Paris in July

[Anonymous]

Trying to coordinate a small family trip for about a week next summer for six people to Paris, and the only month that works for both families is July.

Anyone been there in July? Favorite family-friendly accommodations?

We're looking in central Paris close to metro and walkable to sites. Have previously stayed in the 5th, 6th and 7th arrondisements, prior to kids.

Thanks for any suggestions for summer family travel to Paris.

[Anonymous]

I would seriously consider an apt. (although you should also know that Paris generally bans short term apt rentals).

I think the Paris Plages start around the 3rd week of July. There is a little amusement park that sets up in the Tuileries for the summer I think. Luxembourg Gardens is good for kids too.

[Anonymous]

Any recommendations from people who have rented in Paris?
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Was there last July. It was cool and perfect walking weather. Get museum passes. Even kids would like the Rodin museum and Montmatre.

[Anonymous]

The Rodin is my favorite!
How were the crowds?

[Anonymous]

I rented but not in July. It was by far my favorite trip as I was able to cook and do laundry and things. I loved it!

[Anonymous]

Second the apartment recommendations.

Also, don't miss the Jardin d'Acclimatisation in the Bois du Boulogne - great old fashioned amusement park.

[Anonymous]

I have stayed in one of these apartments. A little too far from a metro but gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower,

http://www.parisperfect.com/

We are going again this summer and staying in the Mariais in a one bedroom apartment. You could search Fodor's forum for apartments in Paris.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any recommendations from people who have rented in Paris?
Thanks!

We rented an apartment for one week from www.ahparis.com in April. Our apartment was in the center of Paris - no problems at all.

[Anonymous]

slowtrav is another good site for paris apt rental (although I agree there is a lot of info on the fodors forums)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would seriously consider an apt. (although you should also know that Paris generally bans short term apt rentals).

What? I worked for years for an agency that did nothing BUT short-term apartment rentals in Paris. The minimum was a week, but other agencies would do four days.

It can be very spendy, but it's a great alternative to a hotel. You can often get two apartments in the same building, as part-time resident owners talk to each other, and list their apartments with the same agency.

If you want to do all the work yourself, check vrbo.com. (Vacation Rentals By Owner) For higher end apartments and more hand-holding (restaurant reservations, activity recommendations, organized tours, grocery delivery, rental cribs, etc) try Just France.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for all the terrific recommendations!
For those who have done a summer Paris trip, how have you found the crowds? We haven't been to Europe in peak tourist season in over 20 years. Always do spring or fall. Yikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would seriously consider an apt. (although you should also know that Paris generally bans short term apt rentals).

What? I worked for years for an agency that did nothing BUT short-term apartment rentals in Paris. The minimum was a week, but other agencies would do four days.

It can be very spendy, but it's a great alternative to a hotel. You can often get two apartments in the same building, as part-time resident owners talk to each other, and list their apartments with the same agency.

If you want to do all the work yourself, check vrbo.com. (Vacation Rentals By Owner) For higher end apartments and more hand-holding (restaurant reservations, activity recommendations, organized tours, grocery delivery, rental cribs, etc) try Just France.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/business/global/07rent.html?pagewanted=all

I don't think it should stop the OP from renting, but it is true (and I have heard of apts where the neighbors will let you know they are unhappy about having short term renters in the building).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would seriously consider an apt. (although you should also know that Paris generally bans short term apt rentals).

What? I worked for years for an agency that did nothing BUT short-term apartment rentals in Paris. The minimum was a week, but other agencies would do four days.

It can be very spendy, but it's a great alternative to a hotel. You can often get two apartments in the same building, as part-time resident owners talk to each other, and list their apartments with the same agency.

If you want to do all the work yourself, check vrbo.com. (Vacation Rentals By Owner) For higher end apartments and more hand-holding (restaurant reservations, activity recommendations, organized tours, grocery delivery, rental cribs, etc) try Just France.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/business/global/07rent.html?pagewanted=all

This article is talking about residential apartments being used as short term rentals. Owners who do that need to reclassify the property as a commerical property.

I don't think it should stop the OP from renting, but it is true (and I have heard of apts where the neighbors will let you know they are unhappy about having short term renters in the building).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Rodin is my favorite!
How were the crowds?

We bought museum passes, which let us bypass lines at several places. But the Rodin didn't have much of a line so it didn't really help there. The outside gardens of the museum would be good for a child to wander around.