"Under the roofs of Monmarte"
Earlier today I completed a nifty 4-night stay at this eclectic apartment in the equally eclectic Monmartre neighbourhood of Paris, the hilly bohemian enclave with its mix of saintly places of worship (crowned by Sacre Couere high above), cafés, bars, hipster hangouts, and where schoolchildren, tourists, fashionable young Parisians, and artists patrol the streets. Other than Sacre Couere, Monmartre appears to be overlooked by tourists as a place to stay for it is not (ostensibly) close to the usual, predictable spots like Eiffel Tower, the 16th, etc. However, it's closer than you'd think - eschew the Metro and hop on the trusty route 95 surface bus. It'll take you straight to the Louvre and many other places of note, including right into the Latin Quarter.
Now to the apartment. The place is run by the irrepressible Nicolas Graff, a bon vivant, Monmartre veteran, and all-around swell guy. My only knowledge of Paris lodging conditions prior to checking in at Nick's was, aside from my short preceding stay at an AirBnb in swish Parc Monceau, was of Henry Miller's and George Orwell's 1930s Paris - one of squalid, grimy apartments and utter decrepitude. Much to my delight, Nick's apartment was just what the doctor ordered: clean, small but functional, with all the trimmings including plates, cutlery, corkscrew, towels, and a comfortable bed to flop in after a day of relentless sightseeing and hard work sitting at a sidewalk brasserie. It's a walk-up so keep that in mind when booking, folks.
All in all, a great find, good value for money, and run by a highly-esteemed fellow who's quick with a handshake, and replying to your texts (Nick punctually met us at check-in/-out and helped with luggage.). If you book with Nick, tell him Diamond Dave from Canada sent you.
À la prochaine, Nicolas.