sofa with flowers
Places to Stay

Stay in the Perfect Parisian Pied-à-Terre in Paris

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I dream of having an apartment in Paris. A small pied-à-terre I can call my own. A pied-à-terre in French translates to foot to the earth, but really it refers to a second home. So when I travel to Paris, I want a home away from home experience. You don’t get that when you stay in a hotel. That’s why I always rent an apartment. Renting an apartment offers you a vacation with a totally different feel, a little more like you live there. 

Read about my stay in the perfect pied-à-terre in Paris called the Saint Germain Studio with Paris Vacation Apartments. 

Saint Germain Studio

Push open the glossy red door and step inside to this petite pied-a-terre called Saint Germain Studio. 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 really there to explore the City of Light.

red door with view to sofa
red door with view to apartment

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 there is a washer/dryer making traveling light so much easier.

velvet sofa with window

The living space includes a plush velvet love seat 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

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. 

INNER COURTYARD

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. 

From inside the apartment, the tall windows open up onto 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 natural light, but no sunlight streaming in.  

courtyard with flowers
window to parisian apartment

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! 

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

One of the best features of the Saint Germain Studio is the location. Right outside your doorstep and within a small block radius are some of the most exclusive shops in Paris. Everything from flowers, butcher, fishmonger, coffee roaster, and wine. There are boutique shoemakers, jewelry, fine antiques, and furniture shops. Here are some of my favourites that are mere steps from the Saint Germain Studio.

  • 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 take-away
  • 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
Saint Germain Studio in Paris Vacation Apartments
flower shop
chocolatier shop
tea shop
Butchery shop
fish shop
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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! 

Top Things to Do

The Saint Germain Studio is located in one of the city’s best and chicest neighbourhoods of Saint Germain. Although the apartment lies in the 7th arrondissement it is right on the border of the 6th. That means it is central to explore both arrondissements.

Here are the top things to see and do that are less than a 15-minute walk from the Saint Germain apartment.

  • 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

READ MORE: Check our related Guides 6th Arrondissement and Jardin du Luxembourg

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 the quintessential Parisian experience by staying in one of their properties.   

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

Paris Vacation Apartments offer personalized services for each of their 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.

flower bouquet yellow and orange flowers

THE APARTMENTS

Paris Vacation Apartments owns and operates 22 properties in the best locations in Paris. Search from 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 neigbourhood in Paris, close to the metro, amenities, and key attractions. 

As a holidaymaker…

If you are looking to stay in the perfect pied-à-terre in Paris why not consider the Saint Germain Studio with Paris Vacation Apartments. They get a 5-star rating for:

  • budget-friendly 
  • location
  • personalized service 
  • quiet and safe area
  • amenities

As a solo traveler, 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! In fact, this is my second time staying in the Saint Germain Studio. And, I can’t wait to return to the city I love so much and stay at Paris Vacation Apartments.   

Paris apartment with window

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

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53 Comments

  • Lasma

    05/02/2022 at 13:25 Reply

    Wow, this place is so “Parisian”, it feels very artistic yet cozy! There is always a good reason to go to Paris, now it will be easier to plan it!

  • Chelsea Messina

    04/28/2022 at 15:02 Reply

    St Germain studio is SO GORGEOUS. I love the distressed wood/vintage/classic look of the place, very instagramy – your photos are beautiful. Also, having the Chocolate Chapon just outside the door would be just… yes. yes. and yes.

  • Yanitza

    04/28/2022 at 09:15 Reply

    I love this! The large windows and wood in the ceiling definitely give it a Parisian vibe. It’s also very intimate, laid-back, and relaxing. I think a place like this is definitely the perfect stay in Paris!

  • Elyse

    04/28/2022 at 08:13 Reply

    Definitely saving this for future reference, I love accommodation like this. The Saint Germain Studio looks like it has so much rustic charm

  • Aireona

    04/27/2022 at 20:48 Reply

    I do love getting a taste of local life via my lodging, and this looks so unique and quintessentially French. Very beautiful!

  • Carolin

    04/27/2022 at 10:47 Reply

    Renee, how did you find this gem? It’s a pretty nice apartment, and even tho it is fairly small, I can see how one would feel more connected locally. I did have a look around their website and I would have booked this one too.

  • Shireen

    04/23/2022 at 05:24 Reply

    Saint Germain Studio is exactly how I picture a perfect Paris apartment to look. What a dream this must have been to stay in. I would definitely be willing to give up the natural light for the chance to share the inner courtyard with a French cheese shop!! The company you booked with also sound super helpful. Lovely post Renee.

    • The.Holidaymaker

      05/01/2022 at 11:51 Reply

      Doesn’t it though? I can’t think of a better place to stay and the added bonus of a great host company is deal with. So happy to hear you think it’s helpful.

    • Gabriela

      06/02/2022 at 03:13 Reply

      I love to feel like a local when traveling even though I find this hard to accomplish. To stay in such a genuine french atmosphere would help, makes me imagine being a Parisian lady and living there. I love the name pied a terre, it’s a great call, and the post is lovely written, congrats.

  • Emma

    04/22/2022 at 14:54 Reply

    What a great location, and such a pretty apartment. I do like to have space and a home away from home when I travel, but I’ll admit I also love a hotel as it’s completely different. Still, this place has me sold, especially the older style with the wooden beams

  • kmf

    04/21/2022 at 13:54 Reply

    I much prefer to stay in apartments, homes or condos while traveling. This Parisian pied-à-terre option looks perfectly charming and in a good location.

  • Subhashish Roy

    04/21/2022 at 03:26 Reply

    Staying in an apartment sounds a great idea next time we are in Paris. More so because of our horrific experience the last time in a Bed & Breakfast hotel which wasn’t cheap either. I love the feel of this particular apartment. With a touch of the old and class. Keeping a note.

  • Maria Veloso

    04/20/2022 at 12:38 Reply

    I appreciate the notion of renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel since it gives visitors a new experience. The space appears to be excellent, and I like how the sofa is positioned next to the window for some fresh air after a day of seeing the city. The location is particularly advantageous because it is close to restaurants, coffee shops, flower stores, and other businesses. I’d like to go to Barthélemy as well!

    • The.Holidaymaker

      04/21/2022 at 05:39 Reply

      Barthelemy is one of the best cheese shops in the city and to have it right next door to your entry point to the courtyard is an added bonus! After a long day I would come home and open up my window and can see outside from the sofa, almost like a terrace with a sofa!

  • Jackie

    04/20/2022 at 11:04 Reply

    This chic little apartment in Paris looks so charming! I would love to stay here for an authentic Parisian experience. In addition to the perfect location for exploring the city, my favorite thing about it might be that darling little inner courtyard. I can just envision myself taking pause among the greenery and taking in some delicious aromas. I will certainly keep Paris Vacation Apartments in mind when I visit, now that I know about them!

    • The.Holidaymaker

      04/21/2022 at 05:37 Reply

      How fantastic that you liked this charming little apartment too. I couldn’t agree more about the courtyard. There’s a great feeling of coming “home” after a long day of sightseeing to the walk through the quiet courtyard. Definitely keep Paris Vacation Apartments in mind when you visit next.

  • Sherianne

    04/20/2022 at 09:03 Reply

    I have stayed in apartments a few times and always like the experience, but this looks incredible! The décor and courtyard are perfect and having cheese and chocolate shops nearby is an added bonus. Bookmarking Paris Vacation Apartments

    • The.Holidaymaker

      04/21/2022 at 05:34 Reply

      That’s fantastic that you have bookmarked Paris Vacation Apartments for your next trip to Paris. They are such a wonderful company that pays attention to the details and experience of each guest.

  • Swati Jain

    04/20/2022 at 08:20 Reply

    The place gives a soothing feel so I am sure you must have enjoyed your stay here. I like the fact that there are ample eatery places at a close distance, which definitely adds to my plus point. I would love to explore and stay here on my next visit

  • Barry

    04/19/2022 at 21:39 Reply

    WOW – what an enchanting apartment. I love the exposed rafters and beams, it gives it an almost village feel to the place rather than an urban Parisian feel. The choice was a good one and I think this is one pied a terre I could easily get comfortable in.
    The location is ideal, right in the centre and surrounded by all thos wonderful shops. I adore cheese so I think if I stayed too long here my waist line would expand enormously, not to mention the chocolate shop, cafe and candy shop.
    I’ve probably only booked apartments in around 5-10% of my stays on my travels, but from the info on your post I clearly should be considering them more.

    • The.Holidaymaker

      04/21/2022 at 05:32 Reply

      I really like apartment stays as you feel like you are part of the community, rather than a tourist in a hotel. This one especially is situated in a community-feel location that I absolutely adore. It feels like home to me.

  • Anda

    04/19/2022 at 14:50 Reply

    Ah, who wouldnt want a pied-á-terre apartment in Paris! This apartment is so perect: everything you need, nothing you don’t. Cozy, centrally located and comfortable. Just what you need when you take a trip to Paris. I should bookmark this for future refference.

  • Arnav Mathur

    04/19/2022 at 12:33 Reply

    Who wouldn’t want to have a pied-à-terre, a second home, in Paris? I would be more than happy to get a completely comfortable and cosy place which not only safe but also has a 5 star rating, in a budget friendly price, that too in a city like Paris. So glad you shared such insightful things, super stoked to check them out when I visit the city!

  • Ami Bhat

    04/19/2022 at 10:26 Reply

    This place seems location perfect! Some great sights within 15 minutes of it plus good eateries and boutiques. Moreover, it seems cosy and comfortable too with enough security. It is not easy to get such apartments in Paris. Glad you shared this one

  • Pam

    04/19/2022 at 09:13 Reply

    I agree with you 100% – apartments or homes give the visit completely different feelings. These sound like very cool places to stay in Paris. Will definitely check them out when I get to Paris again!

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