Our rental of Thierry's apartment was our first airbnb experience and it couldn't have been better. First, Thierry was an incredibly accommodating and gracious host - from his prompt e-mail responses before we arrived, to meeting us at the train station after a later than scheduled arrival, to providing recommendations of restaurants in the neighborhood, and to his leaving a bottle of wonderful wine and a plate of delicious cheese and olives for us to enjoy during our stay.

Second, the loft apartment is exactly as pictured, and met our (2 adults) needs perfectly. Although we didn't see the sun much during our visit, when it did shine, the apartment was light and airy. The kitchen and bathroom are fully functional and clean, and Thierry provides towels, dishes and all of the other amenties you would need to feel at home in his apartment. The bed was very comfortable. Although it wasn't an issue for us, if you're not a fan of ladders, which you must climb to get to the double bed in the loft, or circular stairways, which you must climb for four flights to get to the apartment, you might want to think twice about renting the apartment.

Last, if you're looking to stay in an area away from the hordes of tourists that descend upon Paris, Thierry's apartment is a great choice. It's close to the Bastille, and the neighborhood, which is full of shops, restaurants and wonderful boulangeries/patissieries, makes you feel like you're living in the city as opposed to just visiting it. There are several metro stations close by as well as a Velib stand (which we didn't have a chance to use this trip), so other areas of the city are easily reachable.

Overall, we had a great stay, and hope that any future visit to Paris will be as comfortable and enjoyable!