What a great place to stay.

Stepping from the street through the large gates was the first treat as it revealed a lovely shared courtyard that was an oasis from the often busy streets of Paris.

The challenge of climbing the stairs to the apartment was quickly brushed aside when you step through the front door on this truly lovely apartment.

The open plan layout made wonderful use of the space available with the traditional French windows opening into the courtyard also allowing the flat to be filled with natural light. Having two bedrooms was a brilliant as our children 14 and 11 years old got to have their own space and we got our own room off the lounge room with its light and bright view of the inner courtyard.

For JP and Jooyun it was the first time they had rented out their apartment but their effort to make everything right meant any teething problems were quickly resolved.

The location is close enough to everything and yet still far enough away that you get to chat to locals everyday which meant those few words of French we know got put to good use.

I couldn't recommend the apartment more highly. Two tips - Get your head around French 'civil responsibility' insurance before you go and once you're there use the street bikes to get around and together with a beautiful flat to go home to each night your visit will be a winner.