Paris apartments

[starsandsparkles]

I'm going to France for July to study French, with a friend. We need somewhere to stay, but neither of us are familiar with Paris nor do we speak French!

Do any of your well-travelled sinners have any bright ideas about where we could find an apartment?

[armor]

Hi,

A friend was on a year abroad in Paris this year. She stayed at the place found through the link below. Her room was quite small but had all the basics with a desk and bed (sofa bed) in the main room and kitchen (sink and microwave) in the corridor and it had a big bathroom. There are several apartments in this block-I was amazed by the size. It is very close to the centre of Paris-only 5min walk from La Defense which is on the RER and Metro. It is meant for students but I think a range of people live their. I think it was the cheapest she could find for the time she was there. Whether a month is too short a period to rent from them I am not sure. I am assuming you want to live near Paris

The website is http://translate.google.co.uk/translate ... 26hs%3DZUV.

Good luck in finding somewhere to live

[Lord Alisk]

Hello.

If you are only going for a month, then this website would be good:-

http://www.homelidays.com/EN-Holidays-R ... RAIN=OLESV

I haven't used them to book holiday apartments in France, but for other countries it has worked well. My girlfriend's sister recently rented a flat (as a permanent tenant) in Paris, and French bureaucracy is truly horrific - it was such a major effort to get hold of the property, involving references and every form being filled in three times (its much less paperwork to buy a house in Scotland than to rent in France - which is a bit crazy). Unless you were going to be there for months and months, renting as a permanent tenant probably isn't worth the hassle - unless it was much, much cheaper, that is. She was paying €800 a month, so I can't imagine conventional renting to be significantly cheaper anyway.

It seems every Parisian estate agents has someone who speaks English anyway, if you want to try that route.

Good look anyway. Though it isn't perhaps the most attractive street, rue Daguerre (the nearest metro being Denfert Rochereau) is a personal favourite - it has wonderful butchers, wine merchants, cheese mongers, fishmongers, bakers, and even a rather charming toy and childrens book shop. If you could be anywhere near there, you would be in culinary bliss for the entire stay.

Otherwise, look at Metro maps - being near any station with multiple lines is a major plus.

[starsandsparkles]

Thank you both for your replies

[megan]

www.couchsurfing.com

could try university accom that might rent out over the holidays when students aren't there?

[natalieg]

hi there,

i came across your post - i live in Paris (been here a year), ex st andrews student.

What advice exactly do you need? i may be able to help.

email me on fluoritecrystal@yahoo.co.uk