Voyelle was really good at communication and had her brother met us at the apartment as we had agreed, even though we arrived late at night. Getting inside was simple, a code on the door sent via text/email and then up 5 flights of stairs, no lift, but not a problem for us and as I said Raphaelle was there to greet us.

Our stay was during February and it was very cold in Paris at the time but our first impression was how lovely and warm the apartment was and how beautiful and stylish it was too. We felt at home immediately and really privileged to be staying in such a lovely place. The photo's do not convey just how nice it was.

The kitchen was well equipped with everything you could want or need with a brand new oven and stove, a dining table to sit drink coffee and plan adventures at and a dishwasher and washing machine etc etc.

The bathroom was lovely and clean with a hot shower and endless amounts of hot water (no getting cold ever).

The double bed upstairs in the duplex was very comfortable and clean. Downstairs was a sofa bed which was fine for the 2 children but not as comfy us upstairs. There was also a sweet little balcony but it was too cold to go outside and enjoy it.

The Canal area is fantastic, we've stayed in Paris on family breaks a number of times and we prefer this area to the Marais or anywhere else we have stayed. Being able to walk to the apartment from the Gare du Nord (20mins away on foot) means you don't have to try and navigate the Metro from the word go. However, be on your guard if you are walking down, especially late at night, you need good street sense. But honestly, the Canal area is alive and feels very safe! I've heard tell that it's like how the centre of Paris used to be.

A couple of top tips: the boulangerie downstairs and across the street is the most amazing one I have ever eseen but it closes on Saturday and Sunday so stock up on Pain Aux Nougat on Friday.

There's a Monoprix downstairs too which is open really late at night.

We always like to mix things up and make a trip different everytime, however, we would definitely stay here again. It gave us everything we could want. A*