For those who want access to a real Parisian neighborhood, this apartment is a good choice because of its location so near to both the Bastille and the Marais. Some may find the apartment itself off-putting because it is on a very busy street, the Boulevard Beaumarchais, which is noisy during the day and well into the night, making it unpleasant to leave the windows open. Fortunately, the bedrooms face the courtyard, so the street noise doesn't carry there. Also, we found that the side-streets lead us into more attractive areas, including the wonderful park, the Place des Voges, just three blocks away. We spent three evenings picnicking there with Parisians and others. It was lovely watching the children play in the sandboxes and water fountains on warm nights and to be part of this cultural milieu.
Another positive factor is the access to Metros. Two lines are just a few minutes walk from the apartment. So too are several wonderful boulangeries that sell not only bread and pastries but also salads and other tasty take-out items. In addition, there are numerous restaurants nearby, so there is plenty of choice in that regard. But perhaps the best is Mrs. Andres, the concierge at the apartment and caretaker for this Airbnb because the owner spends summers in the South of France. We had a few housekeeping problems arise because of the building's and/or appliances' age that the owner handled immediately through Mrs. Andres, a good -spirited woman who is very willing to please. The other plus is the apartment's spaciousness.