Laure's home is a 4 room apt in the heart of Paris with apartment sized versions of all you need...stove, fridge, clothes washer, etc. It is in a quiet location, the actual "T" intersection of 2 small one-way streets, lined with apartments, so there's no real traffic, or commotion. Yet just around the corner is a main avenue, subway access, a grocer, butcher and cafes. What more could you ask for? The apartment itself is small by U.S. standards, but is really an efficient, compact very livable space....with a GREAT shower!
We loved being able to open the large 'gate-like' windows on both sides of the apartment and enjoy the Paris breezes all day long. I suppose we violated an unspoken 'city' social construct to pretend that you can't just look into someone else's personal living space, but what the heck, they could look into ours too! Part of each of our 15 days there included leaning part way out to survey the street scene, other balconies, and the occasional window-activity of our neighbors. The lift, while tiny (2 person size, max) was very useful mainly for transporting luggage. Load it up, go to your destination floor, and press the call button! If we were ever to return to Paris, this is the first place I would look for, hoping it is free for my visit!