Planning a Long Stay in Paris? Where to Stay, What to Do & Travel Tips

Are you planning to visit Paris for the long haul? The French capital offers plenty of attractions, activities, and other pursuits to keep you fruitfully engaged for extended stays. However, you should choose your long-term accommodation carefully, while making a note of the best places to stay, things to do, and other handy travel tips. That’s what we cover below for your benefit.

Best Places for Longer Stays in Paris

Your accommodation directly influences the quality of your stay, particularly for longer periods. Hotels can be cramped with rigid leases and may also cost you an exorbitant sum for extended stays. In this context, you can consider furnished serviced apartments in Paris that offer more value for extended stays with all-inclusive and lower rates than hotels. They also come with home-like space and comfort with hotel-style amenities and services, in tandem with flexible leases for more convenience. So, stay as long as you like, cook meals in well-equipped kitchens, invite people over, and enjoy more privacy and space on your trip with your own apartment.

Yet, where should you book your corporate-friendly or holiday rentals in Paris? Here are some of the top neighbourhoods worth considering in this case.

1. Le Marais:

You will fall in love with this historic and charming locality with its medieval-era pathways, stylish boutiques, and attractions like the Place des Vosges. You’ll find the amazing Jewish Quarter here as well, along with contemporary cafes, local art galleries, and farmers’ markets. The area is highly walkable, while being served by several metro lines (1, 5, 8), thereby offering swift city center access.

2. Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Latin Quarter (5^th and 6^th arrondissements):

You’ll appreciate the Parisian intellectual and upscale vibe that’s the backbone of this area. It is famous for its café culture, while being near the River Seine. Iconic cafes like Café de Flore are situated here, along with several bookstores, and the pristine Jardin du Luxembourg. You’ll also find great RER train and metro connections here.

3. Montmartre (18^th arrondissement):

It’s a more artistic and bohemian locality nestled on a hill with gorgeous views of Paris. It’s ideal for a scenic long stay and is immensely popular among couples. You will love the elegant Sacre-Coeur building here along with the vibrant street markets and local boutiques. Then there are the delightful bistros nestled along the Rue des Abbesses. The metro lines 2, 13, and 12 serve the area, while you can also use the funicular.

4. Oberkampf and Bastille (11^th arrondissement):

This is a creative and lively neighbourhood with several local cafes, restaurants, and bars for you to check out. View the lovely street art along with visiting popular nightlife joints and picking up fresh produce from the Marche d’Aligre. There’s also great connectivity to other parts of Paris through several metro stations.

5. Les Hassles and Palais-Royal (2^nd and 1^st arrondissement):

This is the heart of the city, helping you balance city life with several upscale destinations. You’ll also be near the Tuileries Garden and Louvre Museum, along with the Forum des Halles for shopping and the Rue Montergueil’s pedestrian market street. This is also a key hub to access RER and metro lines, including those directly going to the airport.

Things to Do in Paris on Longer Trips

When you’re in Paris on an extended trip, there are plenty of special experiences and activities you shouldn’t miss. Some of them include:

Exploring Le Marais: No matter where you stay, don’t miss exploring the fabulous Le Marais neighbourhood with its medieval-era architecture, Picasso Museum, Place des Vosges, and hip boutiques. Pay a visit to the Jewish Quarter as well.
Visit Montmartre and the local markets: Take a long walk beyond the Sacre-Coeur to view the vineyard and eat at the local cafes. Local markets like the Marche des Enfants are also available for you to check out here.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery Trip: Explore this park-like cemetery and discover the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and many other luminaries.
Parks and Canals: You shouldn’t miss visiting the lovely Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can walk, read, or take a picnic. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is another must-visit in the 19^th arrondissement, with its hilly and scenic landscapes. The Canal Saint-Martin gives you a chance to spend a fulfilling evening walking along the canal banks. Take a boat cruise and sit down for a drink- relaxation never felt better!
Museums and Historic Tours: You can consider visiting several museums and historic sites in Paris, including the Bibliotheque Nationale de France-Richelieu. This dates back to the 18^th century and offers easy access to the Salle Ovale reading room as well. Other must-visits include the Musee d l’Orangerie and the amazing Sainte-Chapelle which goes all the way back to the 13^th century.
Unique Experiences: You can learn the art of cooking French delights at a workshop. Le Cordon Bleu, for instance, holds several workshops on making macarons and other treats. You can go set up a nice picnic at Champ de Mars with some Parisian wine, cheese, and bread. Sit down on the lawns here and watch the Eiffel Tower light up spectacularly in the evening. Spend time at a sidewalk café with a signature café crème and watch the city pass by- it’s an amazing way to spend time in Paris as you’ll find out!
Day Trips & Hidden Marvels: You can walk on the elevated Promenade Plantee (park) over the older railway tracks to get amazing views of the 12^th arrondissement. You may also go on a day trip to Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau for a refreshing break from the city bustle.

Travel Tips for Longer Stays

Here are some travel tips that you may find useful for longer stays in Paris:

Buy the weekly Navigo Decouverte pass for unlimited travel.
Shop at the local markets and also supermarkets like Franprix or Monoprix for ingredients.
Choose a long-term rental in Paris with lower rates for extended stays, flexible leases, good amenities, and prominent locations near metro/RER hubs. This also gives you a kitchen to cook meals (you can buy ingredients locally) and save money on dining out daily.
Avoid restaurants just near major landmarks, since they often have higher prices.
Use the metro as much as you can and walk to find several hidden spots. Avoid the rush commute hours if you’re not fond of crowds.
Start your interactions with anyone by saying Bonjour, which is considered respectful in France.
Ensure your long-stay rental has a washing machine or find your nearest laundromat.
Cards are widely taken, although consider carrying a little cash for smaller purchases, tips, and public toilet use.
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass to money on entrance fees.