My experience at Bernadette's place was excellent from start to finish - actually from well before the start till long after the finish! I left Paris feeling that I now have a 'second home' in this wonderful, clean, good-spirited space ... which is perfectly situated in the charming 5th arrondissement.
The rooms are not large, but they are very cozy and comfortable. In a charming way, it felt as if the space got bigger each day of my stay there - as I came to appreciate how well organized it is, and to enjoy its special qualities and sweet personality.
Perhaps best of all is the lovely private garden area, filled with Bernadette's flowers and plants, which is a joy to see first thing each morning. I also appreciated the useful kitchen area, complete with a handy fridge and stove-top and all the pots and pans and bowls and plates and glasses and utensils that I needed to start my day with a tasty breakfast and to use for a quick meal in the afternoon or evening.
Very soon, the room began to feel like a delightful house-boat - almost as if I was floating happily down the Seine ... which is only a short walk up the street.
The location was perfect for me - in the midst of my favorite part of Paris: very near to both the great historical/cultural sites ... and to the extraordinary public Botanical garden (Jardin des plantes), which is literally across the street.
The Jardin is a magical public garden, filled with a seeming infinitude of flowers and flora ... and even with some kangaroos and mountain goats and other exotic wildlife! I began each day with a morning walk through the Jardin des plantes, clearing my mind and enjoying the fresh air, before making my way into the bustling joys of Paris theaters and museums and restaurants and shops.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, Bernadette is a caring, respectful and sweet-spirited host: she is exceptionally helpful without ever being intrusive. She gave me good advice from even before I arrived in Paris, greeted me upon my arrival at her building, offered me excellent coffee and breakfast sometimes - and shared with me, at my request, her interesting stories and ideas and conversation.
I was especially delighted to learn of her family's longtime connections to this building and to this area. There is even a charming section in the Jardin des plantes that is named for her illustrious ancestors!
Bernadette's dear rooms were more than just a 'good place to stay.' This excellent space was a true home for me, and played an important part in making my trip to Paris one of the most important and beautiful experiences of my life.
I am deeply grateful to Bernadette, and I hope to see her - and 'my paris home' - again very soon.