Although many people like to compare New York City to Paris, the City of Light stands in a class all its own in regards to world-renowned attractions, picturesque scenery, and entertainment options. As its many must-see sights fill up your itinerary and the cultural weight of this cosmopolitan wonder begins to overwhelm, don't forget to breathe and enjoy the amazing beauty that surrounds you every step of the way from your Paris apartment rental to the cobblestone streets of the Champs-Élysées.

Paris abounds with spectacular sights that are always simply breathtaking no matter how many times you have stepped foot inside the city limits. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur are just a few of the wonders that will leave you spellbound with their sheer beauty and prestige. Consider the endless stream of museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping boutiques, and cozy cafes that are also waiting for you around corner, and it is easy to see why no vacation ever seems long enough in lovely Paris.

With so much to see and do, it is easy to bury your head in a map and make your way from one attraction to another without ever truly appreciating the history that surrounds you every step of the way. You may be walking to the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in the world, and not even notice the distinct ambiance and significance of that restaurant to your left or the romantic nature of the lights all around you. While Paris certainly stands above other vacation destinations for its unique, one-of-a-kind attractions, there is more to this city than visiting every museum and art gallery that the guide books dictate is a "must-see."

As a city that prides itself on its distinct atmosphere, the only way to truly experience Paris is by staying directly in the middle of the action and close to all the lively nightlife, laid-back cafes, and quaint restaurants. It is in these places where you can surround yourself with Parisians and get a taste for what life in the city is all about beyond the tourist attractions. If you want the run-of-the-mill getaway, then follow everyone else to the nearest hotel. But if you want a totally unique, completely personalized vacation that leaves ordinary by the wayside, then consider a Paris apartment rental.

Hotels are great for touring the sights since the front desk can give you directions and you can follow the other packs of travelers around the city. However, any guide book or local can guide on your journeys, so you actually aren't getting more out of a hotel than a place to sleep at night. In complete contrast, Paris vacation rentals allow you to live as if you've been in the city for years and are convenient to not only the tourist attractions, but also the local hot spots and hidden treasures that you won't read about beforehand. As others experience the Paris everyone has written about, you can experience the Paris that exists behind the tourist veil.

Even if this is your first trip to Paris, you certainly want to come back with glamorous tales that extend beyond the Eiffel Towel and the Louvre. Escape down a hidden alley in Montmarte, aimlessly wander around the Latin Quarter, or try out a secret restaurant that your local neighbor recommends. No matter what you have imagined for your dream getaway to Paris, you can make it more your own and infinitely more memorable when you live like a local in a vacation rental. About as off the beaten path as you can get in Paris, it is the ideal accommodations choice for anyone who wants to experience the City of Light on their own terms.