This was my first experience on Airbnb, and it was better then I could have asked for! My stay at Lydie's apartment was incredible! If I could give her 20+ stars, I would gladly do so! If you have the opportunity to stay with her, don't hesitate. You will truly enjoy your stay!
Upon arrival, Lydie was there to greet me and was eager to help me feel adjusted. She took me on a walk around the neighborhood so that I felt familiar with the streets and knew where things were located. When I left, she helped me carry my very heavy luggage downstairs, and even walked me to the train to make sure I bought the correct ticket and knew what line to take to the airport.
Lydie's apartment is charming, inviting, and felt like "home". Lydie is very welcoming, and easy to contact, from the moment you book your stay. She sent extremely useful information on the apartment and how to get there. She even figured out the exact route I should take on the metro. From the moment I arrived in Paris, via train, I felt very comfortable navigating the metro and the neighborhood streets because of her detailed directions and pictures. During my stay, she was happy to sit with me and help me figure out how to get to the different sites I wanted to visit. I did not have an active cellphone or gps while in Paris, so Lydie happily provided a very useful map that helped me navigate all of the streets and neighborhoods so I never truly got lost. Her apartment is very close to the metro and buses, so getting around Paris was very easy!
The location of Lydie's apartment is an amazing neighborhood with lots of cute shops, markets, restaurants and bakeries. Lydie made room for me in her kitchen (providing space in her refrigerator and cupboard), so I happily went to the market up the street, and bought some groceries. Having an opportunity to cook some of my own meals not only helped me save some money (eating out every meal while traveling is so expensive!), but gave me the chance to feel like I was truly living in Paris for a week, rather then just being a tourist.
I fell in love with Paris during my trip, and staying with Lydie helped make my experience better then I could have imagined! I am already planning my next trip to this amazing city and I will definitely stay only with Lydie!!