We enjoyed our stay at Fabienne's apartment. IT was clean, welcoming, and convenient. We never got to meet Fabienne, however, as we always kept missing each other, but she sent a friend to welcome and orient us to the apartment. Whenever we had questions, she responded promptly by airbnb email. A few things that future guests will want to be aware of:
1. Apartment Location : above shops in a busy multi-ethnic neighborhood (African and Middle Eastern). Shared outer security door that you access with a fob. Economical places to eat nearby--crepes, pizza, and mezza for instance, and a small grocery store and ATM across the busy street. We especially enjoyed visiting the boulangerie down the street daily and packed pastry for sightseeing snacks.
2. Comfortable: quiet and pleasant atmosphere. Spacious shower that worked well. Up 3 flights of winding stairs (no lift). Once we got luggage upstairs, stairs weren't much problem, as our preschoolers hiked up and down each day without complaint. Fabienne warned us to keep noise down, with some neighbors prone to complain. We did our best-- not always successfully, but we had no complaints so hopefully it was okay. After traveling for a couple weeks before we arrived, we were very thankful for a washing machine (no dryer, although there is a laundromat nearby if we had needed to dry quickly). Clean. Comfortable beds. Nice view of treetops. Wi-fi worked well. The "pack and play" crib Fabienne provided for our youngest was helpful.
3. Transportation: Convenience was great, as the Pt de la Chapelle metro station (line 12) and the 65 bus to/from Gare du Nord are at the front door. The 350 bus stops on the block. We caught the #350 bus to CDG after our stay. It provides an open area to park luggage and strollers and the driver was very helpful in telling us where to get off (end of the line is right at the Ibis hotel). Even though the #350 takes an hour from CDG, it requires the least walking and transfers. The fastest is the RER B train from CDG to Gare duNord then the 65 bus to the apartment. But, the #65 was tricky to find at Gare duNord--even employees couldn't direct us. The stop is actually on the Eastern sidestreet, so just exit Gare duNord upstairs on the East, through the bus terminal area out across the commercial street. The 65 stop is labeled. Be aware that line 12 has been extended beyond Porte dela Chapelle now and provides access to South eastern suburbs.
Overall we would recommend this place and Fabienne as a considerate and helpful host.