The ParisSharing Blog

Archive for March, 2010

« When will Paris-Sharing.com officially open? » I have been asked by impatient friends, fans, and curious visitors.

The official answer : « It’s now ! Why now ? Because now there’s a blog to announce it! »

No need for journalists to rush for the story, Paris-Sharing will remain a fresh concept for many months ahead.

As the founder Paris-Sharing.com, I’d like to welcome you to our new website and this our new blog. With the blog, my intent is to involve you in the adventure of a start-up that is “of the people, for the people, and by the people.”

The real idea behind Paris-Sharing is about coming to understand someone else’s culture, and taking pleasure in sharing one’s own culture with others.  As an American having adopted French culture, I hold this to be one of the most enriching experiences we can enjoy.

The other idea behind Paris-Sharing is that you don’t have to be rich to enrich your lives through travel. You can come to Paris and stay in a real Parisian home (either a private apartment or a guest room) for significantly less that you would pay for a smaller hotel room or a furnished apartment on other websites. How is this possible ? Because the French who offer their accommodations on our site are not just out to get a return on investment. The are willing to open their homes in order for you to have an authentic Paris experience.

If that’s the kind of experience you’re after, our website is meant for you. Read our blog for original ideas about what to see and do in Paris,  occasional commentary about French culture, and news concerning the website and the company.

With the exception of the later, the blog’s content is in part offered by members of the Paris-Sharing community. Would you like to contribute ? Let us know ! Do you already have a blog about Paris ? Take advantage of our blog to widen your reach. All of our contributors are credited for their work.

We hope you will enjoy !

à très bientôt,

Carsten Sprotte, Founder

Dear Reader,

Here is a bit of background on myself, to give you a better feel for what this blog is all about.

Born American, but having now lived in France for 15 years, my personal story is rooted in the desire to foster intercultural understanding. Since it is very difficult for people with normal means to live on two continents at once, I ultimately chose France, overwhelmed as I was by its beauty and fascinated by its boundlessly rich culture.

There is an American song that goes something like “the more I know you, the more I love you.” That is the way I feel about Paris. Daily marvel. Continuously renewed admiration. I’d like you to experience the same, and return home forever enchanted. As another expression goes, “you can leave Paris but Paris will never leave you.”

Well, those are nice thoughts, and were nothing but thoughts…until one day, out of economic necessity, my wife and I decided to rent our Paris apartment during a trip back to the USA. Putting ourselves  in the shoes of tourists, we thought how nice it would be to enjoy our apartment for less than the price of a hotel. As owners, this ended up being so difficult and time-consuming that I decided there must be some new service to invent.  others out there with the same need.  That was the genesis of the Paris-Sharing business idea: to offer visitors an authentic and affordable stay in real Parisian homes, while offering Parisians a chance to be hosts to the world.

It has turned out to be a bold adventure, and the foundations have only just been laid. If you share the values espoused by this site, namely a deep respect for the culture and belongings of others, become a part of the adventure today. Your reward will be both personal and economic.

I look forward to personally welcoming you to our member community and hope to serve you in Paris soon.

Carsten Sprotte, Founder

A highly symbolic photo of the Statute of Liberty being crafted in Paris, before shipment to the USA as a gift.