If you would like to live like a Parisian, a stay at Catherine and Hervé s apartment is ideal. The apartment is located just a couple of blocks from Pere Lachaise and local restaurants, boulangeries ( there is one less than 50 meters away), boucheries, small markets just everything you would want close at hand. The apartment is two floors up with a small lift and faces a small courtyard. We were met by Herve who welcomed us into the apartment. They left us wine and bread and jam, all that is necessary for happiness in Paris! Everything was nicely supplied. The bed was comfortable, heating just fine, and it had a large window in the bedroom for fresh air. We really didn't cook at all even though we were there for a month as there are just so many fun places to eat near Gambetta. Catherine and Hervé were attentive hosts who were extremely quick to respond to us.
The apartment was located a short five minute walk from Gambetta metro (the number 3 line is quick and rarely crowded) and 7 minutes from Pere Lachaise. Many bus lines service this area. My French improved as there were few tourists in the area and though most everyone in Paris speaks some English, in the 20eme they are willing to respond to you in French if you make any effort to speak French. This apartment just had a truly French feel to it and for a month I felt less a visitor and more like a Parisian. It was a lovely stay and we would happily stay here again.