First things first: Christine's apartment easily met the basic requirements of any holiday accommodation-cleanliness, comfort(especially the bed and pillows!)and security. But what really made my stay special was the view from the apartment balcony and the sense that one was in an ordinary Parisian neighbourhood. Every morning, for example, I woke to the sound of children on their way to one or other of the two schools on the street. I don't know why but this always gave the start of my day a little lift. As for Belleville in general, I came to love the place and will almost certainly stay there next time I visit Paris. I unhesitatingly recommend both the apartment and the area!