Maryvonne is a splendid hostess. Her advice as to what to see and how to get there was always smack on, and she was very generous with the use of her kitchen for prep and eating, as well as the huge table in the living room (there is no work space in the bedroom). The shower is a marvel of modernity, and indeed the whole apartment has recently been renovated to very tasteful and practical effect. As for the surroundings, a little night noise on Fri and Sat night, but not bad, nothing the rest of the week. And the neighborhood is wonderful (La Parisienne is the local bakery, 1/2 block away - its "tradition" baguette is the best baguette BY FAR I've ever had, and it costs only 20 cents more than the plain baguette. Upscale shopping is all around, and the Luxembourg Gardin is just a few steps away. 2 1/2 blocks to the Metro, but coming home even late at night there is no sense of insecurity. I'll certainly stay at Maryvonne's next time I'm in Paris.