We are very happy to get to know Lucie, Xenia’s mother. She is a very open, welcoming and keen person, an established traveller and host _whom you’ll definitely want to have around_. (She spends days at work, though.)
We really enjoyed time we spent together. Lucie has moved to Lyon over 15 years ago, so she has many tips to share about the city. Besides, she is an excellent guide to the French language for beginners. Her French sounds natural though she started learning it at 45. ...
She is absolutely unintrusive and reasonably polite. The home is a small one, you may want more privacy (the room where you’ll live borders Lucie’s bedroom and it’s almost impossible to get to the bathroom unnoticeable when she is there; moreover, the toilet is exactly between the entrance door and the kitchen - by fancy of designers.) Perhaps, the best way to go is to see Lucie as your loving granny. And that will make life easier.
Formal things and attitudes should not be expected. (You shouln’t mind if she offers you coffee and doesn’t bring it or call you for having it. Anyway, she will be happy to see you come).
The room is cosy and beautifully decorated. We had an impression that it wanted some space and shelves. We slept with an open window (it looks in direction of the side street on which the house is situated; traffic is small, so noise is tolerable). The bed is better suited for very light persons (under 60 kg, I guess). It was OK, though.
There are also some other things you’d like to consider before you ask Lucie to invite you: it’s the 3rd floor without elevator and with many steps to do (may be difficult for those with orthopaedic problems); there are three nice neutered cats in the flat and they can be quite assertive, especially on the first day (you’ll have to keep the door to your room shut and, of course, have no allergy to cat hair or smells). As soon as cats have you explored, they won’t bother you anymore.
Overall, to our personal liking, the hostess is the main asset of this location. Treat her well, Lucie deserves it!...