I am traveling in Europe for one month, and Paris was my first stop. This was my first solo experience traveling abroad, and Alain was my first host. I completely hit the JACKPOT as far as host are concerned!!! Even prior to my arrival, Alain went above and beyond to offer recommendations and helped provide a taxi to bring me from the airport to the flat. Upon arrival, he greeted and welcomed me and spent a quality hour with me showing me the metro routes, bus routes, gave me tons of info on things to do and see while in Paris, and answered all my questions. The apartment itself was PERFECT! Just exactly what I needed in a fantastic area of town. Very clean and cute, and in a perfect location with everything you could want within one block: bakeries, fish market, cafe's, cheese shop, wine store, fresh markets, and just 2 blocks from the Metro stop. I stayed for 5 days and I am already planning on coming back for another stay in Alain's flat. The first visit was a tourist visit, but next week when I return, Alain is giving me the "Local's" perspective on this amazing city. He is the best host I could have ever asked for, and now I am happy to say that we are friends :)