As mentioned earlier in this thread, it is probably a bad idea to try and rent an apartment in France from NY city. You should book a month or two in one of those long stay hotels (like Citadines, Apparty City, or the above mentioned residence hotel) and then search for permanent apartments when you get here. The long-stay places are a bit more expensive than an apartment, but you dont have to worry about deposits, securities, long contracts, etc. and they generally come with free internet, cable, electricy, phone, etc. and free, or cheap, maid service.

--michael