We were not too sure we wanted to stay there once we read that there is a smell in the back room. Then I asked Aymeric; we were still skeptical. The location was what we were looking for so we signed up for a ten-day stay. We are glad we did. Once you open the door there is a musty smell throughout the house, particularly in the back bedroom but once you open the windows to let that gentle breeze in everything is fine. This is a very old building - not unlike any other building in Paris - so it constantly needs fresh air or a humidifier. Being on the fourth floor makes it easy to leave the windows open day and night. Even if you close the other windows you must leave the bathroom window open. The only issue is that when it is windy you could hear the noise from the courtyard coming from neighbors' open windows. Nothing a little habituation won't cure.
Our summary:
We would stay there again with only one hesitation: climbing four flight of stairs are fine the first three times you climb them but then become a challenge, especially after walking all day long. But again, with so many wonderful desserts to choose from, the stairs help burn those calories.
The smell is not an issue: open the windows, go for a glass of wine or two, then come back
The apartment has character: high ceiling with great molding
The host is very responsive: quick response from Aymeric, usually within hours
The location is ideal: everything is at walking distance
Washing machine and stove work - We used the washer more than I used the stove
There is NO dryer for the clothes so plan accordingly: bring an extra towel
The books and the videos we did not use but they brought back memories