"Rive Chanson" .... Chris & Jane's elegant, spacious "Shotgun" in the Bywater was every bit as memorable as the French Quarter Festival, French Market and City Park, to mention a few of New Orlean`s highlights.

Standouts were the queen size bed - which was generous, firm, and restful. The house was bright, sunny and the interior was a delightful balance of "modern" amenities and Internet access, complimented by century-old charmers like fine appointments and 16 ft. ceilings. The bathroom was full-size and the shower pressure was incredible .... just like home.

Nestled on a quiet street in the trendy Bywater district, the house is enchanting from the moment you step onto the columned front veranda and pass through the front door. Our hosts were there to welcome us when we arrived and they bid us farewell when we headed home. They were knowledgeable, accommodating and approachable ... a simple knock at their door was all it took.

They are proud of their neighborhood and know the best places to eat, relax, party and shop. The Bywater is a terrific neighborhood to explore, with renowned restaurants and bars like Bacchanal's, The Joint, Pizza Delicious and Elizabeth's. It also boasts some exquisite points of interest such as the new Crescent City Park, just-opened foodie heaven - St. Roch Market and if you're thing is live and recorded music, Euclid Records will keep you busy all day and Vaughn's Lounge, all night long. And we would be remiss if we didn't mention our "find" ... Jimmy's Convenience just around the corner from "1025" at France and Dauphine Sts. - if it's milk or a 6-pack of LA31 or a loaf of bread, they have everything you might need. We love Jimmy's.

Initially, we came for French Quarter Festival and found that getting too and from the Quarter offered up plenty of options, right outside the door. There are two buses running to and from the downtown. One will get you to Canal and Rampart Sts. in 10 min. (affectionately referred to by us, as "The Rocket 88") while the other (the #5) takes a little longer (20 - 25 min.) ... meandering down charming Royal St., along Decatur and drops you at at the Spanish Plaza - corner of Canal and North Peter's Street.

We're "walkers" and tended to mix our bussing with the occasional 45 min. walk to or from French Quarter. Whether you choose Royal, Dauphine or Burgundy Streets, they all have their unique charms and will surely offer up a diversion or two (e.g., estate sales, antique and curio shops or interesting flora and fauna you don't see in Canada) - well worth planning a "field trip" into the French Quarter, if that`s an option.

Thank you Chris and Jane for helping make our 3rd trip (in as many years) to New Orleans, the best trip yet! Rive Chanson was our river song in a city steeped in great music.

Elke and Wayne Dunham (Orléans, Ontario, Canada)