My wife and I greatly enjoyed our month-long stay in Jean-Rene’s home. The flat is beautiful. It is filled with books and a mixture of art and new and antique furniture. It is on the fifth floor of a charming building near Sevres and Montparnasse in the 15th arrondissement and has a balcony where one can sit. Fortunately, the building has an elevator, although it was a little wonky at times. Samuel, the apartment co-host, was fantastically helpful when the elevator was not cooperative.
The kitchen was well-furnished with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave. We did not end up cooking much because there are many good restaurants in the neighborhood. The washer and dryer were a great benefit and easy to use. The shower was clean and modern, and the bathroom heaters doubled as a drying rack, which was a plus. The water closet is a normal size by French standards (although a little small for Americans). Through Samuel, we were able to retain the services of a wonderful woman who cleaned the apartment once a week. She was remarkably efficient and did an amazing job!
Although we were initially concerned that the location might be noisy (as it is near a children’s hospital) we heard almost nothing at all from the streets, and only one or two sirens during the day. It was remarkably quiet, and we worked easily in the flat and slept very well!
The flat is located next to many wonderful shops and restaurants, including the amazing Grand Epicerie with its wonderful food court and Le Bon Marche. It is steps away from an Eric Kayser cafe where we bought fresh orange juice, scrumptious croissants, and delicious coffee. It is also located next to a few grocery stores including one organic (bio) grocery store, which sell a wide variety of items. Also, at least three (!) pharmacies are close by in the neighborhood, as well as numerous excellent restaurants. In addition to a few delightful traditional French bistros, we enjoyed the Thai restaurant Chez Basilic and XV Burger. Also, the location is only a few steps away from the Duroc metro station, which is most convenient.
This is certainly one of the most comfortable places in Paris in which we have ever stayed. We enthusiastically recommend it! Exquisite. A real gem!