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Loubna Khenissa
This was my forth time renting with Lodgis in Paris and while I've always had a terrific experience, I would argue that this was my favourite apartment. I stayed on Charlot off season and benefited from a reduced rate, but I would happily pay a bit more for Alexandre's apartment in warmer months if only for the wonderful terrace — so lovely was it that I bundled up for the December temps and sat outside with a drink many times, taking in the typical and always pleasing view of the roofs. The apartment itself was ideal for a solo traveler (though could work for two or a couple plus baby, maybe, though no bath [but a big trough sink in the kitchen]). Very well appointed — it had character and warmth, while being stocked with streamlined, but thoughtful essentials (some DVDs, a Bialetti coffee pot, lots of good Paris books). The smart layout makes a reasonably small space feel spacious (everything is discreetly tucked away, the loft bed feels like a private escape at the end of the day and how fun to fall asleep staring at the stars over Paris through the skylight). Really nice sitting area. The kitchen is small, but facilitates picnic dinners of charcuterie, fromages and salades procured during days spend walking across the city. Alexandre made the excellent recommendation of the Marché des Enfants Rouges (a 30 second walk away), which has about ten great restaurants (Moroccan, bento, Italian, organic, burgers, Lebanese) that also offer takeaway, fruit and veg stands, a little bookseller offering great vintage postcards, etc.
The location is terrific, a good compromise between those who favour off-the-beaten-path and the concentrated tourist centre, on a quiet street near the Marais, but thankfully not in the heart of it (you can avoid Vielle de Temple should you find yourself exasperated with claustrophobia around all those slow-walking foreign hipsters in Parisian sheep’s clothing). Easy walk to the splendours of Belleville, both the old (Chinese pharmacies, Algerian bakeries) and new (experimental wine bars from young neo bistro chefs).
Check in and check out were easiest of any trip I've had yet. Perhaps most importantly, if you're anything like me, it was a really quiet apartment throughout the day and night and I found it very easy to sleep (almost no sounds from the road, some noise from the building's internal courtyard audible, but it's a quiet building).
Two very minor issues during my stay (that won't prevent me from renting Alexandre's place again): The dryer was on the fritz and didn't work/beeped occasionally (though he was addressing this issue on my day of departure) and there was a bit of a stagnant water smell from the electric toilet (so what? Keep the bathroom door closed and it's fine or open the balcony doors...)
It felt like a thoroughly Parisian ‘hood. I spoke and heard 90 percent French, 10 percent Italian, but I don’t think someone with phrasebook French would feel out of place and I imagine a lot of the (friendly, patient, educated) locals would have decent English as a second. Oh! And it's five minutes from the Chasse et Nature! and canal St-Martin.
Thanks so much, Alexandre!
