My husband and I had the most memorable time in Paris -- and having Dominique's beautiful apartment as our home base for ten days ensured that we were always well-rested, well-fed and felt like we were living like the Parisians do.

Belleville is the ideal neighbourhood to stay in as it's out of the tourist-trap areas and has a rich artist community (the street art is amazing) -- and Dominique's flat is wonderfully quiet and sheltered from the buzz and pop of city life.

The Metro is just up the road ensuring easy access to all areas in Paris and there are many wonderful boulangeries, pattisseries and fromageries just up the road. It's also known as Paris's 'second Chinatown' so it has the most superb Asian cuisine. We were also lucky enough to be able to run regularly in the stunning Buttes-Chaumont Park -- wow!

Dominique's kitchen is kitted out completely and we enjoyed brewing coffee made in her Bialetti pot every morning and generally cooked at home every evening due to budgetary constraints. It was wonderful too to save time and money using her washing machine. Her apartment has a wonderful courtyard with plants and the inside walls display her lovely art. There's even a double bed (not a fold out!) that we found difficult to get out of in the morning, as it's so comfortable. The shower was great too.

Her lovely friend Nessim was there to greet us and explain all when we arrived -- he was easy to contact and wonderfully hospitable, recommending local restaurants, etc.

Both my husband and I are so grateful we found Dominique's place on Airbnb. Merci beaucoup, Dominique (and Nessim)! If we're ever able to visit Paris again, we'd love to stay in your home again.