My backpack with my computer, camera, and medications was stolen right after I got out of the taxi. Literally two minutes after I arrived at my first stay in Paris. I was unclear that I was meeting the host's mother inside the apartment, so while I was waiting for her outside the door, this horrible thing happened.
The two thieves used what is known as a distraction technique. One starts talking to you, and while you glance up, the other is already gone with your bag. I was merely sorting my bags in order to climb the 5 flights to the flat.
I did not feel safe at all in this neighborhood as a single traveling woman. And I'm from Chicago! What made me most uncomfortable was the mass amounts of men out in the streets and sidewalks socializing, with very few women, and usually after 5pm and into the evening.
I did walk everywhere and took busses or the Metro, but I definitely used Uber if I came home after dusk. Though there are nice people and some areas feel transitional. The first floor neighbor was very nice.
I would recommend extreme care with your person and your belongings. And I would not recommend this at all for a young single female traveler. I am in my early 50s.
There was often heavy police presence around the Metro stations. When I filed a police report - even the police said it was a really bad neighborhood.
Sacré-Cœur and Montmarte were an easy walk. And nearby cafe, Lomi, is a great little spot, nice staff and great in house coffee roaster, but that was it for me in this neighborhood.
Both Lucy and her mother were difficult to reach at times. The key got stuck, and I got locked in the apartment at one point.
The flat itself was really great. I loved it when I was in it. The five flights of stairs didn't bother me. It was 100° F / 38° C when I was there, but the breeze/cross ventilation was nice. The train is right outside the window. I expected that, as well as the street noise, and I can easily sleep through city sounds and trains (again, Chicago), but they were working/hammering/grinding on the tracks from 2-5am while I was there, which did wake me.