Mireille's apartment is full of charm and character. The space is well curated, with plenty of room to chill and everything one needs all within 400 square feet. I loved the art, the lighting, the sconces, the comfy bed, and the details of the building like wood beams on the ceiling and a wood closet. The location is great, a short walk to the Bastille Market on Sundays and Thursdays. And Chez Paul just a few doors down provided a fantastic dinner on my last night in town. Other great restaurants within ten minutes walking, and lots of shopping. Metro is just around the corner.
The apartment is located on a street that is calm by day, but at night becomes a giant bar scene. It was a little shocking at first, but fortunately the double-paned windows keep the noise to a minimum (and I sleep with a white noise machine on that drowned out the rest of it).
I believe this was my first time staying in a place that is someone's actual living quarters when they're not renting it out. As such, there were more personal items around than I'm used to seeing, but I managed to move things aside when needed to make space. I think the owner had been out of town for an extended stay so there had been other travelers before me, and while everything had obviously been cleaned for my arrival (bathroom, kitchen, etc), I did take a microfiber cloth to dust off the little clock and shelf just by the bed where your head lays. But other than a little clutter and dust, everything was so super charming and comfortable. And she has everything you would need to have a night in for dinner and wine at the cute cafe table in the kitchen. It really felt like home after my first night and for the rest of my stay. It's a great size for one or a couple. Always felt safe.
Mireille doesn't speak English (and I studied a French language program for about 5 weeks prior to coming so I can hardly communicate in French either), but since she was out of town her friend Isabelle greeted me when I arrived, and fortunately she did speak English. Between the two of them, all my questions were answered quickly and the communication was easy and clear. Google Translate became my go-to for our electronic communications when necessary.
All in all, if you are looking for a real taste of what it would be like to live in Paris as a Parisian would, I recommend this lovely, sweet apartment.