New York Habitat Blog

Seeking a lesser-known side of the French Riviera, apart from the glitz and star-studded sidewalks of St. Tropez? New York Habitat’s vacation apartments in the smaller towns near the Mediterranean give you a chance to enjoy the uncrowded, provincial feel of the country, while still being close enough to visit the glamorous towns that characterize the French Riviera- the best of two worlds.

South of France Accommodation: 6 Bedroom Rental in La Môle, French Riviera (PR-743)

One such town is La Môle, a peaceful and secluded enclave from which to explore this corner of the South of France. The valley where La Môle lies is the Massif des Maures, a hilly area between Toulon and Saint Raphael, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. In the autumn and winter the tourists clear out, but there is plenty to do: shop at year-round markets where artists sell their wares or at antique and brocante markets in the surrounding towns. You’ll find several family wineries that sell their wine locally here. In this unspoiled setting, there are pine forests, villages, chateaus and plenty of trails for walking and hiking. But if you want to check out the more famous beach cities of the Riviera, Cannes, Nice and the Italian border are only a short drive away.

Another village in the Massif des Maures valley and closer to the sea, is Cogolin, a port town known for its tradition of handicrafts. Carpet weaving and making bamboo furniture and pottery are the traditional crafts here. The town was the center of the French briar pipe-making industry; today craftspeople still give demonstrations of this art. The town’s markets are on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout most of the year. Cogolin has plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as sandy beaches a few kilometers away.

South of France Accommodation: 6 Bedroom Rental in La Môle, French Riviera (PR-743)

New York Habitat has gorgeous vacation villas in these villages that are perfect for you and your own entourage of friends, should you choose to bring them.

For example, New York Habitat’s six bedroom vacation villa in La Môle, French Riviera (PR-743), you can enjoy a peaceful quiet corner in the country, yet just a few kilometers from St. Tropez. This sprawling house is on a vast lot surrounded by an enclosed park. Up to 15 people can sleep here, making it an ideal place to hold a reunion of family or friends. The villa has two living rooms, a kitchen, dining room, a television room and six bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Outside, you can relax on the huge terrace under the trees, where there is a table and chairs. A swimming pool and outdoor shower blend into the garden-like landscape. Also tucked away on the property is a separate small guesthouse apart from the main villa that can accommodate two people. The small guesthouse has two twin beds, a bathroom and its own small mini-kitchen.

Near the town of Cogolin, at the edge of the Massif des Maures, New York Habitat offers a one-bedroom vacation apartment in Gassin, French Riviera (PR-823). This apartment, which accommodates four, is another superb location to enjoy a quieter corner of the Riviera. It is on the third floor of a large residence, and has a shared swimming pool for guests.

Named for the illustrious shipping and trade magnate, Richard Murray, the neighborhood of Murray Hill in New York is a peaceful and quiet enclave of Midtown East. The neighborhood is mostly known for its extensive residential housing made of historical 19th Century townhouses and the high-rise apartment complexes. Once occupied by a notable older demographic, Murray Hill is becoming a prime location for young professionals for its picturesque city streets, relaxed atmosphere and restaurant selection.

About Murray Hill

Starting in the north at 42nd Street, Murray Hill stretches to 27th Street and encompasses everything in between Fifth and Second Avenues. For most of the 20th Century, Murray Hill has been dominated by wealthy residents who have created a tight-knit community. The strong sense of community is unmistakable and a rare find in New York City. Getting to know the neighbors is easy as there are only a few supermarkets, dry cleaners and grocery stores in the area. Favorite bars and restaurants among residents are typically found along Park Avenue and draw the after-work crowd with the best happy hour deals in the city.

New York accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-4454)

If looking for after-hour hot spots and night life in Murray Hill, however, the place to be is Third Avenue. Reasonably priced restaurants, famed delis and quaint boutiques are also found along the edge of Murray Hill. The nickname of ‘Curry Hill’ has been given to the neighborhood thanks to the influx of Indian restaurants that have recently moved into the area.

Filled with a rich history, Murray Hill boasts of some the best architectural designs and buildings in the city such as the Morgan Library and Sniffen Court. The Beaux Arts mansion and Grand Central Station are other magnificent structural sites to see while in the city. At 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library’s myriad collection makes it one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. For nearby entertainment, the New York Art Theatre, on Park Avenue, the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater, on 33rd Street, and the Jewish Repertorty Theater, on 40th Street, are all within walking distance.

Murray Hill is also a prime hub for city-wide transportation. Subway access to the 4, 5 and 6 trains can be found at Grand Central Station at 42nd Street as well as Park Avenue and 33rd and 28th Streets. If venturing to the neighboring boroughs, the cross-town 7 train traces 42nd and runs out to Queens. The popular M16 and M104 cross-town buses also run regularly in and out of the neighborhood.

Murray Hill Accommodations

New York Apartment: Murray Hill (NY-12300)

There are plenty of options to choose from when visiting New York City. Depending on the length of stay, find the perfect furnished apartment or a vacation rental in New York Habitat’s vast collection of properties.

- This studio in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-12300), on 30th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue, features a beautiful exposed brick wall and big windows overlooking the quiet street below.
- This two-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-4454), on 33rd Street between First and Second Avenues, is a modern apartment with a state-of-the-art home theater system and hotel amenities.
- This one-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-11945), on 37th Street at First Avenue, is located in a luxurious high-rise with two health clubs and laundry facilities within the building.

In the midst of the busy holiday season, New York Habitat has numerous places to stay in Murray Hill with proximity to the city’s best stores. You might also consider Murray Hill when attending Fashion Week in New York or the 4th of July festivities.

Have you ever stayed in Murray Hill and want to share the experience with others? Leave a story in the comments section below.

New York Accommodation: 1 bedroom rental in the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side features some of New York’s most sought-after residential real estate. The reasons are myriad. This particular one-bedroom triplex has a fantastic location in this famed neighborhood. Just to the south of the furnished apartment are midtown offices and tourist attractions, a couple of blocks to the west is Central Park, and to the east is the rejuvenated Roosevelt Island and its one-of-a-kind tramway. In between are countless boutiques, cafes, restaurants, subway stations, magazine stands, department stores and just about everything else one can imagine. Smack dab in the middle of all this is this one-bedroom triplex on the Upper East Side (NY-12219).

This apartment, like the neighborhood it sits in, is classy, sophisticated and inviting. On the first floor are the spacious living room and kitchen. The living room features lots of light, thanks to a two-story window, and a minimalist design touch. There is a dining table big enough to seat six, a futon sofa and two comfy chairs. The bedroom also gets plenty of light (thanks to a again two-story window!) and features a railing open to the living room below. The private terrace on the third floor of the apartment is a big draw for this one-bedroom accommodation. This is a real rarity in New York. There is plenty of room to eat meals, hang out or entertain guests.

Why is this One-Bedroom Triplex on the Upper East Side a Hidden Gem?

New York Apartment: 1 bedroom rental in the Upper East Side

There are a lot of reasons that this one-bedroom accommodation is on our Hidden Gem list. The location is surely a huge plus. Guests can walk to Central Park, offices in midtown or neighborhood cafes without breaking a sweat. In addition to the locale, this apartment’s terrace is every New Yorker’s dream: A private respite from the city that never sleeps.

Check out our blog about the Upper East Side for more info and post your comments about your favorite bars and restaurants on the Upper East Side.

Children have entertained themselves with their own shadows forever. Of course they’re fun, but light and shadows play important roles in child self discovery as well. The Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie, is a wonderful, hands-on museum for children, embraces the role of light and shadows in child development with an exhibit titled Shadow and Light. New York Habitat as several apartments in and around the museum’s neighborhood.

Paris Apartment: Two bedroom in Gare de l'Est (PA-3547)

The Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie museum takes science out of the classroom and exposes children to a hands-on experience second to none. The museum is outfitted with a planetarium, children’s media library, aquarium, and interactive cinema among others. The new exhibition Shadow and Light is part of the museums year-long interactive exhibition program. Shadow and Light is unique in its use of a theatrical representation to explain the properties of light and shadow. Upon entering, children are entered into the fictional world of Archibald Ombre, a “teacher, dreamer, poet and collector of shadows,” as the museum’s website explains. The exhibit encourages children to roam about Archibald’s home in search of his shadowy collection and ultimately their own omnipresent twin.

Located adjacent to the Parc de la Villette near Paris’ northern border, The museum is a short distance from dozens of New York Habitat accommodations. One family accommodation choice might be this flashy 2-bedroom apartment in Gare de l’Est - Cite des Sciences - Buttes Chaumont (PA-3547). For larger families there is this bookish, yet kid-friendly 2-bedroom duplex in Cite des Sciences - Buttes Chaumont - Canal St. Martin (PA-3421).

Paris Accommodation: 2 bedroom retnal in Canal St. Martin (PA-3421)

Often seen as a romantic city perfect for canoodling couples, Paris is also a great destination for jet-setting families. The Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie museum is a big part of why this city has become so family friendly.

Other neighborhoods to consider:

Off of Paris’ beaten path in Bercy

Why else do you think that Paris is not just for lovers? Please comment below.

In honor of Thanksgiving the entire New York Habitat team would like to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York

Check back on Friday for an all new blog post and in the mean time check out some of the most commented upon articles and add you comments.

• Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report - 1st Half 2007
• Thanksgiving Apartment rentals in New York
• Upper East Side Accommodations in New York City

And remember to check out our selection of:

• New York Apartments
• Paris Apartments
• South of France Apartments and Villas
• London Apartments

At the center of Paris’ bohemian and art history is the Montmartre quarter. While the famous butte’s artistic heyday was at the end of the nineteenth century, the bohemian appeal of the quarter remains. The Montmartre-Sacre Coeur area, in the 18th arrondissement, is still the home to winding village streets, spectacular views and this charming one-bedroom accommodation on the Rue Saint Eleuthere (PA-3463).

Paris Accommodation: One bedroom rental in Montmarte - Sacre Coeur (PA-3463)

Renters looking to capture the spirit of the quarter in their Paris rental accommodation need look no further than this one-bedroom apartment. While not huge in size, this flat is enormous on personality. Tastefully decorated with a quirky tinge might be the best way to describe the decor in the apartment. An oversized clock looms over the dining area while Warholian paintings grace the walls of the living room.

The color-scheme is warm, bright and accentuated by bold dashes of red and orange here and there. Beautiful hardwood floors gather light from the accommodation’s large windows all day long. Said windows look out onto a small courtyard and virtually all of Paris. Renters can spot the Tour Montparnasse during the day and watch as the Eiffel Tower shines at night. The metro station Abesses is short walking distance from the apartment.

Montmartre and the area surrounding the Sacre Coeur Basilica has become a huge tourist destination, and for good reason. The village atmosphere has never left the area and the views from atop the butte are among the best in Paris. There are countless shops and galleries worth visiting on and around Paris’ most famous hill, including a wonderful fruit and vegetable market on Rue Lepic. Another worthy accommodation in the quarter is this one bedroom on Rue Androuet (PA-2305).

Sacre Coeur, Paris France

Why is this one bedroom apartment a Hidden Gem?

An original design and priceless views make this one-bedroom accommodation in Paris a Hidden Gem. Sure, many of Montmartre’s famous artists have left for other parts of the city, but the maze-like streets and rooftop views of the famous quarter are here to stay.

What world famous painter has a museum dedicated to his work just around the corner from the Sacre Coeur?

Paris Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Bastille, Pere Lachaise - Nation (PA-3589)

Paris’ Bastille area is synonymous with revolution. Today, the quarter is still known for rapid change, but now the cultural remaking of the area is omnipresent. The world-class opera house stands in the footprints of the old Bastille prison and dozens of avant-garde galleries have sprouted throughout the right bank. While modern galleries and eclectic restaurants are fairly new to the quarter, New York Habitat and its accommodations have been in the neighborhood for years.

This 2-bedroom apartment in the Bastille, Pere Lachaise-Nation district (PA-3589) of Paris is on the sixth floor of an elevator building. And, as far as views go, being on the sixth floor in Paris is like being on the fortieth in New York. Sprawling windows in each room offer iconic views of Paris rooftops. A balcony large enough for a small dining set perpetually entices visitors to enjoy the view with a cup of coffee in the morning, book in the afternoon, and bottle of wine at night. This apartment, though, is more than just a good view.

Paris Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Bastille, Pere Lachaise - Nation (PA-3589)

The interior is simple, bright and big (some 860 square feet). The living room’s white walls, wood floors and homey decor let the floor-to-ceiling windows do most of the talking, loads of sunlight during the day and a glittering of street luminosity at night. The apartment has two nice bathrooms and a modern kitchen. Located in Paris’ 12th arrondissement, this apartment is a stone’s throw from 5 metro and 2 RER lines at the Bastille and Gare de Lyon stations.

Why is this 2-bedroom accommodation in Bastille, Pere Lachaise-Nation a Hidden Gem?

Plenty of space and two bathrooms make this space feel more like a home than just a hotel-style vacation rental. That said, the main draw to this apartment is undoubtedly the view. Both bedrooms, the kitchen and the living room all sport oversized windows that look onto your adopted Paris neighborhood. The long terrace, a rarity in Paris apartments, is just icing on the cake.