Paris is one of the world's most visited cities in the world, and with good reason. The beauty, the history, the architecture, the food, and the wine offer an irresistible combination of romance and intrigue spiced with just enough debauchery to keep things interesting. The heady intoxication of Paris affects even the most experienced traveler.

To make the most of your stay in the city of lights, forego the expensive hotels and look into Paris vacation rentals. Apartment life offers a more authentic native experience with all the comforts of home, and can cost a great deal less. As an added bonus, you can trim your budget further by eating some of your meals in.

The first step in finding a vacation home in Paris is to answer a few questions that will influence your decision.

How many people are vacationing?

Naturally, the number of beds you will need is the first consideration. Compared to hotel rooms, short-term home rentals can cost the same or less for only two and offer huge savings for a family or group.

How much can you afford to spend?

Expense will depend on a number of factors, including size, location, and quality of accommodation. A luxury apartment for two in a prestigious neighborhood can easily cost more than a home that sleeps 10 just outside the city, but the extra cost may be offset by the ability to get around without a rental car or by not having to negotiate that Paris traffic snarl! Determining a price range before beginning the search will make the decision much easier.

How long will you stay?

The pricing of Paris vacation rentals is often influenced by length of stay. Most apartments have a minimum stay requirement of four nights, but better savings are to be had for stays of seven nights or more.

What are you most interested in doing while in Paris?

As in any major city, location influences price. Paris is home to some of the most famous historical landmarks in the world, like the Eiffel Tower, to the single most extensive collection of art in the world, and to the very pulse of the fashion world. You may also want to catch one of the world famous cabaret shows, venture beyond the city limits to tour the lush countryside, or check out Paris Disney. Some people will find themselves lost in the Louvre for days on end, so a location near the museum is practical, but most will want to sample as many of the city's delights as possible. Finding a location convenient to everything Paris has to offer would be next to impossible, so the best bet is to decide what activity will consume the most time and look for lodging near that, or find a tour company and book an apartment close to the pickup spot.

Staying in at one of the many Paris vacation rentals offers much more than a cramped and impersonal hotel room. You'll get a feel for the real Paris, along with the comforts and privacy of a real home. Going for a midnight snack doesn't have to involve dressing, finding a key, and wandering the streets to find something open or dipping into the kids' college fund to buy a bag of chips from the minibar.