The flat has the feel of a marble lined cave - clean, modern, lovely fittings. Easily walkable to the marvellous Bouillon Chartier restaurant west along Bd Saint-Denis and the Metro at Strasbourg-St Denis. Just South down Rue Saint-Martin is Musee des Arts et Metiers (the museum of inventions) which looks amazing - but we didn't manage to get to - next time! About 10 minutes further on and you get to the Pompidou Centre. Rue Meslay is quiet and a bit dull, but feels safe. Only a 7 euro taxi ride to Gare du Nord - where we left our cases in the lockers on the last day.