Maxim's apartment is in a charming old building with beautiful windows and antique details. Right out the door there are all kinds of wonderful shops and food places, including a bakery, sweet shop, and creperie. You can indeed walk to Notre Dame over the Seine in less than 5 minutes. The host is attentive and kind, gave lots of great advice about where to eat and shop, and we had everything we needed. Not a luxury place, but very very charming and convenient and for budget travel in Paris it can't be beat.