My wife booked Helene's flat after a previous booking fell through and we are so glad it did! There is no doubt that our entire weekend could not have been so perfect if not for Helene's input. Every detail, down to neighbours on call, friends to deliver keys and a long list of every possible thing two foodies could wish for. And the flat? Imagine the parisian flat you hope for and this is exactly it! Tastefully and personally furnished, it is one of the only apartments with its own balcony, albeit onto an internal courtyard. It has a little arch with a creeper and various plants. Helene kindly asked if we would water them but it was no duty, rather a pleasure that again added to the delight.
We switched on the radio and - of course - saxophone music from a fabulous station - sorry, I didn't know which but am sure Helene will tell you - filled the flat. The bathroom was good with a good shower, the kitchen had everything, lovely crockery (I broke a wine glass, my bad), the bed was comfy, the sheets and towels were clean and fresh, and in a word, it felt like home. Only it wasn't ours but Helene's though all the prep and welcome was probably why the warmth was so tangible. In fact, we arrived early and Cedric - who deserves a thank you - rushed round to deliver the key and show us around but he didn't have to since Nora and Laurent, her friend and neighbours upstairs had invited us in to wait in Nora's equally charming flat. My point is with a welcome like that how could it not feel like home.

I should also say that the location is quite simply excellent. There are gourmet restaurants right outside the door and you can walk to/from Gare du Nord, Pompidou, Louvre, Montmartre and Sacre Cour. We did all of that. And again on Helene's advice we discovered the area around Temple, fun, chic and as she put it, No Tourists!

So thank you Nora, Cedric, Laurent - we did go to 55, and also to a tiny cocktail bar where we got incredibly drunk so thanks for the recommendations! - but especially Merci Helene!