either from Paris or London due to other destinations we are stopping at, that is also why we have limited France to 1 month.
Last June/July we spent 6 weeks and stayed in Montpellier/Sete, into Spain and the back via Bordeaux so no need to venture that way again.

Currently looking at Strasbourg or Orleans - I know they are poles apart but train travel time is suitable.
Other question above was the Arrondissements or an area within 9/18/4/11 that anyone has stayed any length of time in. Our last stay was in 9th but that was only 6 days.
Much appreciate everyone's help.

Andy, my month long stay in the apartment I mentioned above was in the 4th e. The apartment was excellently located within walking distance to the Left Bank sights (Notre Dame, Luxembourg gardens, etc), walking distance to the Louvre and just a couple of blocks from the Pompidou, between 2 metro stations, one of which was Hotel de Ville which is on the 1 line so easy to get anywhere. I loved just walking all around the Marais area near my apt and would recommend that neighborhood to anyone who wants to be close to the major sights. Although it may be too 'touristy' for some I thought it was great, with so much going on and always people around so I never felt alone or unsafe even walking around after dark.

Nancy, I have looked at an apartment in the Hotel du Ville and also one very close it it. Marais is also top of our list. If there are any really interesting things you have done that you would like to share, would love to hear. You can PM.
Thank you for your update, just what I wanted. :-)

Hi Andy -
We have stayed in Paris for a month or more on two separate occasions...this summer was the second time. We did not run out of things to do! We take our time, enjoy the city, eat good food, take day trips out of town, wander around late at night, see more offbeat museums, and just allow ourselves to be there in a relaxed manner.
Have you considered home exchange? That's how we travel and, for a month exchange, it's perfect. We had a 4 bedroom apartment in the 12th this summer and were very comfortable.

I’m with Nancy, my all-time favorite arrondissement in Paris is the 4th, which includes the Marais and Ile Saint Louis, my favorite area of the 4th.
Being near the river, Notre Dame, and easy walking to many places I enjoy, is important to me.
If it were me, if I couldn’t something I like in the 4th, I’d expand to the 5th or 6th.
But really, all of Paris is good and is safe.
I love to walk, would prefer to walk than take a bus or mêtro, so staying in the very heart of Paris, in the 4th, 5th or 6th, makes walking easy. Anywhere else, other than the 1st which I don’t care to stay in, means more mêtro/buses and more time spent on mêtro/buses. But also, I like to look out my windows or step out on the street and already be in the part of Paris I love most.

I have rented two apts from Paris Attitude and had a good experience with them both times. I would use them again.
I rented an apt last year from ParisBestLodge that was very bad and we did not stay once we arrived and saw the apt. PBL apts (mgr: Thierry) are now listed on VRBO so be careful.

Hi Susan and Anita.
Thank you both so much for your replies. We usually do a Peugeot Lease and stay in small towns/villages through France/Spain/Italy for a few weeks/months.
We think there is so much more to see in Paris, that it warrants a month at least. Everyone has said because we have been a few times before, we will be bored. I think not and everything everyone has so kindly written enforces what we believe. Almost decided to do 5 days in Orleans. Have you been there at all??

andy, I edited and added to my last post since you read it ☺️
I’ve been all over France, and I love small towns too, but I have not been to Orleans.
There is no way I could ever be bored staying in Paris for a month. As I, and others have said, even a month is not long enough. It will go by so fast, and you will leave with things you couldn’t get to. I’ve lived in Paris and never got bored. I think staying a month is so wonderful, you really get a chance to relax, to take all the time you want doing what you like, and you really get to become a part of it. It is such a satisfying and enriching experience to spend a month there.
Added bonus, apts are cheaper by the night when rented for a month vs 3 wks or less.

Susan, thank you. Done and dusted, Paris 1 month with day trips.

Any ‘have to do’s’ that aren’t obvious. Have found a few but always open to anyones personal finds and recommendations. Looking at accommodation now 🤗

hi Andy
I wouldn’t have any problems staying a month in Paris like others have said, lots to see and do or do nothing and still enjoy. check out cross-pollinate.com (read fine print) some take credit cards some cash. alcoves&agapes.com (b&b #285) small apt with terrace/garden and small kitchenette. Other places listed too worth checking out.
aloha

Thank you to everyone, for your info.

andy, good choice! It’s also less tiring to stay in one place for a good amount of time, not moving “house”, and you can go slower.

As for must dos, I listed many of mine in a previous post. Walking tours with Paris Walks are fun. Several friends of mine always arrange for a Paris Greeters walk at Parisgreeters.com. A local volunteers their time to show just you, not a group, a neighborhhod in Paris that they know (and love) well. You have to email them ahead of time to arrange a walk with them.

We also enjoy renting bikes on a Sunday and riding along the river on the roads closed to cars. Didn’t love Fat Tire group rides but some people do.

I’m not a flea market person, but I do enjoy the Vanves flea market.

I don’t know what you enjoy doing so it’s it’s a stab in the dark to recommend more...

I do recommend Googling for special exhibits during the time you’ll be there.

And I highly recommend eating lunch/dinner at Café Constant at 139 rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th. Reserve ahead.

You can easily spend a month in Paris very profitably. If you decide to go east, I’d stretch beyond Strasbourg and spend the time in Colmar and its surrounding villages. It’s smaller, and more walkable than Strasbourg, but with plenty to do.

Susan, you are amazing, thank you so much.
We love markets, walking and when I mean walking to look at something. Could be street art, markets, eating, drinking, areas that are not hot on peoples lists. We are big travellers but prefer to stay in one place for at least 2weeks so we get to be part of everyday life. We usually do a Peugeot Lease for a few weeks/months but have decided in the past 3 trips to Paris you just don’t get to appreciate the beautiful city and all its beauty and quirkiness, hence wanting to stay for a reasonable length of time.
Have list of Airbnb properties, been chatting with owners, they are registered 👍 we usually airbnb so happy. 11th,9th and 4th and one is bordering 11th. If you have any ideas for doing anything there, love to hear.
Thank you so much for all your info🤗

bljewel, thank you. Have already stayed in Colmar. Only spent couple days in Strasbourg though.
At the moment we are thinking of Orleans for an overnight, keeping our Paris apartment.
May throw Strasbourg in for couple nights at end of Paris. Any other info, greatfully appreciated.

Hey Andy,
Just remember the women's World Cup soccer tournament will be happening the whole month of June next year all over France. Apartments & hotels are filling fast so locking something in is vital to do quickly (I would certainly say before the end of this year). I would expect Paris to be exceptionally tight but you should check the schedule of matches & see if they coincide with dates of areas you want to visit.

Hi Tom. Thank you very much for the info. Will book somewhere with in next couple weeks.
Cheers

andy, another day trip I recommend, close to Paris, is Chateau de Malmaison. The estate and home of Josephine and Napoleon. Small, charming and beautiful grounds. Bring a picnic... : )

You can get there by mêtro to La Défense then a bus to Reuil-Malmaison. Or the longer way, RIck Steves directions in his Paris guidebook.

Do you bring a smartphone and use Google maps? Best navigating tool imo.
Even though I know Paris well, Google maps in invaluable for walking, bus, mêtro, train, taxi/car.

Booking.com lists apartments with the 13 digit code. It will be listed towards the bottom of the apartment information under The FIne Print heading.