Apartment in Paris - 20th Arr.

This isn't the best map, but it might give you an idea of where you would be in relation to where you'd like to be: http://www.parisnet.com/parismap.html

I've had great rentals through VRBO including Paris but I think that's way too far out IMO. I'm not sure of the nature of the neighborhood but location makes up so much of the ambience. It's wonderful taking walks on the Seine at night or looking up at the Eiffel Tower all lite up, or stopping at the cafes for a drink at the end of a wonderful day. I told a friend about VRBO and they used it for Paris finding a nice apartment but too far out and they regretted it.

Just to provide a counter-point, my husband and I will be staying in Saint-Mande (east side of Paris, near the Bois de Vincennes) during our upcoming November trip. We have previously stayed in the 8th Arr. and the 1st Arr. We are actually looking forward to being away from the city center. We are on Line 1 of the metro. However, you should go with your instincts -- if you think the 20th Arr. is too far out, then you should find something more central. For us, having more room to stretch out is worth it. We found a nice rental (2 bedrooms) for 95 euro a night, so the trade off of price/amenities and distance is not a problem for us.

That area is pretty good for local flavour and a bit hipsterish. Not much in the way of big tourist attractions apart from Pere Lachaise. But if the Metro stop isn't too far to walk you won't be more than 20-30 minutes from the centre.

The #69 bus also starts/ends around the Metro Gambetta, and that goes through the Marais, into St. Germain and to the Eifferl Tower.

It's a way to stay above ground to check out the sites while heading into the heart of the city.

And check out the Parc de Belleville on the web. It alone looks like good reason to be in the 20th. I think I remember reading recently that Belleville is the new trendy place for Parisians to live, so it might be a fun experience, and THE PRICE IS RIGHT!

I haven't really visited that area of Paris (other than Pere Lachaise), but I plan to spend time exploring the area when I am in Paris later this fall. I have heard good things about it. A co-worker, who was born and raised in Paris, has told me that it was a lower income, working class neighborhood that (like much of Paris) has gone through considerable gentrification. And whether that is good or bad, it has now become quite trendy. Here is a website that has some information on the area. If you look to left on the webpage, there are links to various specific neighborhoods.

http://france-for-visitors.com/paris/eastern-paris.html

Hope this helps. Have a great time!

We stayed in a nice studio three weeks ago, in the 9th. 650 Euro for two weeks. If you want, I can send you the contact information.