In our 20 plus years of renting apartments in Paris, Isabelle’s flat was among the best.
When we walked into her duplex flooded with light from her floor to ceiling windows, for the first time, we knew this would be an excellent place. The upper floor had a well-equipped kitchen—there was absolutely everything including an American style large refrigerator. There was a great table for eating, a comfortable sofa, and a TV. Using her fast internet, we just watched films and news on our computers or iPads.
Half-way down a set of stairs to the lower floor was the toilette (cabinet de toilette). A few more steps down was the large bedroom, big bathroom (shower, bath, and sink), walk in closet with plenty of storage, and a small utility room with a washing machine.
The highlight of the place was the small garden terrace in front of the apartment with table and four chairs. We lucked out with excellent weather and took some lunches and teas on the terrace. You felt you were not in Paris but in the countryside—have no worries, the very gentle sound of the metro going by reminded you were in the city.
The neighborhood is charming and fun. There is a 7-day a week market that has everything you could possibly need – four supermarkets, three bakeries, three pharmacies, two fruit stores, butcher and fish store, and many more. All within 5 minutes of the apartment. Right out the door is the Metro 3, five minutes to the right is Metro 4, ten-minute walk is Chatelet – Les Halles with RERs and more Metro lines.
Finally, when you enter Isabelle’s apartment you are in a real home. This is not a space set up just to rent to tourists, it is a home.