Living in this building gives a true sense of life in central Paris, especially when it's hot and everyone keeps their windows open. You can hear everything the neighbors are doing, and you can infer that they can hear you. Still, you get used to it after a while and you don't even notice anymore.

The first thing I noticed about this building is that you need to pass two security doors with electronic keypad locks. Don't forget the access numbers! The apartment itself has a heavy mechanical locking mechanism as well. I felt very secure.

There is an elevator up to the apartment floor, but it is very small. I'm not sure if a wheelchair could fit inside it. I didn't try. Anyway, I was very glad for the elevator when transporting my luggage! Lugging suitcases up and down those curving stairs would have been an ordeal.

The apartment itself, once you get past the front door, is spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated. Exquisite Nepali carvings and antique furniture add a unique flavor to the traditional Parisian abode. I found it all very fascinating and an unexpected bonus.

The listing shows 1 1/2 bath facilities, but that isn't quite right. There's a toilet that feels like it's crammed into a closet by itself - no sink or anything, just a light switch and a roll of paper. To wash your hands, you have to go through the living room to the bathroom, which doesn't have a toilet, but has two sinks and a bath tub. That took some getting used to, but I suppose that's typical of Paris apartments?

The kitchen has a high tech electrical cooking surface and a good sized refrigerator. There is no baking oven, though, so don't think you're going to bring home a frozen pizza and do anything but pan fry it. There's also a washing machine, but no drying machine. For that you'll want to make use of the rack that folds out over the bath tub.

The single bedroom had a quality punching bag hanging in it, but I was too afraid of disturbing the neighbors to get in a good workout.

The beds, I suspect, are filled with feathers that aggravated my allergies something fierce. I ended up sleeping in the living room's day bed, which proved quite comfortable and hypo-allergenic.

Outside the building, it was just a couple blocks walk to the Metro station. There were plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance, too. Many of them were still doing brisk business as late as midnight, so fresh food is still available after a long day of sightseeing even if you didn't plan ahead and stock the fridge beforehand.

I was thrilled with the accommodations provided here, and the quirks were part of the adventure rather than being annoying inconveniences. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience what it's like to live in Paris without actually moving there. It was awesome!