This gem of an apartment hides behind a huge metal door. Charlotte and Mathieu live on the ground floor off a courtyard surrounded by flowers, and the apartment they rent is down a flight of steps to a terrace, also planted with flowers. Charlotte met us right on time and introduced us to the apartment, including an assortment of goodies to begin our stay. The apartment was immaculately clean. The bathroom is large and has a shower large enough for two, with copious hot water and strong flow. The kitchen/living room is spacious, airy, and well appointed with table and chairs, cooktop, microwave and refrigerator, and clothes washer. The spacious bedroom is up a flight of steps, and everything is very quiet for sleeping.

The location of the apartment is perfect, in a lively neighborhood, not at all touristy, with bakery, cheese and egg shop, butcher, greengrocer, and tabac less than 5 minutes away. Great for people who like to cook or like to save money by eating in rather than out.

The 27 bus stops literally at the door, and will take you all the way to Notre Dame cathedral on the Ile de la Cite in 25 minutes. There are free transfers to many other lines along the way. The 132 bus also stops at the door, and takes you near the terrific MK2 Biblioteque cinema, which shows many English language films with French sub-titles.

Mathieu and Charlotte were gracious hosts who responded to questions with consideration, but did not intrude themselves in our lives. They made us feel safe and comfortable going about our business as if were were at home.

We would be happy to return to this apartment and would recommend it to anyone who reads this review.