Apt in Paris

[julers]

Hi everyone!

You probably don't remember me, but I was on here a while back in 05/06 trying to figure out my study abroad situation. Well, I did it! Lived in Grenoble, France for 5 months and then did an insane amount of backpacking for another month.

Well...the travel bug has bitten me and the only cure is to go back to Europe! (not more cowbell ) I'm going back to Paris this summer to go to Le Cordon Bleu. I need to find somewhere to stay, as living in a hostel (unless there is a Paris hostel up to Berlin Circus standards) is not the most appealing idea for 2 1/2 months.

I know this board mostly deals with hostels and backpacking ideas, but I figured it couldn't hurt to see if you guys had any suggestions. At the very least, perhaps you seasoned Paris travelers could recommend arrondissements for me. LCB is located in the 14th off of ligne 12 (arret: Convention). I was originally looking in that arrondissement for obvious reasons, but wouldn't mind living further away in a cheaper, nicer, etc neighborhood off of ligne 12.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

[madamtrashheap]

Welcome back to the Boards, julers! Glad to hear you did make it to Grenoble (was it you that was trying to figure out how your bf was going to meet up with you to go backpacking after studying?).

And great to hear that you're heading back to France...and Le Cordon Bleu no less - nice one! I haven't ever rented an appartment in Paris (stayed in hotels and with friends) so can't help with direct experience, but hopefully francefiend will see this Post and chime in with some suggestions. Is it worth looking on venere.com for appartments? Not sure if they do them, but it's a start. The 14th is one of my favourite areas of Paris (the 9th and 18th are top of the list) and you should be able to find a few places to suit. Does LCB assist with accommodation at all? Might be worth asking if they have a department for that.

Keep us posted on your culinary exploits while you're there! ;D

[WillTravel]

I seem to recall reading about an expatriate board where some people offer rooms for rent in their houses. I don't think you can get a reasonably priced short-term apartment - at least nothing comparable to hostel dorm rates. But if you want to try, I suggest doing some research at www.slowtrav.com and then posting at www.slowtalk.com . That is the forum where people seem to know everything about Paris apartments.

[me]

willtravel said:

at least nothing comparable to hostel dorm rates.

when i was last in London - three days - i stayed at The Generator. several others in the dorm were working in London. they said London flats were just too dear. but, these were Brits. they could go "home" on weekends, i guess.

[julers]

madamtrashheap said:

Welcome back to the Boards, julers! Glad to hear you did make it to Grenoble (was it you that was trying to figure out how your bf was going to meet up with you to go backpacking after studying?).

Yep, oh geez, we met up and made it to CT and then Amsterdam, it was quite the experience. I felt pretty bad for the bf, because he was delayed at JFK (had no way of getting in touch with me while I waited around in Gatwick in a panic because he didn't show up when his flight did!). We then had an expensive and tiring trip from Gatwick to Stanstead (I think) and then to Pisa. I'm surprised he made it that first day!

madamtrashheap said:

Does LCB assist with accommodation at all?

Ha, barely. After I sent in my deposit they sent me a welcome packet of sorts, including some housing info. Basically, they sorted the info into a few sections: Homestays, Apartments, Dorms, and Flatshares. For each section they provided some websites and a disclaimer saying that they took no responsibility in my housing I narrowed it down to a dorm or flatshare, because I've already done a homestay and the apartments were just too expensive. I would like to do flatsharing so I could have a French roommate to practice my french and so I could stay somewhere with more character than a dorm.

I'm currently trying to get in touch with some possible roommates, but let's face it, this sort of thing is a bit sketchy (think craigslist).