Mat's place is a lovely home located so close to the metro station you don't notice that you're staying a little way out of the city. It is near to all the shops you will need during your stay including some lovely cafes. Mat is a super organised host who will provide you with clear directions on how to get to his place, and is flexible around booking and prompt with all communication. His son is sweet and polite and I was only sorry I don't speak more french so I could interact with him more. Mat's girlfriend Pierette is very welcoming and helpful.

I would readily recommend Mat's place to individuals, couples, or families with older children; and those who are comfortable with a communal style of living. There is no en suite so the bathroom is shared, and the room we stayed in requires you to go through Mat's bedroom to get to it (including in the middle of the night if you need to use the bathroom!). I felt a little awkward for the first couple of days but I got used to it.

If you are travelling with young children you will need to consider whether this is the right set up for you. We were travelling with our 2 year old daughter and while Mat's family where wonderful with her, Mat's place is not what I would call toddler friendly (understandable as he has no toddlers!). For one thing you have to climb down a steep and narrow stair to get to the downstairs room. I knew about this stair when booking so I had made an informed decision, but once there it turned out I did worry a lot that she would hurt herself on it.

The room had a sort of a musty smell to it but I don't know if this is normal for a basement room? (we don't really have basements in Australia!).