This was our first time in Paris and our first experience of airbnb. We were thrilled by both. Paris was wonderful. Madame Laurence's flat was exceptional: large (3 bedrooms, 2 baths, fully equipped kitchen, large living/dining area); perfectly situated in the 2nd arrondissement near Les Halles, cinemas, bistros, shops, bus and metro lines; very clean; and stocked with little delicacies and fresh flowers by Ms. Laurence. It's located on the 2nd floor of a handsome building and has a bird-cage elevator. Entry is obtained via number pads on two outside doors and a key to the flat door; we felt very secure.

The furnishing were a nice combination of wooden table, chairs and credenza; contemporary light fixtures; modern upholstered couches; and sleek, contemporary kitchen and bath cabinets and hardware. Tall ceilings and windows were complemented by wide plank wooden flooring. There was no clutter. The overall feeling was of spaciousness.

I am not sure what Ms. Laurence does in life, but if one's home is a reflection of one's self she is very organized, musically talented, erudite, and artistic. Musical instruments, sheet music, music CDs, and books on history, philosophy, art, and cinema abounded. We speculated she might be an musician or academic of some sort, such was the intellectual nature of the belongings in her home.

Madame Laurence was prompt in meeting us upon arriving but was delayed a few minutes by weather on our leaving. Because we were in a rush to catch our plane the last day we did not have time to chat or go through the apt. with her as thoroughly as we would have liked; she graciously accepted that everything was in order, and then stood in the rain to help us flag a taxi. She even helped us load our baggage into the car.

If we ever return to Paris, and I hope we do because there so much left to explore, we would want to stay in Madame Laurence's flat again if it is available. We saw most of the big sights this visit. Next we'd like to spend more time exploring the vicinity immediately around her flat; Rue Monmarte, Marche Montorgueil, Les Halles, etc. There must be 100 bistros within five blocks we weren't able to try out, as well as untold numbers of fromageries, boucheries, chocolate stores, charcuteries, etc.