We rented Philippe's apartment for a 10-day stay at the end of winter because I had to work near Orly and the rest of the family was on winter vacation. Philipe's apartment was ideally situated for everybody. the RER C line allowed me to get straight to Orly, while allowing my family to get everywhere in Paris for tourism.
The apartment in is a residential neighborhood behind the Pitié-Salpétrière hospital and a 10' walk from : the modern Francois-Miterrand Bibliothèque neighborhood with a cineplex, restaurants and shops, the Place d'Italie/Gobelins neighborhood with a mall, shops and cinemas, and from Chinatown (13th arrondissement) rich with the best asian restaurants and shops. The apartment is on the 23rd floor in one of the rare Parisian high-rises with an impressive view through bay windows in every room. It is big, luminous, airy, and recently renovated with taste. All the required amenities were available as described. Quite uniquely for Paris, a private parking space in the building garage is available upon request. Right next to the building at the base of the neighboring building is a huge supermarket as well as an outdoor market on given days.
Although Philippe was absent, getting the keys and giving them back with the apartment went flawlessly through his friend Isabelle.
Overall, Philippe's apartment, while not in the usual touristy neighborhoods of Paris, is well-situated, close to several transit stops, and conveys a pleasant home away from home feeling to a stay in Paris. Given the amenities, size, view, and the option of a garage parking space, the apartment is a bargain for families (parents in the bedroom and 2 kids on a convertible sofa in the living room). I will definitely try to stay here again rather than in a hotel when I need to come back to Paris for work or pleasure. Thank you Philippe for providing such a nice space at an affordable price!