A Real Gem IN Every Way

Guest: Jacquie & Yuka (Kelowna BC. Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/21/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/12

We stayed here in November 2011 for 10 days and highly recommend this studio to anyone who wants the best location in Paris, fantastic owners who really care about your experience and a small but very workable space to come home to after each big day exploring the city. The view is incredible and we spent many evenings sipping a glass of wine at the window watching the traffic on the Seine. Thank you for a great stay. Jacquie & Yuka, Canada

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Fabulous stay in this wonderful apartment

Guest: Mary (Nashville, Tennessee, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/26/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

On my fifth trip to Paris, but my first alone, I finally got to rent an apartment, and this one was the perfect choice. Charming, comfortable, historic and with amazing views of the Seine River and the Hôtel de Ville, it just can't be beat. The owners were equally charming and very helpful, including getting me and way too much luggage to the train station to head to Nice after my stay in Paris from December 26-January 2. The location is wonderful, easy access to several Metro lines, convenient to all the Île-Saint-Louis has to offer as well as the 5th and 4th arrs. Many, many things are walking distance, and I really enjoyed being so close to Notre Dame and its lovely garden. The apartment was clean, well decorated, plenty of storage space for one or two, spacious once the bed is lifted (which takes 5 seconds), and the little kitchen was great for morning coffee and bringing in cheese, pâté, patisseries, bread, roast chicken and all the other goodies from the wonderful markets and shops in Paris. As a woman alone, I never had a minute's concern for safety or security either in the apartment or on the street. It's a great little quartier, with a really good, authentic, neighborhood restaurant just around the corner (recommended by Marie-Christine). I had a wonderful trip and loved my little apartment--I'd stay there again in a heartbeat!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.

Amazing Romantic Getaway

Guest: The Mrs. B (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 12/13/11 Review Submitted: 12/30/11

We stayed for one week in this wonderful apartment on the Ile de la Cite and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Everything was exactly as described and the view was amazing. We never tired of the ever changing scenery, especially at night. Marie Christine & Marc were the perfect hosts right from the start - from the e-mail communications to greeting us with big smiles when we arrived. They had many things stocked for us already like coffee, tea, sugar, spices and even several large bottles of water. Extra paper towels, toilet paper where also there so we didn't need to buy any of it. Everything was immaculate and even thought the apartment is small there just is nothing left to be desired because they thought of everything and the space is utilized perfectly! The appliances in the little kitchen were modern and new and we enjoyed our breakfast every morning with one (or two) cups of coffee from the Senseo coffee maker. The bathroom was amazingly spacious and we loved the size of the shower. They provided plenty of towels for us both for the kitchen and bathroom. The electric Murphy bed was very comfortable and we just loved laying there at night and looking out of the large windows. There were lots of books and information provided and Marie Christine gave us many more tips for Restaurants and things to do when we arrived. We will forever be spoiled by the perfect location of the apartment (and did I mention the view) because so many thing were in walking distance and even if not - there were many different Metro stations just 5 min away. The building is very safe and the elevator, although very small, also helps if someone has trouble with stairs. We cannot say enough great things about this little Gem and I am already planning a return trip hopefully for 2013. How could we ever stay somewhere else from now on! Merci beaucoup :-)

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+.

Picture Perfect

Guest: Nicole R. (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

We could not have been happier with the apartment. It is precisely as it appears in the photographs: charming, well-appointed and spotlessly clean. Marie-Christine welcomed us warmly and provided excellent communication before and throughout our stay. She also arranged for transportation to the train station for our next stop and bid us adieu personally. Although the apartment is small, Marie-Christine and her husband Marc have thought of everything to make their guests comfortable. We managed to prepare several nice meals in the little kitchen area, although wonderful restaurants are nearby and plentiful. The building in which the apartment is located is from the 18th century, but we were amazed at how well it had been retrofitted so one does not miss 21st century comforts. Even the tiny elevator in the middle of an ancient spiral staircase seemed to be a modern miracle. Additionally, we were very glad to have reliable internet access and free phone calls back to the States. It would be impossible to find a more ideal location. Notre Dame cathedral is just steps away. The Louvre is a 15-minute walk, if that. Anywhere in Paris is easily accessible from the Metro, and the local station, Cité, is just a couple of blocks away. However, you could spend your entire stay exploring the Ile de la Cité and Ile St. Louis and have a fully satisfying Parisian experience. In the interest of full disclosure, there is one downside outside the control of the owners. The price one pays for such a great location is the surrounding noise. It was constant. We were there on one hot and humid weekend, and young people were out in force on the river banks, happily celebrating the end of summer. Also, the police headquarters is on the island, so there were lots of sirens. Still, the sounds seemed to be part of the romantic ambience, so we were seldom bothered by it. And once the windows and the curtains were closed, we couldn't hear a thing. And the view!!! The Seine is so close you can practically touch it. I will always remember watching the river traffic just before dawn. It was absolutely magical. My husband and I have already recommended this property to another couple who are going to Paris next year. Marie-Christine and Marc's apartment is definitely worthy of five stars.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Location, Location, Location

Guest: Margaret K.
Date of Stay: 08/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

The location of this studio apartment is wonderful. We could walk to so many things. Notre Dame and San Chapelle were only a few blocks away and it was close to the metro and autobus. Looking out on the Seine from our apartment was quite a sight. Looking out at night was magical with all the lights on the boats and the Hotel de ville across the river all lit up. One of our favorite things was the pedestrian bridge at the end of the block which led to Ile St Louis. We would stand there in the evenings, looking at the river and listening to a musician playing either the violin or accordian, and one night a piano was out there! Such ambience! We found that Ile St. Louis had many wonderful restaurants and great ice cream (worth the wait in line). The studio was very clean and neat. It actually had a washer/dryer all in one unit which we did not use, but could have come in handy if needed. The fact that there was an expresso machine for early morning coffee and a refrigerator for our wine and cheese for an early evening appetizer before dinner was so wonderful. It had a full kitchen which would be great if you were staying for any length of time. The Murphy bed was motorized and very easy to use and the mattress was very comfortable.We felt like real Parisians living in the city instead of Americans staying in an American hotel. I would definitely recommend this apartment. We hope to return to Paris someday and this is where I would want to stay. Marc and Marie-Christine were wonderful hosts. They spoke perfect English and were very prompt answering our e-mails before we came. There are plenty of guide books in the apartment to help with ideas of what to do.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.

The Perfect Location!!

Guest: sue (mesquite texas)
Date of Stay: 08/03/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

What a special place to celebrate our 40th Anniversary!! The location is fabulous -the views of the Seine amazing and the studio itself has everything you could possibly need(it was very clean and had all the amenities you could want)!! It was far better than staying in a hotel. Marc and Marie Christine were perfect hosts, answering all our pre trip questions quickly and patiently and accessible if needed during our stay. It was wonderful to be within walking distance of so many sights. We decided to use the bato bus( a hop on hop off boat!)to take in all the sights. It was so relaxing cruising along the Seine to get to the museums and the Eiffel Tower. Paris is truly a City of Light and it was so much fun living like a local for a week in such a terrific location! Thank you so much Marc and Marie Christine for providing a lovely home for our romantic " honeymoon"!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.

We had the best time, in the best position in Paris.

Guest: Jenni & Darren (Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

The apartment was everything we wanted and needed. The views and position perfect. Marc and Marie Christine so helpful. We will be back, cheers Jenni and Darren

Owner response:Dear Jenni and Darren, Merci , merci , merci to you both for the delightful last evening that we shared together in the Marais , place Ste Catherine and I am so happy to inform you that our project of which we spoke together has become true as we signed for the apartment just above ours on Quai aux Fleurs with the terrific view on the Seine River and we expect that it will be renovated for end of 2011 ! Marie-Christine and Marc

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.

Perfect Paris Getaway

Guest: Koreen (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11 Review Submitted: 07/11/11

Thank you so much for having space for me in April! I had such a wonderful time in Paris and it all started at your place. Nicolas was there to meet me, answer all my questions, and point out all the sites close to home. Steps from the Notre Dame, the peaks of the Hôtel de Ville, Le Marais district to the north, and to the south, just a short walk to the bustling Latin Quarter and Boulevard Saint Germain. To the east, the Île de Saint Louis. A wonderful Parisian shopping experience with its patisserie’s, boulangerie’s, chocholate shops and restaurants. (I also had the most amazing ice cream at Berthillion!)To the west, the Louvre, so close. Nothing compares to the evening stroll on the many bridges of the river in the “City of Lights”! The next morning, even though it was still a bit cool , I could not resist throwing open the French windows, and admiring the view of the Seine. It looks like a postcard! It is what I had always dreamed that a Paris experience would be like. I cannot wait to return. If you are thinking of booking: Marc, Marie Christine and Nicholas were so friendly and accommodating that I felt very welcome from the first email I received from them. The apartment was the perfect size for one or two, with a very romantic view. Enough closet space to hang a few clothes and shelves for the rest. The quaint kitchen area had all the amenities you would need to create a meal. The bathroom had a shower large enough to move in (this was not the case in all the places I stayed in Paris!) Internet connection, television (even a few English stations), the small lift, and an international phone plan were all welcome. There is a nice selection of books on Paris, the South of France and tourist information. As well, a book of restaurants, and suggestions from other guests- very handy. Also, a metro station right on the Island, and many others close at hand. The apartment is very clean an comfortable (also, not always the case in Paris!) Truly , a well designed space in the heart of Paris.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, age 55+.

Paris In The Spring, 2011

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/26/11

My wife and I have travelled to France numerous times and always begin our trips with several days in Paris. Previously we have rented an apartment one block from Notre Dame each time we visited. This year it was not available and we feel so fortunate to have discovered Marie Chritine and Marc's ever so special apartment overlloking the Seine and the Hotel de Ville...only two blocks from Notre Dame. It was the perfect location, condition and had the best view imaginable. And Marie Christine and Marc were the pefect hosts, meeting us at the apartment and assuring that everything was provided for. We have recommended the apartment to several of our friends already in the States and we will assuredly plan to stay there ourselves the next time we visit.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Incredible view, great location, cozy well-equipped apartment -- it's wonderful!

Guest: AAL (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 06/07/11 Review Submitted: 06/23/11

We spent 9 nights in mid-June in this wonderful apartment. The location could not be more central to all the places that a visitor to Paris wants to go -- the Louvre, St Germain des Pres, the Marais, Ile St Louis. . . yet is very quiet. Though it's not huge, the apartment has everything that we needed - a comfortable bed, efficient kitchen, nice shower, washer/dryer, and an elevator for the mobility-impaired. But what makes this apartment so very special is the incredible view of the Seine. We'd return to the apartment after a day of sightseeing and relax by watching the boats on the Seine. Priceless! The owners are great people to deal with and were quick to respond to every e-mail that I sent before and during our visit. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in Paris!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.