Sophie's home is large and spotless. The apartment compares to what a New Yorker would know as a pre-war building with high ceilings, fancy plaster work and creaky old wooden floors. The rooms are large and the windows are expansive. The beds are very comfy and the bedrooms are quiet. There are decorative fireplaces in every room. The bathrooms and kitchen are modern and the kitchen is well equipped. One bathroom features a rather deep tub with shower. The second has a stand alone shower enclosure which is elevated several inches above the floor. There is one toilet in the apartment and it is in a separate room in the hall between the bedrooms. If you have mobility issues this is information you should be aware of. My friend and I are both in our seventies, me with arthritis and her with a "bionic' hip. We managed just fine.
There is a key code to enter the building, then a key to gain access to the hidden elevator and another key to enter the apartment which is the only one on the floor. The building is very secure. Be sure you know how to get out.
The location: A very short walk from Gare du Nord makes this a great location for travelling to and from the airport and well as anyplace within Paris or outlying areas. Unfortunately, hoards of young men congregate in front of the terminal and apparently feel free to urinate everywhere. The good news is that you can by pass them entirely by entering the train station from the Gare Magenta entrance on Sophie's street. There is even a nice glass elevator. Across the main road there is a wonderful bakery and pastry shop which I miss already. On the street behind that there is a conveniently located CarreFour supermarket.
This is a great home base from which to explore Paris.
n the street behind that there is a conveniently located CarreFour supermarket.
This is a great home base from which to explore Paris.