I’ve recently been sharing snippets from our summer family trip to Paris. After much dialog about visiting different countries we settled on ten days in Paris proper, allowing plenty of time for exploring, embedding and experiencing the city on a more local level. We’d done something similar in Barcelona Spain a decade prior and emerged feeling to have experienced a wonderful balance of living there and enjoying all the sites a tourist can for a longer visit.
Over the past years our diligent pre-travel planning has given way to life demands, leaving us cobbling together a trip structure and often piling onto a plane, guidebooks in hand, to piece together the rest. This trip was not all that dissimilar having made flight reservations in June and turning to the internet for lodging. Immediately I found a difference in making room reservations. For our family of four we needed a room with two bed (double or queen) however in searching rooms with children prompted inquiry of their ages and with my daughter being 15, it bumped up our adult count to three instead of two maxing out the adults in the room. I looked around the areas of Paris of interest and fifty hotels later came up with nothing (still with over two months’ notice}.
One lane Rue de Temple boasts jewelry and handbag shopping in our block, along with cafes and apartments.
Somewhere along the way the idea of renting an apartment popped to mind and appealed for a number of reasons. Having a small kitchen to maintain some basic stores of food would allow not having to eat every meal out, accommodate those first days of jet lag when one’s stomach is hungry at odd times like 3 a.m., and for us being gluten-free also allowed flexibility for our meals. The opportunity to live as more of a local appealed to us as well. We had decided we’d like to stay in the colorful, vibrant Marais district (3rd Arrondissment) of Paris and my husband remembered apartment references in a Rick Steeves’ Paris guide book he’d purchased (which incidentally I saw in tourists’ hands at every attraction we visited). This led us to Cobblestone Apartments and what an extraordinary find they turned out to be!
These are a few photos provided in Cobblestone Apartment Rentals online apartment portfolio for Le Tresor du Marais (translated ‘the treasure of Marais’). The profile includes 90 photos of every view of the apartment, and the surrounding neighborhood so the traveler has a clear view before arriving in Paris. The profile includes a video of the apartment, a map and very detailed description of all attributes and what you don’t have to bring that is provided in the apartment! Photo credit: Cobblestone Apartment Rentals.
Cobblestone Apartments were founded by an American couple, Jennifer and Ryan, who fell in love with Paris and the idea of having a place there to stay when visiting versus a hotel room. They bought their first apartment there in 2006 and have continued to add properties to Cobblestones collection spanning the breadth of Paris; they currently have 20 apartments in total. They understand the needs of travelers and seek to make their apartments comfortable, well equipped and to provide a level of service to ensure a fantastic visit to Paris.
The Strada Cafe (94 rue de Temple) is included on all the ‘best coffee in Paris’ lists and is secreted away on Rue de Temple across the street from our apartment entrance. They are open from early morning to afternoon, serving delicious coffee (and hot chocolate) drinks along with breakfast and lunch options. The cafe houses about 8 tables and only few food options but those they serve are thoughtful and inspired.
In our case we were able to find the perfect situation in a one bedroom apartment which also has a fold out couch (that I can attest is incredibly comfortable) on the fourth floor of a Marais building on Rue de Temple looking out over the Paris rooftops. The apartment is a walk up (no elevator) which other than the aerobic effort of getting the suitcases up and down, we did not find to be an issue. The building and apartment were quiet and comfortable. In the middle of café life, shopping and mere minutes’ walk from a number of museums and galleries, the location of Tresor du Marais is perfection. The apartment very easily accommodated the four of us with plenty of room to hangout in between excursions and dining adventures. Generally the apartments in Paris are not particularly spacious so we appreciated the bit of extra room to stretch out, store our belongings, and dine ‘in’ comfortably.
The spoils of a Marais neighborhood shopping trip. Farm fresh eggs, unpasteurized Camembert cheese, saucisson and a creamy cheese with fresh basil inside from Jouannault (39 rue de Bretagne). Sabra spoons (14 rue de Bregtagne). Ramekins from the Kitchen Bizarre (4 rue de Bregtagne). Laguiloe knife (35 rue des Deux Ponts).
The qualities of Cobblestone Apartments that differentiates them from their competition are the thought, care and service that comprise the lodging experience. Their website offers great detail about each apartment and in the case of Tresor du Marais (translated ‘the treasure of Marais’) a video to fully explore the setting before booking as well as a 90 photograph portfolio capturing every element of the apartment are included in the online apartment profile. The extensive apartment information and an online calendar of availability allows much of the ‘shopping’ for apartments to be done prior to contacting Cobblestone Apartments directly. From my very first email correspondence, the tone was warm and inviting, quick to answer questions and always positive, thorough and in English. The apartment amenities are extensive; a kitchen stocked with basics as well as herbs and spices, olive oil, vinegar, coffee and tea to allow easy cooking of meals. French cookbooks, guidebooks and the latest Bosch appliances appoint the small but ample kitchen in style and function. The apartment includes a washing machine/dryer combination (washing powder included) allowing much lighter packing. Also a bottle of wine and bar of chocolate were waiting for us upon our arrival!
About a 20 minute walk landed us at well known gluten-free dedicated bakery, Helmut Newcake (36 rue Bichat). Thanks to them we did not miss out on Parisian pastries! We took several trips during our stay and enjoyed beautiful, crusty gluten-free bread too!
Upon arrival an English speaking greeter meets travelers at their apartment (email arrangements are made prior to arrival to select a time) to walk them through all details of the apartment and to answer all questions. For those potentially anxious to leave the comfort of English-speaking hotels for renting an apartment, this service bridges well to allow an easy rental situation for non French speakers. Our greeter Lauren, hails from the United States and has been in Paris for over three years. In a life changing opportunity she moved to Paris unsure what her future held in store and has embedded herself happily. She was able to provide us insight on the surrounding area, current events and happenings as well as walking us through all the necessities of the apartment. Our flight arrived at 6 a.m. and Lauren was quite flexible about meeting us, suggesting most international travelers arriving in the early morning prefer a nap before rallying the first day which turned out to be a good call. The apartment has a detailed manual with photographs reviewing everything from how to lock the doors to step-by-step instructions on running the appliances, using the phone (which allows free phone calls to the U.S.), free Wi-Fi for the internet, calling a taxi (including an English speaking line) and more. Every detail has been considered making a few days or longer easy and comfortable.
An early morning view out looking to the right of our large apartment windows in Tresor du Marais.
In addition Cobblestone Apartments has partnered with other services to offer guests access to VIP Shuttle transportation, and local attractions. Coordinated easily through their website with payment options of each credit card or Pay Pal, we scheduled a shuttle from the airport to our apartment door, a scenic river cruise (due to the length of our stay we were given two cruises for free) as well as a ‘Skip the Lines’ at the Eiffel Tower (which was fortuitous as the tickets available through the Eiffel Tower itself were sold out until October when our planning began, as well as lines were touted to be 3-4 hours long); all done online before departing the U.S. for Paris. Each additional service was easily organized, with thorough instruction arriving quickly on email with Cobblestone Apartments staff available for any questions.
Our stay at Tresor du Marais was spectacular with absolutely no issues. The location was fantastic, the appointments and service beyond compare. Our only issue was choosing which of their apartments to rent for a return trip!
Tresor du Marais high points:
- Native English speaking greeter to familiarize with the apartment, neighborhood and answering questions about Paris
- Extensive booklet detailing information about the neighborhood, operating the apartment appliances, resources, dining ideas and more
- Fully equipped kitchen complete with spices, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cookware, serving ware and glassware from Ikea
- Washer/dryer combo
- Phone to make free calls to the US
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary wine and chocolate await
- Quiet and comfortable
- Fantastic location: grocery stores, open markets, museums, shopping and cafes within blocks
- Modern shower and appliances
- About a 10 minute walk to the République Metro station
The kind staff of the Cobblestone Apartments has offered for any future travelers mentioning BOULDER LOCAVORE, they will be given 2 FREE SEINE RIVER CRUISES with their rental!
Follow Cobblestone Paris Apartments on FACEBOOK for some reviews and photos of Paris!
Even on the most dreary of days we found many things to do within walking distance of our apartment. iPhone view of the Eiffel Tower through the rainy top floor window of the modern art Pompidou Center.
More travel, sightseeing and dining posts from this Paris trip:
Paris Museum Tips and Minestrone of Fruit (recipe)
Cafe and Casual Dining in Paris and French Lemonade with Lavender (recipe)
The Eiffel Tower and St. Germain-Champagne French Cocktail (recipe)
Chateau de Versailles and a Rose Cake for Marie Antoinette (recipe)
Top Tips and Resources for Successful International Gluten-Free Travel
Deborah says
I went to Paris eons ago, and we stayed in an apartment and I was sold on the idea. Now I want to go back to Paris and stay here!!!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
What a beautiful place to stay in Paris! I definitely need to check out this apartment because Paris is on my bucket list and this looks like the perfect place to stay. I’m drooling over those sweet treats too!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
What a fabulous alternative to a hotel stay! 🙂 Love that you have a full kitchen- less eating out and you can save a little money too. And the perks that come with staying at Cobblestone Apartments sound amazing! Definitely going to remember this if/when we start planning a trip to Paris.
Julie @ Table for Two says
Gah, how cute is that place?! It looks like an amazing time and love that the small place has such great personable owners. That always makes a vacation that much better.
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I am so happy to have found this article. My family and I visited Paris last summer and talked about renting an apartment for the very reasons you mentioned. We backed out and booked a hotel room which was difficult to find with all of our children. I will definitely look into these apartments for our next trip to Paris. Thank you so much for sharing!
Kimberly Killebrew says
What an awesome trip! That apartment is so charming, really the perfect kind of place to stay. Great pictures, and those pastries are killing me!! I WANT!!
Mary Slemmer says
Hi, this was a great article. Not only are we staying at a Cobblestone apartment next spring, but I am also gluten free, having celiac disease. I can’t wait to check out Helmut Newcake! Did you do any separate blog entries about the GF food options you found? Thanks so much for this great article.
Toni Dash says
I actually just emailed you Mary and clearly should add my other posts to the bottom of this one (thanks!). This post was on dining so you may find that helpful. I suggest bringing a Dining Translation Card too.
Tim Brush says
I just booked 8 days for the end of May 2016 in the Le Diamant en Isle on Isle Saint Louis. I wanted something a little rustic and in my favorite area of Paris. Your article and what Cobblestoneparis has to offer was a deciding factor for me to go with them, over some of the larger well known companies. Sometimes I think a smaller company can give you a more personal attention then the larger ones.
Toni Dash says
I completely agree Tim and they were so responsive to all our questions and needs. I did not start our trip imagining I’d write a full blog post about the experience but afterwards I could not wait to share it. I’m sure you will greatly enjoy your stay and that Cobblestone will make it a trip of a lifetime for you!
Tim Brush says
I was just re-reading the article and noticed the 2 Free Seine River Cruise ticket offer. I just sent an email to Cobblestoneparis with a copy of our discussion in hopes I will receive the tickets. Thank you.
Toni Dash says
Funny Tim your comment prompted me to reread too. Nothing like reliving a great vacation! Glad you caught that and I’m sure they’ll honor it. I’m happy to contact them too if needed. By the way upon a recommendation we did the river cruise-tour at night which is a special view of the area. We went at nightfall so the Eiffel Tower was lit up and as we returned to the port the illumination which happens on the hour and lasts for about 5-10 minutes (the moving lights) was just starting. It was magical!
Clark says
Hi Tony, Sounds like it was a wonderful trip! Thanks for all the info. Our family will be staying at Le Tresor Du Marais in April and our 15 year old son has to eat gluten free. Helmut Newcake is on the list. Do you have any other hints or suggested restaurants?
Clark says
Sorry – it is late and I’m on autotype. I meant to write “Toni”….
Toni Dash says
Hi Clark. I actually wrote five posts about our trip to Paris staying at Le Tresor du Marais (which you can find here), one of them in particular is about dining and lists several places we ate successfully (the others include mentions of places too so look through them). Around the apartment there are many cafes which we found can accommodate gluten-free diners usually with salads but as you’ll see in the post it’s possible to find heartier fair without much trouble. We also stocked some staples at the apartment (there is a little shop about a block away that has a good amount of basics) so we could ‘eat in’ as well. Helmut Newcake carries GF grocery items as well as fresh pastries so we bought GF pasta and some of their crusty bread to fill in between outings for meals. We loved our stay there as you noted from the write up. The neighborhood offers a lot and it’s a great spot to venture out from. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you!
Denise says
Adore the Marais; the first time we went there, no one use to stay there and it was rather sleepy. Everyone wanted to be in the Latin Quarter. We had a great little place on Rue Rambuteau, and still try to find apartments around there when we stay, even though the street is a hustle and bustle compared to years ago. I haven’t stumbled upon Cobblestone Apartments when searching, will have to check them out; thanks for the tip!
Toni Dash says
Sounds perfect Denise! I think you’d like what Cobblestone offers and with so many apartments around Paris I’m sure they’d have something to meet your size and location preferences.
Jodee Weiland says
Looks fabulous….we love Paris! What a great trip…thanks for sharing!
Toni Dash says
Late, late reply Jodee but I love Paris too! I’ve been there multiple times but usually associated with work. This was our first pure tourist trip and it was rich with so many things!
[email protected] Riffs says
Very cool post! We’re just starting to do short apartment rentals rather than hotels, and it’s really nice. Great to have a kitchen in Paris — so many fun ingredients to play with.
Toni Dash says
I agree totally John. We found ourselves making omelettes with French proscuitto and cheese from the fromagerie. Having French yougurt and crusty bread. Small things that made life easy and delicious!
Jaime the German granddaughter says
Bon jour! Sounds like a great trip! Your children will appreciate the culture you’re giving them someday. I love to rent apartments and houses when traveling. You got lucky w your rental. Looks adorable. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Toni Dash says
Thank you Jaime. They loved the trip and are great international travelers (they both have been to Costa Rica twice and my daughter to Barcelona when she was 3). They are at great ages now to really absorb a lot of the history and culture, as well as are adventurous eaters. It was a dense trip for all we did but loved being in such a fun area with so many things within blocks.
Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen says
I can’t wait to check out their website! We’ve always used Vacation in Paris, but I LOVE that cobblestone stocks the kitchen with a few staples!
Our secret for the Eiffel Tower is to go to the line for the stairs- never a wait there, and much more economical. A nice leg workout too! Of course we haven’t taken the girls to the tippy-top either!
Thank you for sharing such a great find!!
Toni Dash says
This really was perfect in terms of all they included in the apartment and how easy they make renting. We communicated beforehand about the smaller things (like did I need to bring washing powder for the clothes washer) to which they added a page on their website so travelers know what is provided (pretty much everything down to shampoo). The kitchen was well stocked with cooking pans, pots, dining ware so it was effortless for us to eat and cook in. Loved that they supplied olive oil and all the spices.
I too would normally opt for walking but between my healing tendon and hip I found I could be on my feet for about 2-3 hours max without a rest and climbing stairs were definitely difficult. The ‘go to the front of the line’ service was perfect. It allowed us to linger on each of the floors without overdoing it for me.