You have no idea - no idea - how lucky you will be to stay in Arnaud's flat.
It is a beautiful space: Gorgeous furniture, playful art and design-driven decor makes it a lovely place, but comfortable and friendly. Every room is larger than you'd expect for a Parisian apartment - and it comes with...
...are you ready for this?
A HUGE outdoor terrace. There is a full-sized outdoor couch with chaise, a large cocktail table, a dining table - and more of that designer meets playful environment from inside. This is the real treasure.
The neighborhood - the 9th (and the close by 10th) have become my favorite in Paris. An easy walk to Rue Cadet where you'll find great restaurants and the boulangerie of the formidable Madame Dupuy; art and antique stores, vintage shops, jewelry stores (from fashion to fine for all your present buying needs). And it's situated between 3 metro stops that are a short walk away giving you access to all the city.
Arnaud is a great host, very kind and responsive, and I can't wait to go back.
A few details:
The flat is on the 2nd floor (3rd American) so you go up two flights of stairs - very easy, and please, don't let that put you off for a minute.
The kitchen is spare, but well-enough equipped to meet most culinary needs - and there are grocery stores minutes away.
The bed is firm - I thought I was going to hate it - but I have to be honest, my back hasn't felt better in years.
There is a workout station in the bedroom, too, so you can get your steps in by day and do a few curls at night. That was awesome.
Overall - a very good experience that I would in happily recommend to anyone looking to go to Paris for a quick getaway or a longer stay. I will only keep that to myself whenI'm planning to go back so they don't book my dates!
Thank you, Arnaud -
David