Perfect in too many ways to list! But I'll try....
Mathilde and Jean-Pierre opened their lovely home to us and they truly made our six-night stay in Paris unforgettable.
The location is ideal - so many things within walking distance, but the metro, bus and train are all nearby. It's in a bustling and vibrant area with lots to see right there, but their home is a quiet oasis because it is tucked away on the top floor and faces a courtyard. From our room, indeed from our bed, we could see over the Paris rooftops. There is even a balcony from the living room to sit and enjoy the views, or perhaps sip a coffee or a glass of wine. Somehow we felt we had complete privacy during our stay, but at the same time Mathilde and Jean-Pierre were always there with a smile or assistance if we sought it. Not sure how they manage that so well, but they do!
Important to note - though it's on the top floor, there is a small elevator that takes you one floor away from the top, leaving only one set of stairs to climb. Also important - it felt like a very, very safe place to stay with it's double locked entrance.
The room itself is almost in its own wing to the left of the entry and felt very private. It is spacious and pristine, exactly as shown the photos, but even nicer in person. The bathroom is heavenly - very modern and full of Mathilde's extra touches. We loved the heated towel racks! The whole apartment was wonderful, a perfect balance of contemporary decor balancing the historical "bones" of the building. Mathilde's an architect and their joint passion for art really adds to the experience.
Other things that were extra special - a very thoughtful welcome basket, a coffee machine with a huge selection of coffee and teas, a dedicated shelf in the fridge for guests, and the ability to do laundry - which we did.
I'm so glad we got to know Mathilde and Jean-Pierre a bit too. They are a lovely couple with such varied interests and a clear passion for people and travel. This is a five-star place to stay, but their personalities make it unforgettable. Hope we come back!