We recently stayed at Ismail's place in Montmartre, and it has taken me a few days to write a review, because it is so hard to narrow my thoughts down. When we walked in, tired and ready to start our vacation, I wanted to cry. The little flat was perfect beyond all of my hopes!! The views were far beyond what are reflected on the site, and wonderful proximity to everything we needed and wanted. Ismail was also so kind as to allow us to bring our luggage early to leave there, which we ended up not needing to do. He was so patient with all of my questions before the stay, and answered anything almost immediately.
Excuse the lengthy post, but I have to share our experience:
On every one of our visits to Paris, we have begun the trip with a visit to the Sacre Couer and the incredible view of the city offered, then a glass of wine in the square directly below - very touristy, but isn't that what we are when we visit a different city? :) It was wonderful to be able to do that this time, then walk back down to our little home for the week afterward.
Every day my husband would walk 3 doors down to the quintessential Parisian boulangerie, manage with his non-existent French to order "deux cafe cremes et deux croissants" to go with our breakfast, which we would have with our fresh fruit while staring out the kitchen window at the Eiffel Tower. Every evening, after exploring various parts of the city, we would return to Montmartre, stroll down to a wonderful restaurant for poulet roti, steak frites, or an omelette, do a little shopping if needed at the grocery store, then finish the day with a glass of wine staring at the Sacre Couer looming, perfectly illuminated, from the front living room window. That same view greeted us every morning when we woke.
Literally across the street from the front door (extremely safe entrance, two locked doors) is the Metro, wine shops within very short walks, cheeses, meats, fruits, flowers, every single thing you could want!!
Our departure was a little worrisome for us because we were facing the possibility of having our flights home cancelled by a snowstorm in the US, and while we weren't able to book the flat for longer, Ismail was so kind as to check up on us after we left to make sure we made it to the airport and would be able to get home.
I cannot express how fortunate we feel to have discovered this little gem, and greatly look forward to returning. Thank you for sharing it with us Ismail!