LIVE LIKE A LOCAL:
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SHORT TERM APARTMENT RENTALS IN PARIS
Paris is a city that is renowned for its charm, elegance, and sophistication. It is a city that has captured the hearts of people from all over the world, and for good reason. It is a place that is steeped in history and culture, and has emerged in the 21st century as a truly global and modern city offering something for everyone. One of the best ways to experience the true essence of Paris is to live like a local. This means immersing yourself in the local culture, dining at local eateries, and exploring the city’s hidden gems. One of the best ways to do this is by renting a short-term apartment. This not only gives you the opportunity to live like a local, but it also provides you with a unique and authentic travel experience. In this ultimate guide to short-term apartment rentals in Paris, we will explore everything you need to know to live like a local in the City of Light.
Renting a short-term apartment in Paris is an excellent alternative to staying in a hotel, offering you more space and privacy. Before looking for a short term rental you need to first:
1. Define your needs and budget: Before starting your search, determine your budget, the length of your stay, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms needed, and any specific location preferences. Consider whether you require amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a washing machine, or a fully equipped kitchen.
2. Identify which neighborhoods you like: Paris is divided into 20 districts, known as “arrondissements,” each with its unique character and atmosphere. Research the various neighborhoods to find one that suits your preferences in terms of ambiance, proximity to attractions, and access to public transportation.
MOST POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS
Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements): Le Marais is in central Paris and is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, and a lively nightlife scene. The neighborhood also has some historical significance as you can still find well-preserved medieval architecture as well as beautiful parcs like the Place des Vosges (built for royals and formerly called Place Royal). Note that some streets can be very noisy in the evening, particularly on weekends, so be sure to find out what is nearby and whether your apartment as double panned windows!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement): This chic and intellectual neighborhood on the Left Bank is famous for its art galleries, designer shops, and literary cafés. The area offers a perfect blend of history, art, and fashion, and is within walking distance of major attractions such as the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Montmartre (18th arrondissement): This bohemian and artistic district is known for its picturesque streets, the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the lively Place du Tertre. Montmartre has a village-like atmosphere and offers stunning views of the city from its hilltop location. Note that Monmartre is a very hilly and some parts are either very touristy or a dodgy (peep shows and sex shops are found in some streets). It can also be very noisy on some streets, as there are many clubs and bars in the area.
Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement): The historic Latin Quarter is home to the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. With its narrow streets, charming bookshops, and student-filled cafés, this neighborhood has a lively, intellectual atmosphere and is close to attractions such as the Luxembourg Gardens and the Musée de Cluny. Note that some areas within the 5th can be very quiet e.g. on a side street.
Eiffel Tower/Champ de Mars (7th arrondissement): If you’re looking to stay near the Eiffel Tower, the surrounding area offers a range of short-term apartment rentals. This upscale neighborhood is also home to the Invalides, the Rodin Museum, and the UNESCO headquarters. Note that some areas within the 7th can be very quiet.
Canal Saint-Martin (10th arrondissement): This trendy and hipster neighborhood is known for its picturesque canal, lined with lively bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Note that there are some noisy bars and cafes in some areas but you can otherwise except many quiet streets.
QUIETER NEIGHBORHOODS FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS
The most quiet neighborhoods for short term apartment rentals in Paris are residential.
Monceau/Ternes & Batignolles (17th arrondissement): Batignolles is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood that has maintained its village-like charm. The area features quaint streets, small parks, and local shops, providing a more laid-back atmosphere than some of the more bustling parts of Paris. Meanwhile the Monceau/Ternes is the part of the 17th closer the Champs Elysees which is a lovely neighborhood with one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, Parc Monceau. Note that in the Monceau/Ternes area you can find some office buildings which are busy during the week. Also, the main roads e.g. boulevards tend to be noisier.
Auteuil (16th arrondissement): Auteuil is an upscale, residential neighborhood located in the western part of Paris. Known for its elegant Haussmannian buildings, tree-lined streets, and large parks, Auteuil offers a calm and sophisticated environment for those looking for a quieter stay.
Passy (16th arrondissement): Another part of the 16th arrondissement, Passy is a tranquil and affluent neighborhood with charming streets, small boutiques, and lovely parks. It’s just next to the Eiffel Tower and while some areas can be more crowded and noisy e.g. large avenues, it’s generally more quiet.
Montsouris (14th arrondissement): Montsouris is a residential area located in the southern part of Paris, known for its namesake park, Parc Montsouris. This green and peaceful neighborhood features a mix of modern and traditional architecture and provides a relaxed atmosphere away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
La Butte-aux-Cailles (13th arrondissement): La Butte-aux-Cailles is a quiet, village-like neighborhood in the southeastern part of Paris. The area is characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, low-rise buildings, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal location for a more peaceful stay.
COST OF A SHORT TERM APARTMENT RENTAL IN PARIS
The cost of short-term apartment rentals in Paris can vary greatly based on factors like location, size, quality, and time of the year. On top of this it’s usually cheaper to book for long periods since most apply a percent reduction on nightly rates and offer a weekly or monthly rate, which makes it of course much more economical.
Here’s a general rule of thumb guide to give you an idea:
Central neighborhoods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th arrondissements):
- Studio or one-bedroom: €80-€180 per night
- Two-bedroom: €150-€350 per night
- Three-bedroom or larger: €250-€500+ per night
Trendy neighborhoods (9th, 10th, 11th, 18th arrondissements):
- Studio or one-bedroom: €70-€150 per night
- Two-bedroom: €120-€300 per night
- Three-bedroom or larger: €200-€400+ per night
Residential neighborhoods (8th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th arrondissements):
- Studio or one-bedroom: €60-€120 per night
- Two-bedroom: €100-€250 per night
- Three-bedroom or larger: €150-€350+ per night
Peripheral neighborhoods (19th, 20th arrondissements, and suburbs):
- Studio or one-bedroom: €50-€100 per night
- Two-bedroom: €80-€200 per night
- Three-bedroom or larger: €120-€300+ per night
Please note that these are approximate price ranges and actual costs can vary. Prices tend to be higher in popular neighborhoods, close to tourist attractions, or in areas with good public transportation access. Additionally, during peak tourist seasons or major events, rental prices may increase.
WHERE TO FIND AN APARTMENT RENTAL IN PARIS
Choosing a reliable platform to search for short-term apartment rentals in Paris is key. We recommend several reputable platforms and agencies which specialise in short-term apartment rentals in Paris and are known to have a good quality apartments plus good service.
Here are our recommendations:
Vrbo: Vrbo (formerly HomeAway) is another popular platform for vacation rentals, offering various types of accommodations, including apartments, houses, and villas in Paris. The website allows you to search for properties based on your preferences and read reviews from previous guests.
Paris Perfect: Paris Perfect is a well-regarded agency offering a curated selection of luxury and boutique apartments in Paris. They provide high-quality accommodations and excellent customer service, with a focus on prime locations and well-appointed properties.
Paris Attitude: With over 20 years of experience, Paris Attitude offers a wide range of furnished apartments for short-term and extended stays. Their website allows you to search for apartments by location, size, and budget, and they offer a personalized service to help you find the perfect accommodation.
Lodgis: Lodgis is another reputable agency that specializes in furnished apartments for short-term and long-term rentals in Paris. They offer a wide selection of properties across various neighborhoods and provide multilingual customer support.
Veeve: Veeve offers a selection of stylish and unique homes in Paris for short-term rentals. They focus on providing quality accommodations with a touch of local charm and ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for their guests.
MIN AND MAX LENGTH OF STAY FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS
In Paris, the minimum and maximum stay requirements for short-term rentals can vary depending on the property and the rental platform being used. Generally, there is no legally mandated minimum stay for short-term rentals, but some property owners or rental platforms may impose their own minimum stay requirements, which can range from one night to several days or even a week.
For maximum stay requirements, according to French law, short-term rentals in Paris are limited to 120 days per year for a primary residence. This rule aims to ensure that property owners don’t rent out their homes on a continuous basis, contributing to the housing shortage. However, this limitation does not apply to properties that are registered as commercial (non-residential) properties, which can be rented out for longer periods.
It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the specific rental property you’re interested in to ensure it aligns with your intended length of stay. Additionally, be aware that some properties may offer discounted rates for longer stays or charge extra fees for stays shorter than a certain number of days. Always double-check with the property owner or rental platform for the most accurate and up-to-date information on minimum and maximum stay requirements.
AMENITIES PROVIDED
In Paris, France, short-term apartment rentals usually provide a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. While the specific offerings may vary depending on the individual property, here are some typical amenities you can expect to find in most short-term rentals in Paris:
- Fully-equipped kitchen: Including a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker or kettle, cookware, utensils, dishes, glassware, and basic cooking ingredients like salt, pepper, and oil.
- Bedding and linens: Clean sheets, pillows, and blankets for each bed, as well as towels for the bathroom.
- Bathroom essentials: Toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, shower gel, and often a hairdryer.
- Wi-Fi: Most short-term apartment rentals in Paris offer free Wi-Fi access for guests.
- Heating: Central heating or individual heaters are typically provided, as Paris can be chilly during the fall and winter months.
- Laundry facilities: A washing machine is often included, along with a drying rack, iron, and ironing board. Dryers are less common in Parisian apartments.
- TV and entertainment: Many rentals come with a television, sometimes with cable or streaming services.
- Basic cleaning supplies: Brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, and cleaning products are usually available for guests to use during their stay.
- Safety features: Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are commonly provided, and some apartments may also have a carbon monoxide detector or a first aid kit.
It’s important to review the rental listing or communicate with the property owner to confirm the amenities included in a specific short-term apartment rental in Paris. Some upscale rentals may offer additional features, such as air conditioning (which is less common in Paris), a private balcony or terrace, Nespresso machines, or access to building amenities like a courtyard or rooftop terrace.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There can be cleaning or additional fees associated with short-term rentals in Paris, France. However, these fees can vary depending on the property and the rental platform being used. Some common fees to be aware of include:
- Cleaning fee: Many short-term rentals charge a one-time cleaning fee to cover the cost of cleaning the apartment after your stay. This fee can range from around €20 to €100 or more, depending on the size and type of the property.
- Service fee: Some rental platforms, such as Vrbo, may charge a service fee for using their platform. This fee is typically a percentage of the total booking cost and is paid by the guest.
- Tourist tax: In Paris, a city tax (taxe de séjour) is applied to short-term rentals. This tax is usually included in the rental price or added as a separate charge. Tourist tax ranges from €0.55 to €4 per adult per night, depending on the accommodation’s classification. However, rates can change, so it’s essential to check the most up-to-date information when booking.
- Security deposit: Many short-term rentals require a refundable security deposit to cover any potential damages or extra cleaning costs. The deposit amount can vary, but it is typically refunded shortly after your stay if no issues arise.
- Extra guest fee: Some rentals charge an additional fee for extra guests beyond a certain number. This fee is usually stated in the rental listing and calculated on a per-night basis.
When booking a short-term rental in Paris, it’s crucial to carefully review the rental listing and any associated fees. These fees should be clearly stated in the rental agreement or on the booking platform, so you know the total cost of your stay upfront.
ONCE YOU’VE BOOKED
Plan your transportation from the airport or train station to the apartment, and coordinate your check-in time with your host. If you’re arriving late or during non-business hours, inquire about the possibility of a self-check-in or key pick-up arrangement.
When you arrive at the apartment, carefully inspect it to ensure it matches the description and photos provided in the listing. Check for any damages or issues that need to be addressed with the host immediately. Familiarize yourself with the apartment’s features, such as the Wi-Fi password, heating and cooling systems, and appliances.
Now that you’ve reserved your short term apartment in Paris, what will you do when you first arrive? There are of course tons of sightseeing opportunities in Paris like taking a boat cruise on the river or climbing the Eiffel Tower so be sure to check out our shortlist of the top places to visit in Paris.
Finally, if you’re looking for a good deal, you can purchase the Paris City Card which includes a cruise along the seine via Bateaux Parisiens, Louvre museum access plus access to the Eiffel Tower and an audio guide (app). And if you have a kids or just looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Paris Family Fun Pass, which includes access to the Paris Zoo (world class and not to be missed!), Gallerie D’Evolution at the Natural History Museum (skip the line) and the Grevin Wax museum. Click below for more details!
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