Mehdi was a great host and went out of his way to accommodate us. His flat was very nice, safe and made us feel like locals because it was out of the main tourist areas. There were great local restaurants within walking distance which we really enjoyed because we could see the Paris culture of people gathering and hanging out for dinner, drinks and talking. This actually was probably the top highlight of our time in Paris.

Mehdi's flat is far enough away to be out of the tourist crowd but close enough to still be convenient. We walked there because we had not yet figured out the public transportation, and it took us about 40 minutes from Notre Dame. However, we figured out public transport and found that it was then extremely quick to get anywhere because there were train and bus stops within a few blocks - so 10 minutes to Notre Dame and beyond then.

Highly recommended. Mehdi's flat is modest yet nice, quaint, safe and comfortable. I think you'll be pleased. Just make sure to arrive before it's too late so that you can enjoy the restaurants. (There's a nice French restaurant on the corner of Rue Albert and Rue de Tolbiac but we actually walked west on Rue de Tolbiac 3-4 blocks and found some other great places - I think on the intersection of Rue de Tolbiac and Rue Charles Moureu).

Enjoy!

p.s. This was my first airbnb reservation and I was in Paris without a phone. I didn't think to communicate a 'check-in' time with Mehdi so he was worried all day about connecting with me to give me the keys. (Sorry Mehdi!) So if you'll be in Paris without a phone, be sure to plan your check-in ahead of time!