My family of three spent a wonderful two weeks in Remi's apartment in the 13th arrondissment. The apartment was spaciously appointed with necessities to make us feel at home, including a fully stocked kitchen and washer and dryer (which was a big help since we packed light). The crowning amenity is the incredible views of the city of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. There is no TV, smartphone or book that could compete with watching how Paris transforms from quiet morning slumber, to busy hustle and bustle, then concluding with breathtakingly gorgeous orange sunsets.

Remi was not there to receive us, but he made arrangements for us to be welcomed by a friendly and accommodating hostess who gave us a full tour of the apartment. Within an hour of arrival, I spoke with Remi, fluent in English, who was a delight in ensuring that all of our needs were attended to. He left the refrigerator stocked with a few necessities (Champagne!) to get us started.

The apartment is double secure (keypad code at entrance and then key accessible, vault-like apartment door) and minutes walking distance to two metro lines (Nationale and Chevrolet). Monoprix, the local grocery, is also minutes away. We enjoyed a couple evenings at the apartment noshing the local treasures found at Monoprix, such as cheese, charcuterie and wine. Prices for food in Paris are much cheaper than in the US. The apartment is located away from the hustle of inner arondissments, but don't let that sway you from considering Remi's place, as the metros are easy to navigate to ANY destination, and exploring the nearly neighborhoods just south of Remi's apartment will give you a better sense of how the locals really live. We never felt unsafe in the vicinity, even late in the evening.

Remi is a superb host. He quickly responded to our simple questions about the apartment or the city via email. He also helped us book a dinner reservation (Je ne parle français) and advised on transportation to and from CDG. Our final conversation during out last evening left me feeling that Remi is a person with whom I want to stay in touch, should we be fortunate to cross paths again.