WHERE TO STAY IN PAIS

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p210926

We stayed in this apartment for a week in July and it's location COULD NOT BE BEAT, I kid you not!

It's on Rue de la Houchette which is one short block back from the Seine, just across from Notre Dame. You can stroll from your door to the cathedral in 2 minutes.

Plus it is right on the St. Michel metro stop which is one of the most convenient in the city with direct connections to CDG airport, the Eiffel tower, and Versailles.

On top of that, the street, itself is hub of nightlife, packed with restaurants and shops, but the apartment is set back in a couryard and has NO noise. It's not fancy, but it's clean and functional. If you are sharing, the price is right at about $170/night, which is cheap for Paris.

If you are on your own, check that same web site "home" for studio apartments more appropriate for 1.

To keep your costs down why not check out apartments? We did that in June, and found a great one bedroom place with an the Eiffel Tower view.... for cheap ($90 EU/nite). While the top of the Arr 15 is not centrally located, it was 1/2 block from a Metro stop.

But in Jan you should be able to find some great deals near the river.

In Europe, we rent from either VRBO.com, or Homelidays.com. As with any rental agency, only rent from places with a history and terms and payment plans that meet your needs.

Thank you all for your prompt replies...I will start looking into this as you suggest! Merci beaucoup!

Wow...I've noticed a lot of Andrea's on this forum lately!

I too recommend an apartment. We rented one in the Latin Quarter (5th) for 10 days over New Year's last year. I don't know what "not expensive" means to you. The apartment we rented goes for $1450/week. Check out vrbo.com #5967. The apartment was fantastic and in a really good location. During the period of time you will be there it may be cold (it snowed during that time for us) so luckily there is a metro stop on each end of the small street where the apartment is located. It is also easily walkable to many places. It's up 4 flights of stairs, but the reward is a view of Notre Dame.

Have a great time in Paris...my favorite city!

Parisattitude.com apartment #3635...$97/night on Ile Saint Louis, the little island behind Notre Dame Cathedral, the most charming neighborhood in all of Paris, imo. Location doesn't get better than that and the apartment is charming. Check out the photos on their website.

Take a look at cross-pollinate.com.......We've used them for visits to Rome and had no problems, stayed in lovely places. Company run by Americans living in Rome, but they have bookings in Paris.

this is just a p.s. to the above original post...I am 65...and travelling alone...after looking at the apartments I am concerned that I would be too isolated...that ahotel might be better...any ideas?
And, as someone said, it will be cold! so I am concerned about heat not working or something like that. thank you!

That's a good point, Andrea. We stayed in an apartment in Paris this fall and never saw another person in the building the entire week. A nice small B&B where everyone has breakfast in the same room might be a good way to meet people, plus you would have your host(s) to talk to. We had stayed in small B&Bs outside of Paris and had that kind of experience. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about B&Bs in Paris.

thanks for that....anyone have any suggestions for B&Bs in paris....

I agree that an apartment may not be ideal since you are traveling alone. I don't know anything about B&B's in Paris, but I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding one.

Another way to meet people is doing a walking tour. They have a free one (tip the guide) that meets at the fountain at St. Michel. Just google "free walking tours in Paris." We did a tour on New Years Eve day and it was a blast. After the lunch break the guide came back with wine...and lots of it! We spent the rest of the tour walking the streets of Paris drinking wine and having a great time. We met a couple of gals from Seattle who were in Paris for the first time and they ended up meeting us later.

If you are nervous about traveling alone I'm sure I can get away that week...on your dime of course...;-)

Seriously, Paris is the best and I know you will love it. Bring warm clothes...it will be cold.

thanks andrea! I will look into it...sounds like fun. I've been to paris many times as I used to live overseas...but it's been a while....and I dont want to feel isolated. I'm going to be there for a Buddhist retreat, and have 5 days in between.....
thanks for all your suggestions...theyare good!

We stayed in a small studio in the 6th Arrondisement, St-Germain area, on Rue de Conde, Nov 7-16, 2009. We rented thru VRBO on-line. (Vacation Rentals By Owner. That area is the best, near lots of stuff, a few Metro stops, cafes, etc. We believe we saved money over a hotel and enjoyed eating breakfast out instead of in a hotel dining room. Feel free to chew the owner down in price too.