Great to be back in Pierre’s apartment in 2022 (with our last visit in 2015). We love staying in the 5E as it is quiet (and Pierre’s apartment feels like an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of tourists and the world – it is so quiet - unbelievable). The only change was the loss of red couch! We also love opening the windows for a wonderful breeze and hearing the birds in the tree outside. Pierre’s place is spotlessly clean, thanks to Rosie who comes once a week.
Pierre has a great setup with a separate bedroom, change room, lounge room (with desk) and kitchen. Perfect if you have to take a few work calls while your partner is sleeping or reading – as there is both a desk in the lounge room and a high table in the kitchen. The bathroom is fantastic – a shower with great shower pressure (hard to find in Paris) and lots of space. He has a fridge and freezer. And it’s important to take off your shoes and walk softly to ensure you don’t make noise for the people below (Pierre is on the 4th floor AND yes, there is a small elevator for you and your luggage).
The location is excellent – a few minutes walk to Rue Mouffetard which has the most amazing fresh fruit (which you can smell the gorgeous strawberries and feast your eyes), charcuterie, boulangerie/patisseries and cheese stores. Plus, some great restaurants that won’t break the bank. We found 2 brilliant places to eat in Rue Mouffetard – Les Filles (and a wonderful Italian waitress Emmanuella) and Au Petit Bistrot (with a warm, friendly waitress Efi) – both with excellent food (Italian and French respectively). We also went to Tesoro d’Italia (65 Bd Saint Marcel) which was a brilliant pizza and pasta restaurant (a great waiter in Wesley) and the best value meal of our time in Paris (the restaurant is right next to the Carrefour supermarket). Our favourite patisserie was Saines Saveur which had great croissants and baguettes (2 Rue de Bazeilles). The supermarket is a 5minute walk away to Carrefour which is a big one (make sure you take bags). We particularly love this area of Paris as it is away from the tourists – but you can easily walk to Notre Dame, Pantheon and Marais (30mins or so).
Getting to Pierre’s place is really easy. The metro from Gare du Nord to Campo-Formio (metro line 5) was so easy with a short walk from there to the apartment. And for our departure we took bus 24 a few metres from the apartment to Gare de Lyon (for the TGV to the south of France). And it’s also a 2minute walk to Les Goblelins metro.
Already thinking about our next visit ! Thanks Pierre for being such an incredible host. And as always, great to see you again.