This was my second solo stay over two Christmas/New Year’s periods at Florence’s beautiful home in the Haute Marais. She welcomed me warmly again as I was hobbling about on a “sprained” ankle that occurred days prior in Rome and became a surgical fracture when I got back to the US.
I spent the first 6 days lazing about in her beautiful home, reading, enjoying the rainy weather in front of the stunning fireplace, elevating and icing my ankle. Generally pretending I live in Paris! Florence’s home is absolutely stunning and over-delivers on the charm. There are great cafes + restaurants just a short walk or Uber/Metro ride away. It is close to everything you’d want to see or do while in Paris. Grocery stores and bakeries also a short walk in multiple directions.
What I love most about Florence’s home is that it is tucked away from the touristy-stuff and provides a real feel of life in Paris. Her home is spotless and uncluttered. A HUGE, glorious bath tub/shower, plenty of fluffy towels, very comfortable bed and linen-covered chaise in living room. Florence also provides very simple, easy-to-follow instructions on operating the Wi-Fi, TV options and Bluetooth for music. Although I do not cook much, her kitchen and pantry are stocked with everything you might need. Florence welcomed me both visits with a bounty of breakfast goodies on my arrival - Tea, Nespresso coffee, OJ, wonderful breads, butter + jam, yummy crackers - which I hunted down and brought several bags home. On non-injured ankles, it is a short 15 minute walk from some of the best shopping/strolling neighborhoods in Paris - The Marais and Rue Montorgueil. As I travel solo, I feel very safe throughout the neighborhood and within the building. (Her neighbors are super friendly!)
I really cannot recommend Florence’s stunning home highly enough. I’ve stayed at several AirBandB rentals throughout Europe, and can’t wait for my next visit to her beautiful home. Crossing my fingers that her home is available. The best part is that Florence and I became friends throughout the visits. And isn’t that the whole point of travel? Cheers - Tami