Overall a good location and a very good experience. Damien's studio apartment is an easy two minute walk from either of two Metro stops on the #9 line - Buzenval and Maraichers. There must be twenty restaurants (pizza, Chinese, kebabs, French, Algerian), food stores, cafes, boulangeries, and small supermarkets within ten minutes' walk, even more if you head further out, either to Nation Metro or Porte de Montreuil. The apartment is one floor up and faces a courtyard, which means there was no street noise. The bathroom is small from an American perspective, and large people would have difficulty getting into the stall shower, but this is no different from other Paris apartments where I've stayed. There is a street market a few blocks down on Saturdays where you can buy produce, cheeses, and such. Damien showed me around the neighborhood briefly the first day, and was available by phone when I had questions. I'd certainly stay here again.