This is a wonderful little garret in a great neighborhood. It was probably a maid’s quarters back in the old days…these were typically at the top of a building. Le Marais is fantastic and full of life. The apartment is tight —-the spaces are pretty small. The kitchen in particular is narrow and suitable for only one chef at a time. But almost everything you need is at hand, including a combination washer/dryer and even a small dishwasher that actually works (BE CAREFUL lowering the door of this dishwasher —it is above your head and there is no hydraulic hinge on the door….it just comes flying down and can hit you on the nose). The living room has a touch of character with exposed beams and…of course…offers a door to the piece de resistance: the terrace. You can actually walk out on the terrace….it’s not a false terrace. It’s a real one. Beware of wasps if you bring food out. I hear they are only present during the summer. We had to flee them, but they aren’t interested in a glass of wine, so you can enjoy Paris skies outside with your partner. The view isn’t much—they stay there is a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower but I wasn’t sharp-eyed enough to see it. But there is a beautiful breeze out there and it’s wonderful for sunsets. I found it hard to get around in the bedroom as the space around the bed is minimal. As for the stairs, I am disabled and found them manageable because there is a good hand rail: One flight up then you transfer to a tiny elevator. At floor five you exit the elevator and climb one more flight. If you are in a wheelchair this won’t work. The tiny bathroom has a very big, nice bathtub/shower with plenty of hot water. The bathtub/shower is pretty deep and so you must be able-bodied to climb out of it. The elderly or disabled (and I write from that perspective as I am both) may find this bathtub a little scary. Downstairs is the most wonderful coffee shop, Loupic, with excellent coffee and pastries. There are zillions of excellent restaurants, including some French restaurants for those of us who remember those in Paris. Many Wii de ful museums closeby: Picasso, Musee Carnavalet and the incredible and architecturally interesting Centre Beaubourg just a 10 minute walk away. There is, by the way a very fancy and pricey French restaurant on the roof with a beautiful view of Paris including the sometimes elusive and very famous tower. Marc, the host, was extremely kind even though I had a penchant for breaking glasses (mostly when fleeing wasps). We were met by a friend who briefed us very well on the apartment. And Marc accommodate the fact that we were checking out of a hotel at 11, and allowed us easily check in even though we didn’t ask for it. This apartment is a great value in a wonderful neighborhood, central to much. The spaces are a little tight if you are clumsy like me, but there just aren’t that many places at a reasonable price with beautiful terraces. Five stars.