The best way to enjoy Paris like a true Parisian is, of course, to stay in an apartment. It simply brings you into frequent and more intimate contact with the people.

Apartments in Paris range widely, from large and luxurious (though these are the exception) to cramped and quite simple. Apartment styles vary in part according to each region of the city. Ours was typical for the Left Bank: smallish, sparsely and eclectically furnished, but comfortable enough. It had a well-equipped kitchen and even a clothes washer, which was handy. Its main attraction was location, location, location, and the price was right.

Here are just a few of the things that take getting used to—i.e., lessons in local living—in Parisian apartment life.

Spring 2002