My wife and I (ages 66 and 74) are hoping to spend 2 months in Paris in April and May 2019. We would like to find an apartment for that time span, with the following requirements (or wishes). It should be at least 45 square meters, with one bedroom or at least a separate alcove for the bed; have a good view, so probably on an upper floor, with elevator access; and have the living room facing the street (not a courtyard). We would like to keep the cost to around 1500 to 2000 euros/month. We prefer the 7th and 15th Arrondissements, but are willing to try other Left Bank areas, if not too close to the peripherique. We both speak some French, although we are not fluent. We do well with the metro and buses, so we do not mind if we are a distance from museums, etc. We have looked at Sabbatical.com, VRBO, Paris Autremont, Iloveparisapartments, vacationinparis, welcome2france, plumguide, and HomeAway, but have not found anything that really meets our needs, or they are already booked. Does anyone have any suggestions for an apartment meeting our desires? Thanks. Peter
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3967 posts
Well priced apartments are often booked a year in advance and with the current crackdown on short-term rentals, I have found that fewer rentals are available. Those two factors could be playing into the lack of available spaces that meet your needs. In addition, are you willing to break up your 2-month stay into smaller increments? I think it might be difficult to find a good apartment that is available for 2 months straight. Can you do with a smaller space? Forty-five square meters is relatively big for an apartment in Paris for two people so the combination of your budget and the size could be one factor in your lack of success so far. Have you looked at Airbnb? What about this one: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27046428?location=Paris%2C%20France&adults=2&guests=1&check_in=2019-04-01&check_out=2019-05-31&s=ypESYtM5 It's over budget but your budget is low for the size apartment that you want.
Posted by
Washington DC
27941 posts
I think JHK is onto something about the length of your desired rental. I typically book single rooms just days before arrival--a completely different market segment, obviously--and I've always said that it's harder for me to find something since I spend more nights than the average traveler in each city. I might catch a lucky cancellation somewhere, but that canceled 2- or 3-night reservation will not help me if I'm looking for 4 or 5 nights.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I think 45 sq meters for €1500-2000/mo is unrealistic. A smaller apt, or a bigger budget will increase your chances of success imo.
I’ve shared a 30 sq meter apt with another adult for a month and it was plenty of room.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2702 posts
1500 € to 2000 € per month for 45 square meters in the 7th is about what one pays for a legal, 12 month lease. Finding that short term may not be easy as the city has really started to crack down on illegal rentals, fining owners up to 50,000€ per violation.
You might also take a look at booking.com for suggestions.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10611 posts
Tocard is right. To give you an example: ten years ago we paid 2,000 a month for a fourth floor walk-up (fifth American), 3-rooms, without elevator, in the 10th, on an iffy street, view on roofs and the courtyard, old atelier roof in the courtyard, and air shafts. The unheated toilet had been incorporated into the apartment after serving for years as the shared toilet for the three apartments on the landing. And we were already in Paris when we snagged this deal off Sabbatical Homes for our six-month stay. I spent a lot of time searching. You've received good suggestions for altering your search.
Bonne chance in your search and happy stay in Paris.