As first-time airbnbers, we were blown away by how perfect this apartment was. It is the quintessential Paris apartment. True to its description, it was immaculate and recently renovated. The location was superb – in the safest of all arrondissements, the 7th . This area of the 7th boasts diplomats and classic architecture, the cleanest of streets, and a very short (5-10 min) to Rue Cler, the market street made famous by Rick Steves’ recommendation. Here you will see nannies with smartly dressed children on scooters, not raggedy groups loitering around. The best-kept secret of this apartment? Walk half a block, turn the corner, and you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in the classic “tunnel” view between French buildings – a classic scene you’ve no doubt seen in watercolor paintings. This unexpected view took our breaths away.

Our extremely nice host is meticulous. There are laminated binders filled with suggestions of local restaurants and a
“gourmet walk.” He includes everything you’d need to know, from a list of local emergency numbers to manuals to the apartment’s major appliances.

The difference between Champaubert and other hosts, it seems, is that he truly made us feel at home in our 8-night stay. His requirement is a renter who "feels at home," and he did open his home to us. Everything we needed was there – from dishes to adapters.

The apartment was beautifully decorated. The light in the living room is GORGEOUS. Looks JUST like the photos. Classic with Modern Conveniences, like a two-sink bathroom, an accordion pull-out drying rack, and a valet & safe in the modern bedroom closets.

Some observations: nice, quiet, nonsmoking neighbors. Elevator is small and holds 1 adult/2 suitcases, but you’ll do this only twice. Free local calls, small cable TV, internet. Only a 10-minute walk away is Pont Alexandre, the famous gold-accented bridge leading up to Les Invalides, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. The Seine itself is a 15 minute walk away. Your host speaks/writes English fluently.

The neighborhood you’ll live in is a bit of Gourmet Heaven. The restaurant smack dab across the street, 20’ away, is Champaubert’s favorite and became one of our favorites, too. Its red-and-white checkered tablecloths and warm, English-speaking hosts make for a romantic meal. There are 2 bakeries 5-6 minutes away – a classic
one considered among Paris' best, and modern one with excellent
reviews. There are multiple chocolate and macaroon shops nearby; we had a fun time macaroon-tasting.

Beyond all this, our host was genuinely nice and helpful. He answered each of our detailed emails before arriving, was flexible regarding our arrival time, and – best of all – agreed to our request he make reservations for us at several restaurants. Without his help, we wouldn’t have had our best meal of the trip – a classic bistrot suggested by Anthony Bourdain.

It may sound like a cliché, but before we even heard airbnb’s new tag line, we said to ourselves, “We feel like we’re living in Paris.”