The area where the apartment is located is in transition. They have a Sephora store around the corner from multiple Parisian prostitutes who openly display themselves off of rue st Denis. Diverse area with immigrants but close to other up and coming areas like canal st Martin. We had an extremely difficult time in finding and entering the unit but it was fine once inside-clean and as described and homey with large windows that opened onto the street and it was clear that the host lived there and took great care of her place as all her possessions were there in the closets and drawers although having the toilet by the front door and having to walk back to the ensuite sink to wash your hands left a little to be desired. Also if you don't read French you might want to consider renting elsewhere as all the instructions for the tv and other items including Catharine's welcome sheet were solely in French. I don't believe Catharine speaks English and relys on her friend and neighbour Marina to assist (which she does wonderfully). The worst part however is getting inside the Apartment. The flat is on the 5th floor but the listing fails to mention or if it does it doesn't mention it in English or any other language that the elevator is broken and only goes to the 4th floor. So if you are in your 60s like we are and if you have heavy luggage to carry like we did you are in for a rude awakening and she should make it clear in the listing as the elevator to the 5th floor has been out of service for close to a year now. Also you enter to get to the apartment front door by a separate and private fire door entrance which has no lighting. There is an empty light socket high over the door and one of those led lights to the side of the door that no longer works. It's dangerous and needs to be fixed. The building appears to be in a state of disrepair but the apartment once inside was upgraded and very comfortable to stay in. And the apartment is accurately described as being close to multiple metro lines.