Enter a location, property ID, keywords, and/or descriptive words.
  1.  
Salon 1

Left Bank Luxury with All the Comforts of Home [#53919] | View Property

Paris Arrondissement 5
Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-5)
From $2000/wk
Write a Review

Traveler Reviews (21)

Sort by:

  • Living in Paris

    Living in Paris

    • Guest JG
    • Date of stay 12/26/11
    • Review Submitted 01/12/12
    5 of us spent another splendid week in Paris. This was a new location for us and it worked out great. Being in a "real" neighborhood close to one of the best market streets and next to the Metro was ideal. We were able in a couple of days to be a part of the neighborhood and know all of the market merchants. The butcher next door greeted us every time that we walked by. The apartment itself was spacious and had all of the comforts of home. We love to cook and were able to have fun in the kitchen. Having a separate eating area was nice. For those complaining about the noise, all I can say is that we did not experience more than one can expect from living in a large city, mixed use large apartment building. We could hear the neighbors on an occasion, but I am sure that they also could hear us. Yes, there is street noise, but hearing the city is a part of its beauty and charm. I loved hearing the city as it was waking up. The bottom line is that we would be more than happy to stay at La Cigale again. My only wish is that this was my apartment.

    Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

    Owner response: Hello Julius, Thank you for you review. Diana and I have owned the apartment for 12 years and have had no complaints concerning street noise or problems with noise from the neighbors. Perhaps this was an unusual situation. We did have our contact in Paris go and speak with the neighbors. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at La Cigale and Paris. Merci Julius, Randy & Diana

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Wonderful location

    Wonderful location

    • Guest Helen L.
    • Date of stay 10/22/11
    • Review Submitted 11/02/11
    We stayed for a week in La Cigale. The apartment is very comfortable and well equipped, the location is amazing both for walking and finding public transportation. We were disturbed by constant neighbor noise within the building and that's the reason for 3 rather than 5 stars.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Ideally located but noisy

    Ideally located but noisy

    • Guest Lisa H.
    • Date of stay 10/05/11
    • Review Submitted 10/24/11
    I recently stayed at this apartment, for a 5 night stay in Paris with my husband and 2 small children. It was ideally located with the metro, bus and taxi stand at your door step. The one drawback was that it was extremely noisy. The front bedroom is on a very busy street. And the back bedroom had the noise of the neighbours walking around and playing music pretty much through the night. So may not be ideal for those who have young ones, and bring your earplugs.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • A wonderful trip

    A wonderful trip

    • Guest Teetah
    • Date of stay 07/08/11
    • Review Submitted 07/20/11
    We all had a wonderful time at La Cigale. It was joy for me to be able to share old places and new in France with my family. Our grandsons had many new experiences, including learning that ice doesn't always come from an ice maker! :) We tried two of your recommended restaurants in Paris: La Cigale and Brasserie Balzar, and enjoyed them both. The children weren't as enthusistic about souffles as the grownups, but they enjoyed both experiences. My husband and I rediscovered rue Mouffetard, which we had gone to on our last trip. It was really special to be at the Bal Musette on the 14th of July and hear cabaret music played by accordionists in the square. I remembered most of the words to "Milord" and "Je ne regrette rien", to my delight. Some information in case one of your future tenants asks. We had no trouble with our ATM cards, but *did* have trouble sometimes paying tolls on the autoroute with our credit cards. It was weird: the cards worked fine on autoroutes in the south and north, but in the middle of the country we sometimes had trouble. Also, we were not able to purchase tram tickets in Clermont-Ferrand with a credit card. I love markets and have the "Paris in a Basket" book that's in the apartment. We went to the Sunday Auguste Blanqui market, and then took our older grandson (12) again on Tuesday. The Sunday market is much bigger, but for a first look at a Parisian market, the smaller Tuesday one is great, and very close on the metro. Both grandsons (12 and 8) loved the Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie at the Parc de la Villette. The older one thought the Catacombs were neat. The Promenade Plantee and the Viaduc des Arts underneath are beautiful. The boat trip on the St. Martin canal is a different, fun way to see Paris by water. For anyone who will be in Paris while it is there, the exhibit of the ocean liner "France" at the naval museum shows how the other half travelled. Lastly, Parc Asterix is way cool for anyone familiar with the books (which my son loved as a child and which my grandsons are now getting into.) We had a wonderful trip, and our stay at La Cigale was a highlight.

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Fantastic Week

    Fantastic Week

    • Guest Joe
    • Date of stay 04/16/11
    • Review Submitted 04/26/11
    Many thanks for a lovely stay in Les Gobelins. Your apartment is terrific and more than met our needs, including giving our teenage boys the room they needed to sprawl about and rest after a day of touring. Your location is perfect, with metro and bus ever so convenient. The restaurants, market, local cafe and shopping were wonderful. Your help in planning our visit was immensely useful. We especially enjoyed the market up the street, the local cafe across the street and the metro access. We would rent your flat again in a heartbeat!!!!!!

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Owner response: Thanks for you kind words and Diana and I are very happy that you enjoyed your time at our little corner of Paris. Merci, Randy & Diana

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Great experience at LaCigale!

    Great experience at LaCigale!

    • Guest Sharon
    • Date of stay 12/05/10
    • Review Submitted 12/28/10
    This was my first rental through VRBO, and I must say I feel as if I hit the jackpot! Randy called me immediately upon receiving my request for information, and after our conversation, it was an easy decision to make this selection. Even though I speak French relatively well, it was a pleasure (and so simple!) to make the arrangements and have my questions answered by a fellow American. I would guess I've visited Paris at least 25 times, but I can honestly say this time was one of the best. Moos met us upon arrival and gave us a comprehensive instructions of how everything worked in the apartment, very helpful! Even though it was December, we walked almost everywhere we went--Paris is a wonderful walking city no matter the time of year. But when we needed public transportation, it was right there--four bus lines, the metro and a taxi stand. The kitchen was fully equipped and we cooked all evening meals in--a particular pleasure since Rue Mouffetard is a 10-minute walk from the apartment. There, one can buy wonderful fresh produce, cheese, fresh fish and meats, wine and all sorts of gourmet items. For staples, there are two small groceries within the block, and a supermarket a few blocks away. Also nearby are two restaurant-bars, a post office and a newsstand. The apartment was clean, and the photos on the site represent it accurately. Be sure to take in a tour of the Gobelin Tappisserie (Tues, Weds and Thurs afternoons), located 5 minues from the apartment. I wholeheartedly recommend LaCigale, you won't be disappointed!

    Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

    • Guest Sharon Gillette
    • Date of stay 12/10/09
    • Review Submitted 12/10/09
    My stay in Paris in La Cigale was incredible! Moos was great, the apartment was much roomier than most accommodations in Paris. I absolutely loved the neighborhood, and the fact that metro, taxi, bus were just a few feet away- - -thanks for the buss pass info! AND, who knew one can find superb Mexican food in Paris! Thanks for the referral! I felt very much at home, and really didn't want to leave. Will most definitely book again! Can't wait to get back there! Bateau trip was really worthwhile.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

    • Guest Mike Gutierrez
    • Date of stay 08/24/09
    • Review Submitted 08/24/09
    We stayed at the La Ciqogne apartment in Montparnasse August 2-12. The accomodations for 4 were nice & comfortable. The usual French small rooms. In a nice quiet neighborhood very close to the Metro. Moos was very helpful & friendly to my wife & kids, who arrived a day before me. Will definitely go there again.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • Highly recommend this apartment

    Highly recommend this apartment

    • Guest Susanne
    • Date of stay 08/09/09
    • Review Submitted 08/02/10
    What a wonderful space with a great location! I always feel I'm taking a bit of a risk when booking something like this on line - we were so pleased when we walked through the door. The kitchen and baths have been updated and are wonderful. The apartment had every amenity you could want and was very clean and comfortable for the 4 of us. It is in a great location - far enough away from the tourist traps -and close enough to access everything very easily via Metro, taxi or walking. Many choices for eating close by (the Italian restaurant just below was always busy and had great food) - and also very close to a grocery store that had everthing including a nice wine selection at very reasonable prices. The highlight of our trip was celebrating my brother's 50th B-day at Le Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day - what an unbelievable event - would highly recommend a lunch or dinner there. The Parisiennes were extremely gracious and helpful - many stopped on the street to help if we looked lost while studying the map. Speaking a bit of French does help - but was not necessary at most locations. I would certainly stay here again should I be lucky enough to return to Paris. Thanks Randy and Diane for sharing your lovely space!

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

    Owner response: Susan, Thank you for your review. Diana and I are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Paris and at La Cigale. Merci encore et à bientôt, Randy & Diana

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

    • Guest Nancy58
    • Date of stay 05/27/09
    • Review Submitted 05/27/09
    Bonjour Randall & DianaWe are back from Paris and wanted to share our wonderful time with you. It appears that it has been mostly couples or families that have stayed at La Cigale and we would like you to hear from the perspective of two single woman. It was wonderful for each of us to have our own bedrooms and bathrooms. Since the bedrooms are on opposite sides of the apartment, we had privacy. It was so much nicer than sharing a hotel room and cheaper than getting separate hotel rooms. My first trip to Paris was some 25 years ago. On this trip, what I lacked in youthful innocence and wide-eyed wonderment was replaced by a fatter wallet!The apartment is lovely and Moos was quite charming and helpful getting up situated. The apartment is in a lovely safe area, somewhat away from major tourism. We found this to be a plus. It was extremely easy to get around. The taxi stand is right across the street and there is a metro stop right around the corner. Of course walking is a wonderful way to see Paris. After the first couple of days, the employees at the Italian restaurant next door and the café on the corner recognized us and treated us like neighbors. The even seemed to look out for us a bit. We felt quite safe, even in the evening hours. Shopping couldn’t have been better, My first trip to Paris was some 25 years ago. On this trip, what I lacked in youthful innocence and wide-eyed wonderment was replaced by a fatter wallet! Rue Mouffetard was filled with wonderful food and souvenirs. Also, there is a small bag and luggage shop close by that has Longchamp bags at a better cost than the US!! For anyone believing the rumors that Parisians are not friendly……they are some of the most tolerant people I have had the pleasure of meeting. My only suggestion would be to have Moos explain how to turn on the stairway lights at night. It took us several days to figure it out. We were a little disappointed that there was no English speaking television. We didn’t come to Paris to watch tv but we would have like to keep us with news from home. All in all, staying at your apartment was a wonderful and safe way for two women traveling alone to visit Paris. I would highly recommend it. Nancy & Diana

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • The only way to go!

    The only way to go!

    • Guest Femmevazaha
    • Date of stay 05/04/09
    • Review Submitted 07/21/09
    I rented this apartment on a trip we had planned for my in-law's 50th wedding anniversary and it really made the visit so much more enjoyable than staying in a hotel. Everything you need is supplied. They even had a pizza cutter! It also has two toilets which is very rare in Paris. It's close to the metro and the grocers and restaurants and bakeries. Everything! The person who managed things for the owners was extremely helpful. It felt like my own place. I just can't say enough good things about this place. Highly, highly recommended!!! Thanks again.

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Guest comment entered by owner

    • Guest Randy & Diana
    • Date of stay 05/04/09
    • Review Submitted 05/03/09
    Test Message.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Diane V.
    • Date of stay 02/01/08
    • Review Submitted 02/26/08
    We had a fabulous time in Paris! Your apartment was lovely and everything was exactly as communicated. Moos was quite informative and helpful. We walked and Metro'd everywhere. Those Carte Orange passes were especially important and economical when we made mistakes and had to go out and come in on the other side! Ha! Also, the Paris Visite Museum Passes were a great bargain. We went to the Louvre and the Musee d' Orsay twice ("industrial actions" closed everal significant floors on certain days!) My daughter loved the top of the Eiffel Tower - we were up there when the lights came on. The Bateaux Mouches tour down the Seine was perfectly timed. The lights on the bridges came on as we passed underneath. Climbed to the top of Notre Dame, and THEN noticed that my husband and I were the oldest people up there. Whew! Unfortunately, Les Catacombes are closed until March 2008 so my son was a bit disappointed. However, he loved Napoleon's Tomb and the Hotel de Invalide exhibits. Montmartre was my husband's favorite area - adorable, winding, cobblestone streets and we had a lovely snack at Le Cremaillere in Place Tertre. I loved dinner at Georges at the top of the Centre Pompidou. The rue de Mouffetard was delightful - fun to buy dinner and eat at home. Your apartment was very welcoming after a long day of touring! Thank you again for all your assistance and guidance. We can't wait to go back!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/2

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Anonymous
    • Date of stay 09/01/07
    • Review Submitted 09/02/07
    Hi Randall and Diana, We would like to thank you for letting us rent your wonderful apartment in Paris just recently, August/07. We were impressed with the cleanliness of the apartment, it's convenient location to everything you need and the cozy atmosphere (great job on the decoration of the apartment!). We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Paris and it's largely due because of the location and niceness of the apartment. Moos was absolutely wonderful and explained everything to us as we arrived. We cleaned the apartment very well before we left as Moos said someone else was renting the place on the day he returned from holidays. Anyway, thank you again and if we return to Paris in the future, we for sure would like to rent the apartment again. Sincerely, Monique and Neermal

    Owner response: Hello Monique et Neermal, Diana and I welcome you home and want to thank you for your addition to our message board. We are very happy to hear from you and know that you enjoyed La Cigale, the neighborhood, and Paris. Merci et à la prochaine fois, Randy et Diana

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Anonymous
    • Date of stay 07/01/07
    • Review Submitted 07/06/07
    We're a little late in posting this, but I must say we really enjoyed our stay here over New Years. The apartment is clean, well equipped, and well-located. The owners were very easy to work with, and the manager was there to greet us as promised. An excellent choice!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Sue Higgins
    • Date of stay 05/01/07
    • Review Submitted 05/23/07
    Randy and Diana, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed staying at your apartment. I left there and went to Germany and Sweden, arriving home on Sat eve. Today is my first day back at the office, still a bit jet lagged of course but with wonderful memories. What a wonderful place you've got! The location is excellent and the apartment quickly felt like home. I loved having the flower shop directly across the street, as well as the fromagerie and the boulangerie nearby. Moos was very helpful on the first day as well. I've told so many people about how glad I was to have discovered you. It made my week in Paris truly special and memorable. I look forward to connecting with you again on my next trip!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Doug & Buffy Paquin
    • Date of stay 05/01/07
    • Review Submitted 05/20/07
    LaCigale is the "best kept Lodging value secret" in Paris. Neat, spacious, with a great kitchen and in-dining for six persons. We love it and have stayed at LaCigale four times in the last five years. (Our fifth visit will be in October.) Have recommended it to eight other couples. All agree it is top quality in every respect. (We've also stayed in over-priced Paris hotels with bird-bath sinks and closet-sized rooms, so we can honestly and accurately make comparisons.) Call Dr. Randy for our phone and e-mail. We'll be happy to talk your ears off about LaCigale."

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Patricia K.
    • Date of stay 03/01/07
    • Review Submitted 03/29/07
    In October a couple of years ago 5 of us (not the same 5 as Cheryl :) had the absolutely most pleasant stay at La Cigale. The apartment is perfectly located and beautifully furnished. No detail is overlooked. We were able to walk all over the 5th and across the Seine, as well. The Metro is steps away, as are buses. Restaurants and shops are everywhere. It is wonderful. The owners are magnificent. Feel free to contact me anytime for more info!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

    • Guest Randall S.
    • Date of stay 01/17/07
    • Review Submitted 01/17/07
    Bonjour tout le monde!Diana and I want to welcome all of our guests and future guests to our New Guest Book. Our previous guest book disappeared when I changed servers. Please feel free to add your comments and experiences for others to enjoy.Diana and I wish you all a Bon Voyage et une très Bonne Visite.Merci et à très bientôt,Randy & Diana Smith

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest Randall S.
    • Date of stay 01/01/07
    • Review Submitted 01/16/07
    Bonjour tout le monde! Diana and I want to welcome all of our guests and future guests to our New Guest Book. Our previous guest book disappeared when I changed servers. Please feel free to add your comments and experiences for others to enjoy. Diana and I wish you all a Bon Voyage et une très Bonne Visite. Merci et à très bientôt, Randy & Diana Smith

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Guestbook Comment

    Guestbook Comment

    • Guest cheryl_HAC71374
    • Date of stay 12/01/06
    • Review Submitted 12/26/06
    In October 5 of us stayed at Lacigale. It was wonderful.Perfect location.Great access to subway, taxis & bus. Were able to get fresh breads each morning and relax each night. Apartment was exactly as shown and had everything one needs for a fabulous vacations. Please feel free to e-mail me with questions. The owners of this unit were wonderful to work with and gave so much information to help with our stay.

    Owner response: Diana and I would like to thank Cheryl for her comments and initiating our New Guest Book. Welcome home Cheryl, we are very pleased that you enjoyed La Cigale and our neighborhood. A très bientôt, Randy & Diana

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1



Page 1 of 1 [ 1 ]