I don't even know where to begin. I could write pages and pages on how wonderful both the apartment and Fabienne were. Let me try:
Location—perfect. A few train stations are within a 7 to 15 minute walk. In the area there are grocery stores (one literally on the ground floor), a restaurants, a spectacular bakery, etc. But the best part was the neighborhood. Lively, full of families, about a one hour walk to the Louvre (why else go to a city like Paris if not to walk it). Oh, and the gorgeous park nearby! Incredible! For us, the appeal of Airbnb is living like a local, within communities, away from tourists and crowds. We felt like we *lived* in Paris.
Apartment—Beautiful! Safe (incredibly safe and secure)! Warm and cozy, and this is Fabienne's *actual* apartment, so it feels lived in, loved. Photos and books great you as you walk in the door. A kitchen that's fully stocked (we ate at the apartment a few times). A shower with incredible water pressure (plus a separate room for the toilet—great for getting ready in the morning). A comfortable bed. And, something we couldn't take as much advantage of because of the weather—a fantastic balcony that goes from the living room to the bedroom. We want to go back in warmer weather to fully experience this. Just a fantastic *home*, one you'll be thankful to come home to after a day exploring the city.
And then there is Fabienne herself. Warm, friendly, funny, caring, respectful, and attentive. She met us at the apartment after we had been traveling for a long time and it was the best way to have been greeted. Just a loving, generous host.
I can honestly say we found a home in Paris. We've been home less than a day and we're already talking about when we can go back.