A quiet center from which to explore Paris, one of the great cities of the world - that is the best way to describe Daniele’s AirBnB property in the Passage du Prado.
We had wanted to find a small apartment to rent for this trip. We wanted a place that would combine location, price, privacy, and ease of access to the rest of the city. This location, situated in one of the sixteen, historic, remaining covered passages of Paris fit the bill perfectly.
Our host, Daniele, was lovely. Even when our flight arrived early and we found ourselves at the address - on Rue du Faubourg Saint Denis - two hours before check-in, she guided us via text to a great local cafe. Even before the scheduled time, she met us at the passage and bid us welcome to her apartment.
The studio apartment is located on a third-floor walk-up access inside the passage. (For our US readers, remember that this is the fourth floor). The steps were easy and the right height even when carrying heavy luggage.
The studio itself was charming and cozy. Although small, it suited our needs perfectly. The apartment consisted of the main room, with a kitchenette. It had an expanding desk, a fold-out table for two, and a futon. The futon was remarkably comfortable and the two of us slept soundly each night. There was a petite bathroom with shower stall.
What more do you need for a base from which to explore the city of light?
The neighborhood was diverse and a little edgy. We were very comfortable there. The neighborhood has plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from within a hundred meters. One in particular, Bouillon Julien is a favorite of ours. There are also a couple of pharmacies, a boulangerie, and convenience stores, as well as a Monoprix supermarket.
The location of the apartment is superb. It is located near everything. Montmartre is a twenty minute walk in one direction and the Louvre is twenty minutes in another. The Metro 4 train is right outside the entrance of the passage. This one line gives access to much of central Paris.
All in all, staying at this address made our visit to Paris much easier than otherwise. We were able to access nearly everything we wanted to see, or friends we wanted to visit either by walking or a very short subway ride.
So, if you are looking for a great little place to stay while in Paris, this might be your ticket. As for us, considering the wonderful welcome and hospitality of our host, Daniele, we would definitely stay here again.