Gilbert's apartment was exceptional in every way. The location was superb, the apartment just perfect. I had one client meeting while I was there, a psychologist who writes about houses, and she was blown away. The pictures don't do it justice.

Of course everyone says that so let me add a few details that I don't remember seeing. First, if you're flying into Paris and landing at Charles De Gaulle airport, there's a train from the airport to Paris called the RER. While you can switch to any metro once you reach Paris, there are some stops that are direct and Luxembourg is one of them, only a few blocks away so you don't have to go dragging your luggage through the metro. And while we missed it, there's an escalator up at the Luxembourg stop so you don't have to carry any rolling bags at all. Familiarize yourself on a map ahead of time and you'll be at his apartment in no time and the cost, 10 euros per person. Sweet.

Gilbert's sister showed us around and didn't mention the toilet until I asked. I knew this but many French homes keep the toilet in a separate room so make sure you know where it is.

Again, we had an exceptional stay and look forwarding to coming back.