Celia was very gracious in meeting us at the apartment and showing us around and explaining how to use some of the appliances. The apartment is represented accurately in the listing. It was fine for the two of us but would be a bit crowded with four adults. There was plenty of storage for all our clothes and luggage. The kitchen was pretty complete - only missing a microwave. There was a new washer/dryer which had a 30 minute cycle (not so easy to find in Europe). We found it easier to use the laundry down the street for drying (it was just 2 euros to dry a big load).
The neighborhood is a real melting pot and that is reflected in the food stores, restaurants, and shops in general. Many places to buy halal foods, fresh vegetables (huge market twice a week - Tues. and Friday) and bread/baked goods. All the food stores carry a decent collection of wines and there is a Nicolas shop within three blocks if one wants a special wine.
This is the heart of Belleville but very llittle of the quaint old housing remains. It is still a neighborhood for great views of Paris if you go to Parc de Belleville or Buttes-Chaumont.
Transportation is terrific - #2 metro and the #96 bus will connect you to almost everything. We found ourselves using the bus to get to the center of Paris (Hotel de Ville) - it is only about 15 minutes if traffic is good.
The apartment is in a large building and of course there are neighbors on all sides - the floors and walls do not keep all the noise away. We did find that the street noise could be a bit loud on weekends since there are some cafes and restaurants across the street.