Maxime's place is great -- large and charmingly designed. Lots of light and lighting, nice kitchen, a space for working at a desk if you need to. And though I didn't take advantage of it, he has a big screen projection system, and a collection of movies unrivaled outside of a film archive. Also a deep bench of graphic novels and other books.

The only thing to be aware of is that Oberkampf is very lively, full of cafes and bars and as the apartment is on the 1st floor (2nd floor US) you will be aware of all that nightlife until it winds down. Those sensitive to street noise who go to bed early might be bothered. But otherwise it's a terrific place to be based.