Rodolphe's apartment is newly renovated, with input from an architect and a designer. It has a simple, elegant style that I happen to love and is very well-thought out, making excellent use of the space. The apartment was very clean, and everything was simple to use and in good working order (despite a tendency toward radical minimalism). The weather was turning colder and rainy in Paris the week I stayed (the end of 6 weeks in France), and Rodolphe's apartment became a cozy nest where I could take refuge. Meanwhile, the rough-hewn early 19th century entryway and stairs, and pipes with ancient, peeling paint, express the many eras of lived life in the capital. The combination of very new and very old is appealing.
The neighborhood gets 5 starts for being interesting-- think Brooklyn 10 or 15 years ago. There's a background population is North Africans and Middle Easterners mixed in with professionals, hip entrepreneurs, and many artisanal shops. Faubourg St Denis and surrounding streets have very lively brasseries, restaurants, and bars, all full of people in high-spirits, laughing and gabbing away into the night. It's a great change of ambiance from the worried, semi-depressed tone of the US as it tries to put aside the pandemic and difficult national currents.
For a life of your spirits, I highly recommend both Rodolphe's place and Paris!