86 Rue de Faubourg St. Denis is an ideal spot for exploring the city. It is on a quiet courtyard, but just outside the front entrance you explode out into cosmopolitan Paris. Fine charcuterie and boulangeries side-by-side with some of the city's best falafels, kebabs, and African cuisine, the classic Brasserie Flo around the corner from the world-class jazz club New Morning -- and all within a two-minute walk. We were concerned about it being too close to Gare de l'Est, but if anything that proved a plus. This street had more than we'd bargained for and made us just as happy to hang in the 'hood as to walk 20 minutes down to the Pompidou and get our tourist thing happening. Thank you Nathalie, we'll be back if you'll have us!