A Paris Dream

Our Host was waiting for us to arrive and quickly gave us the info we would need and just as quickly left us to our own devices , very trusting and friendly but just a phone call away if needed. The apartment was lovely and spacious and it was very homely after a long day of exploring. We became experts on the Metro and so eveything was only minutes away, loved good old Monoprix we will stay again one day Au revoir for now. The Honeymooners.

We stayed in this lovely apartment in September for a fabulous week! We loved it, pure and simple. Such a perfect location - walking distance to Champs Elysee, food everywhere, glorious views, metro... the works! We became very familar with the local patisserie (perhaps too familiar...!). Everything was wonderful, we could ask for nothing more. Paris was made all the more special by staying in the little slice of every-day Paris. Highly recommended!

My husband and I spent 5 nights in this apartment in early September. We found it just as described on the web site or better. The location was good, near metro stations, groceries, and some of the places we wanted to see. The neighborhood is relatively tourist-free and we enjoyed looking down from our balcony to see the rythm of life below: children going to school, parents rushing off to work, street cleaners, dog walkers. The apartment itself is above the level of nearby building so the large windows let in lots of light, increasing the feeling of spaciousness. The place is very well equipped and we found the two burner stove fine for the simple meals we prepared. It was great to have laundry facilities ( the machine did not mangle our clothes!) and an iron. The shower was the only one we used in France which did not require wrestling with the hand-held spray. Original art and books lent a personal touch as did Claire and her charming daughter. We hope to stay here during our next visit to Paris - it was just right.

My family and I spent one week at this tremendous aprtment. It is situated within walking distance of most major sites and a Metro stop. The apartment was clean, well cared for and the couple who rented it to us were prompt, helpful, and very friendly. The internet connection proved very useful when planning out the day's itinerary. I would recommend this apartment to any family of four or less.

The best part of this small apartment is the location with a superior view of l'eglise St. Augustin and the rooftops of Paris. There is a small elevator which we were grateful for, being that the apartment is on the 8th floor. The 8th arrondissement is one of the best residential areas of Paris and the apartment is well placed, convenient to metro, train station and good food markets, all within easy walking distance. The area was extremely quiet, although we were there in August when half of Paris is away on vacation; in fact, the apartment building was eerily empty. The kitchen is very small and there is no stove, but we were still able to cook all our meals which we ate at a small table on a narrow balcony. The living room is adequate, and the air conditioning works well. The internet service is fast and dependable. There is also cable television providing mostly news. There is a well stocked library providing maps and tourist guides. The bedroom was comfortable. The bathroom was large by French standards, with plenty of hot water. Our only complaints/suggestions would be that the washing machine mangled and discolored some of our clothes, it would be nice if umbrellas were supplied (although it didn't rain while we were there), and it could use a few more kitchen implements, although there was most every essential item. The landlady was helpful and friendly, although we wished we had prepared a list of questions to ask her upon our arrival, but we managed to figure everything out after a day or so. The apartment provided a comfortable, relaxing haven after the bustle of the streets of Paris.

Lovely, clean, well maintained apartment in an excellent location.

We stayed for a week in July and spent our first day walking down the beautiful tree lined streets to the Seine. The apartment is well located for walking, getting the metro or the train. There are also many shops and restaurants nearby.

We particularly enjoyed warm evenings on the balcony.

Truly a perfect location for a visit to Paris.

Thank you Claire for making us very welcome in your lovely apartment.

We rented this apartment in July 2009 with our two kids, ages 10 and 13. We all loved the apartment. It is in a typical Parisian building, on a quiet street, though just two blocks away from lots of activity, restaurants, and shops. The closest metro is less than 5 minutes away, with the Gare St. Lazare less than 10 minutes away. So, there are lots of metro options and it is very easy to get around Paris. The apartment is small (as is typical of most Parisian apartments) but very cozy, well-appointed, and certainly better than a hotel room. The beds were all comfortable and it was great to have separate beds for our two children. Claire, the owner, was waiting for us in the apartment when we arrived and was most helpful both before we arrived and once we were there. The bathroom is large and there was plenty of hot water and water pressure. We were very thankful that the apartment had air conditioning as Paris was experiencing a heat wave the week we were there. Under "normal" weather conditions, the breeze from the many windows would probably have cooled the apartment down enough. Claire had warned us before we booked the apartment that the elevator would not be working for the week we would be there, so we were prepared for the 8 flights of stairs we had to climb. Even without a working elevator we would highly recommend this apartment - the elevator would only be a bonus. Thanks Claire for a wonderful apartment and for helping to make our stay in Paris so memorable.

The description of the apartment is accurate and more. A welcome surprise was that the bathroom is big. To sum it up, we were well pleased.

It was a bonding trip for three sisters. One sister brought along her 6-year old. The apt was perfect for our group who can all move around freely (with consideration, of course) ... passing the bedroom for the bathroom inside the bedroom, puttering in the kitchen, and using the 2 sleeping beds in the living room as sofas for hanging out. We did not need much privacy, so it was like a slumber party when we are all out in the living room. When sleep time came, it was easy because the apt was so quiet and the beds comfortable.

The view at night was stunning, of course. We enjoyed great sunny weather, so in the morning, the sunlight coming into our "penthouse" was just glorious. We liked to think we were in a penthouse because we were at the top, which kept the apt private ... no need to close curtains although the apt was wrapped in balcony separated by glass picture-windows/doors.

The location is superb for exploring the city leisurely. If we do not feel like going far for the day, we have everything within walking distance. The Monoprix is so close, convenient for basic or emergency items to bring into the apt (grocery items, toiletries, a scarf, etc). Going to the major department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps is very convenient. If you shopped too much and prefer not to walk back with the load, taxi is only 5 euros (avoid rush hour). Specialty shopping is also easy walking. Cafes and restaurants are around the corner. There is a small playground by the apt and many major parks nearby to balance a traveling child's enjoyment.

If you're ready to explore all of Paris, the metros are close by. The hub point for the Open Bus/Boat Tour is also easy walking distance from the apt. I always think the bus tour is a good first thing to do because one gets to see the main tourist spots and neighborhoods, and then pick what to explore more thoroughly.

If you want to do touristy or upscale activities on a first visit, this apt is perfect headquarters. If you prefer to do the local scene, you can then choose what to experience without being limited to a specific neighborhood. Marais? St-Germaine-des-Pres? Montmartre? You may not wake up to the sounds of an open market at this chic 8th, but any more local-flavored neighborhood is just a metro ride away for a day's exploring. Stay and start here!