Did you know that Paris is the second most highly visited city in the whole world?! More than 19 million tourists went to the French capital in 2018, second only to Bangkok. It really is no surprise why.
Paris packs in fine food, incredible art museums like the Louvre and the Pompidou Centre, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower! The French capital really does have something for absolutely everybody.
There’s just one problem with visiting Paris, and that’s the price. Yep, it can be frightfully expensive here and it may even put some tourists off!
But please don’t let that happen to you. If you’re looking not only to keep your costs down but have a local experience, then you should consider homestays in Paris.
Rather than let you blindly search accommodation websites, I’ve put together this list of the top best homestays in Paris.
I’ve taken into account a range of travel styles, tastes, but most importantly budgets. So, let’s jump right in and check out the best Paris homestays!
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Our 5 Favorite Homestays in Paris
Cosy Room Central Paris Marais
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Great location
- > Nespresso coffee machine
Charming Room in a Charming Flat
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Indoor fireplace
Nice, Private Room in Central Paris
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Complimentary Breakfast
Calm flat near Louvre and Seine
- > $$$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Fully equipped kitchen
- > Baby equipment available
Studio in Montmartre
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Two balconies
- > Stunning views of Paris
What is a Homestay?
So what exactly is a homestay? Well, a homestay can be described as a holiday or other period abroad spent staying in the home of a local host family. Or, it can simply mean a private house that offers accommodation to paying guests, such as a shared apartment.
These days, some homestays are more “home” than others. In fact, some are so slick and professional that they are closer to guesthouses or hotel rooms. It should normally be easy to identify what kind of homestay you are looking at from the listing and from reading the guest reviews.
It is important to choose the right one for you and to decide exactly how much interaction you want with your host families.
Is a Homestay right for you?
Before deciding to book a homestay, you need to ask yourself whether it is right for you. Bear in mind that you are not simply booking nice hotels in Paris or a bed in a hostel, but will be living inside somebody’s house.
For example, if you plan on doing some serious partying, perhaps you would be better suited to a hostel? Also, are you ok with the possibility of sharing a house with noisy kids or elderly relatives? I did one homestay in Nepal and it was hard to ever sleep past 7 am as the host’s children were running through the halls!
When selected a homestay, it is important to read former guest reviews to see what they say about the host families. All our host families in the recommendations below have been vetted and highly-rated by previous guests, so you’re in good hands if you pick one of my options.
Remember The House Rules
When you book a homestay, remember to respect the house rules. Whilst homestay hosts will always try their best to be flexible to your needs, there may occasionally be some ground rules such as no guests, no drugs, or even no alcohol.
There may sometimes even be a curfew. It is important to read the listings and check these things before you book your homestay.
Are Homestays Safe?
If you are booking through a reputable platform, they will have vetted and verified the homestay host very carefully. Guest feedback is also very important and any complaints are carefully investigated. Therefore, homestays are every bit as safe and secure as hostels or hotels.
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Join Homestay.com For More Great Homestays
In this post, I’ve listed 10 awesome homestays that have been handpicked from the 4 corners of the internet!
However, in case you don’t find what you’re looking for here, I recommend signing up for Homestay.com and having a search yourself. They have 1000’s of homestay listings in over 100 countries!
The Top 10 Homestays in Paris
Choosing where to stay in Paris? These homestays are my top recommendations for where to stay in Paris.
All our homestay families and individuals have been reviewed by former guests and have TBB seal of approval. If you’re not sure where to stay, these are a solid start.
Best Homestay in Paris – Cosy Room Central Paris Marais
Let’s begin my list of the best homestays in Paris with an awesome central room in Marais! It’s all about location, location, location here, La Marais is THE place to be. Art lovers will be happy to know that the Pompidou Centre is just a stone’s throw away, as well as many other Paris attractions! In the apartment, you’ve got a Nespresso coffee machine in your room and a private bathroom.
Perfect for freshening up after a day of exploring the city! This is a good shout for a couple – as well as being romantic, you can split the cost between two!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Budget Tip: Hostel Dorms in Paris start from $16USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Value Homestay in Paris – Charming Room in a Charming Flat
The French capital is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it can be tricky to find a cheap homestay in Paris. However, it’s not impossible, and I’ve found a great one for you here. Your homestay host is experienced at welcoming travellers and students from around the world.
You’ll have your own private room in the apartment which comes with lots of books. In the communal areas, there’s a big, bright living room with a balcony too. The room is in the 11th arrondissement, so this is a great shout if you’re visiting the Bastille opera.
Best Traditional Homestay in Paris – Room in Artistic Apt near Centre
One of the things that Paris is known for above all, is art. However, if you want to do more than just look at art, this is one of the best places to stay in Paris! Throughout this cosy apartment, there are books on art, works on art, and some artists might even get a discount for staying here!
Musicians to use the piano, guitar, and ukulele here too! As well as your private room, you’ve got access to the fully equipped kitchen and living room. This comfy Paris homestay is located in the 11th arrondissement.
Perfect Homestay for Digital Nomads – Nice, Private Room in Central Paris
For digital nomads, there’s nothing more important from a homestay in Paris than a laptop-friendly workspace and reliable, fast internet access. Happily, this place offers both of those and plenty more. Fuel up for work or explore the city with the complimentary breakfast from your friendly homestay host – it’s almost like staying in a bed and breakfast in Paris!
The Paris homestay is near the safe but lively area of Place de la République, while also being a hop, skip, and jump from two of the major train stations. Great news if you’re planning a day trip out of the capital!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIPerfect Homestay for Solo Travellers – Private Room in Charming Apartment
Travelling to France on your own? Many people will recommend you stay in a hostel, but I get that’s not for everyone. This is quite a cheap homestay in Paris and it will offer you a chance to meet new people. As well as your homestay host, there is a cat – and we all know how much comfort animals bring to a home.
It’s located in the 11th arrondissement, within walking distance of downtown Paris and seeing the city centre attractions on foot! Last but not least, you’re bound to be delighted with the price per night!
Best Homestay in Paris for Couples – Romantic Bedroom with a view
Ah, Paris. The city of love! This awesome Paris homestay shows that you don’t need to splash out on a five-star hotel to show your other half how much you love them.
Hidden away in the authentic district of Bastille, this will give you a glimpse into real Parisian life! Spend a day roaming around the local cafes, seeing the works of local artists, and taking a stroll in the gorgeous Sacré Coeur which is nearby.
Then, come back to your lovely romantic room. Who knows, with the money you save, you could put that towards a really nice meal or tickets to the Moulin Rouge!
Best Homestay in Paris for Nightlife – Studio in Montmartre
When it comes to where to stay in Paris for nightlife, your list could be as long as your arm. The iconic Montmartre area is always a guaranteed hoot, so here’s a homestay accommodation in Paris’s most iconic district!
The studio comes with a kitchenette, so if you head to the Moulin Rouge the night before and have a few too many wines, you can whip something tasty up to soak up that hangover.
From the position of Montmartre on a hill, you will have incredible views of the city from the two balconies in this apartment. Be sure to bring your camera as you’ll get some awesome shots!
Best Student Homestay in Paris – Lovely Studio in Latin Quarter
The Latin Corner is just a stone’s throw from the famous Sorbonne University, and this Paris homestay is great if you’re studying there!
Or at any number of other universities across the city of love… As well as being close to universities, there are also some bakeries, restaurants, and lots of useful places nearby – like pharmacies and supermarkets!
Pick up something from the bakery or supermarket and make a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, which also boasts a Nespresso coffee machine!
Homestay with All Star Host Family – Beautiful Cosy Room in Saint-Germain
If you’re looking for a kind and helpful host family in Paris, look no further than this awesome homestay accommodation in Saint Germain.
Your welcoming host will help you experience the city like a real Parisian, showing you the best shops, places to eat and drink, and galleries in their neighbourhood! You’re welcome to use the entire flat – there’s a double bed for you with your own private bathroom. Or, you can relax in the living room on the sofa.
This is close to all the top attractions, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Jardin du Luxembourg, as well as some hip bars and restaurants nearby!
Best Homestay in Paris for Families – Calm flat near Louvre and Seine
Let’s round off my list of the best homestays in Paris with this central and relaxing apartment near the magnificent river Seine and the Louvre. Most homestays in Paris can accommodate 2 people at most, but not here!
You’ve got the first floor of a triplex all to yourself, with a fully equipped kitchen! The apartment caters to families of all ages, but it’s particularly useful if you’ve got young children. There are cots and highchairs available, and a space on the ground floor for a stroller!
Check out these other great resources
We have loads more information to help you plan your trip.
Need More Homestays?
Personally, I’d stay in any of those lovely homestays! However, in case you didn’t quite find what you were after, or just want to see what else is out there then why not sign up for Homestay.com and have a browse for yourself? They have 1000’s of homestay listings in over 100 countries!
FAQ about Homestays in Paris
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Paris.
Don’t Forget Your Paris Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Paris Homestays
So, that concludes my list of the best homestays in Paris. I hope you agree that there’s a lot to choose from! And I also hope there’s something suitable for your travel style, but even more importantly, your budget!
If you’re having trouble making a choice for your Paris homestay, don’t worry. With so much to choose from, anyone would struggle to make a final decision!
To make it easier, just go for my favourite homestay in Paris: Cosy Central Room Paris Marais. It’s got one of the best locations in town, and it guarantees a truly memorable stay!
Alternatively, check out these awesome lodges in Paris – I’ve found some great options that I know you’ll love.
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