I dream of having my very own Parisian pied-à-terre apartment in Paris. So when I travel to my favourite city, I always rent one.

In French, a pied-à-terre literally translates to foot to the earth, but really, it refers to a second home. That second home offers that home-away-from-home experience.

You don’t get that when you stay in a hotel. Renting an apartment in Paris offers you a vacation with a more authentic experience. A little more like you live there.

If that’s what you like to do too, keep reading about my stay with Paris Vacation Apartments, the holiday property rental company that offers the best Paris pied a terre experience.

Parisian Pied-à-Terre with Paris Vacation Apartments

red door with view to sofa to Parisian Pied-à-Terre

Push open the glossy red door and step inside this petite pied-à-terre called Saint Germain Studio with Paris Vacation Apartments.

This studio apartment is French-inspired with its quintessential features of a gilded mirror wall, whitewashed walls, high ceiling with original beams.

Yes, it’s tiny, but it’s perfectly cozy. Let’s face it, you’re not going to Paris to stay in your room you’re there to explore the City of Light.

red door with view to apartment in paris vacation apartments

The tiny kitchenette has everything you need to prep a light meal – a European-size fridge, microwave, and a 2-burner glass cooktop.

Plenty of dishware, utensils, and yes, the all-important wine glasses and bottle opener are at your disposal.

For your morning coffee, there is a French Press or Nespresso Machine.

The best part is a washer/dryer is making travelling light so much easier.

velvet sofa with window in pied a terre in paris

The living space includes a plush velvet loveseat perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring the city. And a tiny bistro table for two to enjoy your morning croissant with tea or coffee. 

bistro table for two in paris pied-a-terre apartment
bed, table and charis in paris pied a terre

A comfortable Queen-size bed is tucked in a small alcove. A large armoire offers enough space to unpack and store away your luggage.

Surprisingly, the bathroom is large and modern with a walk-in shower complete with a set of L’Occitane toiletries. 

Paris Pied à Terre Inner Courtyard

courtyard with flowers in paris vacation apartments

From the street, you will enter the courtyard from two password-protected keypads to reach the inner courtyard. 

The apartment is on the premier étage, but for North Americans, that means the second floor in France.

There is no elevator, only a spiral staircase and a small footbridge that brings you to two apartments. 

window to parisian apartment in paris pied a terre

From inside the apartment, the tall windows open up to views of the courtyard. This means it is extremely quiet with no noise from the busy streets of Paris.

The downside of having an interior courtyard on a lower level means the apartment is a bit on the dark side with some natural light, but no sunlight streaming in.  

One of the greatest food pleasures in Paris is going to a cheese shop. Breathe in the air and that delicious cheese smell.

I love the fact that the inner courtyard is shared with one of the most famous cheese shops in Paris.

Yes, that means the faint smell of delicious French cheese waffles through the air. C’est très magnifique! 

Location of My Pied à Terre in Paris

cheese shop on street in paris pied a terre
chocolatier shop near pied a terre paris

The Saint Germain Studio is located in one of the city’s best and chicest neighbourhoods of Saint Germain. Although the apartment technically lies in the 7th arrondissement it’s right on the border of the 6th.

That means it’s central to exploring both arrondissements, known as one of the most romantic places in Paris.

One of the best features of the Saint Germain Studio is its location. Right outside your doorstep and within a small block radius are some of the most exclusive shops in Paris.

It happens to be mere steps from one of the best neighbourhood shopping streets in Paris. Everything from flowers, butcher, fishmonger, coffee roaster, and wine. There are boutique shoemakers, jewelry, fine antiques, and furniture shops.

fish shop near parisian pied-a-terre
Butchery shop near pied a terre paris

Here are some of my favourites that are mere steps from this Pied à Terre in Paris.

  • Barthélemy – is a classic Parisian cheese shop and known to be the best one in Paris 
  • Chocolate Chapon – a premium chocolatier and chocolate ice cream shop
  • Pastavino – an Italian specialty grocery shop with fresh homemade meals for takeaway
  • Le Café Pierre Herme – the famous macarons, pastries, and chocolates
  • Boissier – classic candy shop dating back to 1827
  • Conservatory of Hemispheres – a classic tea shop that sells teas, infusions, petals, and bark from around the world
flower shop in street in parisian pied a terre
tea shop near parisian pied-a-terre with paris vacation apartments

And, the restaurants. There are many, but here is a couple that I tried and recommend:

  • Le Gévaudan 
  • Le Florès
  • Café Varenne

I adore the local neighbourhood feel of this area. Every morning the shopkeepers would smile and greet me with a Bonjour

Then beyond the immediate neighbourhood, here are the things to see and do that are less than a 15-minute walk from this Paris Pied à Terre.

  • Rodin Museum and Musée d’Orsay
  • Hotel des Invalides, including Napoleon’s tomb
  • Seine River with its famous bridges
  • Tuileries Garden and nearby Louvre
  • Saint-Sulpice – church and square
  • Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore – classic and historic French cafés
  • Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Saint Germain des Pres church
  • Le Bon Marche – 19th-century shopping centre and La Grand Epicerie de Paris

About Paris Vacation Apartments

Paris Vacation Apartments is one of the first long-term holiday rental companies in the city.

With over 25 years of providing guests with the quintessential Parisian experience by staying in one of their properties. 

Personalized Service

flower bouquet yellow and orange flowers

Paris Vacation Apartments offers personalized services for each of its guests.

Their team is fluent in French and English. When you book an apartment with them, they assign a dedicated contact who will meet and greet you upon your arrival and departure and make themselves available throughout your stay for anything you might need. 

The best part is the welcome gift of fresh flowers, wine, and a special treat.

Other Rental Properties with Paris Vacation Apartments

Paris Vacation Apartments owns and operates 22 properties in the best locations in Paris. Search for a studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom or 3+ bedroom in these neighbourhoods in Paris:

  • Palais Royal / Musée du Louvre (1st arrondissement)
  • Marais /Saint-Paul / île Saint Louis (3rd & 4th arrondissement)
  • Invalides /Tour Eiffel (7th arrondissement)

Each of the apartments is in a safe neighbourhood in Paris, close to the metro, amenities, and key attractions. 

Paris Vacation Apartments Reviews

Recommended
mirror armoire

Paris Vacation Apartments Overview

Overall, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for:

  • ideal location
  • personalized service
  • quiet and safe area in Paris
  • amenities
  • affordability
  • couple or solo traveller

As a Holidaymaker

As a solo traveller to Paris, the size of the apartment is perfect.

Although the décor and furnishings are basic, it’s a comfortable space. Would I stay here again? Oui, bien sûr! This is my second time staying in the Saint Germain Studio.

I can’t wait to return to the city I love so much and stay at Paris Vacation Apartments again. 

Seeing that you are planning a trip to Paris, check out my Travel Guide to France page – where in one click you’ll have access to all of my Paris content.

But, I will leave you with a couple of articles that might pique your interest:

Thank you to Paris Vacation Apartments for gifting me with a stay. I only provide an honest review of my impressions and experience. As always, my opinions are my own.