Initially we had wanted to stay in the old town but we are so glad we stayed in Chantal's apartment near the river. As others have said, the location is wonderfully central, close to everything and the best places to eat are in the presquile area. It is easy to get around the city from the nearby Cordeliers metro and the old town is a five minute walk away across the bridge. The apartment is charming, very spacious, comfortable,and thoughtfully equipped. We did not meet Chantal but she is a most responsive and conscientious host who organised a driver to collect us from our train and someone else to meet us at the apartment to check in. The airconditioning was a bonus given the recent heatwave. Highly recommended.