I am almost reluctant to review this place because I would like it to remain a secret. It's that good.
The host, Fabien, communicated quickly via email and met us (my daughter and me) at the door, helping us bear our luggage up the somewhat steep and narrow stairs. He was friendly and patient with my slow French.
The building dates to the 1600s but the apartment is freshly renovated in a modern and practical style. Although extremely compact, it makes excellent use of space, with a defined window breakfast nook, living area with pullout coach, dining table, kitchen, entry, bathroom, and upper-level mezzanine with full-sized bed. There are little closets and storage cubbies that allowed us to unpack and stow just about everything.
All the appliances and fixtures are new -- some still have plastic wrapped on them. Water volume and heat in the shower were ample, and the towel heater is a welcome bonus.
Fabien has also gone out of his way to provide nice special touches: Marseilles soap, an abundance of towels, pillows, and blankets, slippers, little decorative elements.
But best of all is the location: smack-dab in the heart of the Latin Quarter, about a five-minute walk from Notre Dame. A little touristy, yes, but I couldn't think of a more tactical location for seeing the sights of Paris on both banks.
The apartment is also reassuringly secure, with two locked outer doors and two locked inner doors protecting you and your stuff.
Negatives? Well, you can stay someplace close or you can stay someplace quiet, but it's hard to get both. Even mid-week in January this was not a quiet location, with traffic noise, bustle, and activity on the street below pretty much a constant.
All in all, a first-rate stay. I hope to return someday.