This is a beautiful attic space right in the center of the Place du Tertre in the heart of Montmartre. Being at the highest point in Paris, the views are magnificent, with views of the Eiffel Tower and the setting sun at one end and the domes of Sacre Coeur at the other, which is right behind the residence. The place, with its wooden beams, comfortable furniture and rustic charm, makes you feel like you're part of the history of the place, part of the neighborhood.
The Mansarde Des Artistes is aptly named, as you'll see artists moving their supplies from the building as they start their day in the square. Be aware that these views are at the top of a third-floor walkup, but that shouldn't deter most people, it's worth it for those views. If you leave the windows open at night, you'll only hear a gentle buzz coming from the street below that sounds a bit like white noise, actually rather calming. In short, the apartment truly reflects the experience of the arrondissement itself.
Walk around to the other side of Sacre Coeur and you have even more magnificent views of the rest of Paris. Being at the center of a tourist attraction, the area is bustling with life well into the evening. Artists are all over the square during the day, some incredibly talented, and as evening comes, there are talented musicians busking on more than one corner. I saw literally hundreds of people singing along to "Wonderwall" on the steps of Sacre Coeur one night. There are restaurants everywhere, the French Onion soup at La Mere Catherine is magnificent.
Head down the winding streets and alleys into the more residential part of Montmartre, and it has more of an old-school "East Village" feel, with little restaurants and shops of all kinds. The corporatization that has decimated a big part of NYC's character doesn't seem to have happened here.
Andrea was a fantastic host, checking in to make sure everything was okay, he was very responsive to every question. He went well above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of. I can't recommend this place enough.