[gcb0]

don't do airbnb.

for longer than 30 days there are hundreds of real state places that find much better place for half the airbnb price. absolutely everyone will speak fluent English (differently from airbnb).

only downside is a deposit like any other rent

[graniter]

The big advantage is avoiding the catch 22 the above poster experienced. With AirBnB you can get a place without having a French bank account, which requires a French address. And you can book a place in the future before you arrive in France which is important for some visas that require you have housing established before you go.

[gcb0]

thats exactly what a rental agency will do for you, but for a fraction of the cost.

they only require one or two month deposit, and any document from your previous/home country.