Many of our clients are first-time visitors to Paris, and we often field the same questions from each of them. To facilitate your vacation planning, we have put together some of our most frequently-asked questions on a single page.

This information is provided as a courtesy to our visitors and should not be considered official advice. Information given here is subject to change, so you should check the official authority on each of the subjects discussed below before you make any decisions.

How many people can occupy the apartment?

Do I need a visa to visit France?

Is Paris expensive?

Do I have to speak French to visit Paris?

Do I need a car to visit Paris?

How do I get from the airport to the apartment?

How far in advance should I make a reservation?
Is a deposit required?

What kind of electrical adapters do I need to run my toothbrush, electric razor, hairdryer, etc.?

Can I make long-distance or international telephone calls from the apartment?

What is there to do near the apartment?

How many people can occupy the apartment?
There is one bedroom in the apartment, which comfortably sleeps 2 people. In addition, there is a queen-sized leather sofa that can convert to a bed if necessary. Therefore, the apartment can accommodate up to 4 people.

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Do I need a visa to visit France?
The most reliable answer to this question will come from your local French consulate or embassy, as the answers vary from country to country. To get you started, you can visit France's Diplomatic Website.

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Is Paris expensive?
It is possible to enjoy Paris on any budget. However, exact prices will vary based on the exchange rate between your currency and the French currency. Paris' currency is the Euro (the European Unit - symbol €).

Once you have arrived in Paris, you can change your currency to Euros at the airport, or at local exchange offices and banks. Exchange rates and fees vary somewhat within Paris by location. You can usually use your ATM card or credit card to withdraw money from an ATM in Paris, and most places in Paris accept major credit cards. You can often get a better exchange rate using your credit card instead of cash, but you should contact your credit card issuer to find out whether there are surcharges for foreign purchases. Even if you decide to use your credit or debit card on your trip, it is still a good idea to carry at least a small amount of cash with you in case you come across a place that doesn't take credit cards.

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Do I have to speak French to visit Paris?
Most people in Paris speak at least some English, so it is certainly possible to get around the city with no knowledge of French.

Having noted that, it is also worth mentioning that Parisians do tend to appreciate it when visitors attempt to speak their language. You don't need French to get around Paris, but it helps!

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Do I need a car to visit Paris?
Absolutely not! A car is not at all necessary in order to see all that is Paris. The public transit system is efficient, safe, and inexpensive -- in most cases it is much faster and cheaper to travel using the metro than using a car. Our clients who are vacationing in both the city and the countryside usually reserve a rental car only during their visit to the countryside.

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How do I get from the airport to the apartment?
There are three ways to get from either Paris airport to the apartment. Taxi fare is about $60, or you can take a bus or train. If you would like to plan your train or bus ride into town in advance, you can do so by visiting the official Paris transit website and clicking on the "Plans de lignes" link on the left. From there you can view an interactive map of metro, RER, and bus routes.

For your convenience, we have downloaded the pdf version of the metro map in large and pocket-sized format. The metro station closest to the apartment is Chatelet Les Halles, which is nearly dead center on the metro map. Charles de Gaulle airport is at the top right on the map, and Orly is at the bottom center.You should, however, check the maps in Paris once you arrive to make sure you have the latest information.

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How far in advance should I reserve the house?
Is a deposit required?
Availability of the apartment depends on both the season and the specific week in which you want to make a reservation. Generally, we recommend that you contact us at least two months in advance; however, this is not a firm rule. We take full payment at the time of of your reservation. For more details, see our rates and availability page.

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What kind of electrical adapters do I need to run my toothbrush, electric razor, hairdryer, etc.?
Electrical outlets in France take a 220-Volt E-type plug with three cylindrical prongs arranged in a triangle. Most of Europe uses the same voltage as France, but plug shapes vary by country. If you live in North America, you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter. So, no matter where you're from, you will probably need an adapter in France. You should buy your adapters before you leave your home country, and make sure that your purchase will protect your portable appliances. Additional resources on electrical adapters for different countries are available from this website.

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Can I make long-distance or international telephone calls from the apartment?
The phone in the apartment will allow you to direct-dial local calls, but it is not set up for direct-dialed long-distance and international calls. Inexpensive calling cards (e.g., France Telecom or others) may be purchased at local convenience stores and used at any phone in France, including the apartment telephone. Calling a cell phone also requires the use of a calling card.

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What is there to do near the apartment?
The apartment is almost exactly in the center of Paris. With the Tiquetonne as your home base, the city is your playground. You are just a short metro ride away from any sight you wish to see in and around Paris, and within walking distance of some of the best markets, restaurants, and attractions in the city. Once you have completed your reservation with us, we will send you an information packet that includes our favorite spots around the apartment.

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