A Place in Paris

When we were in Paris last week we were really lucky to be able to stay in an apartment just off rue du Faubourg Montmartre. This was entirely thanks to our friend Di from Australia.

We have never used an apartment in Paris before, mainly because we go to Paris to relax and let someone else do all the running around - no cooking, washing up, bedmaking or cleaning involved when you stay in a hotel. We have to admit, however, that we really enjoyed being able to just buy a whole heap of food at the local Greek deli and slowly munch through the whole evening while watching TV, and all for less than the cost of one meal at a restaurant. It also meant that coffee wasn't a shock to the wallet that had to be endured every couple of hours!

The apartment is beautifully furnished: very stylish and full of real designer stuff, but comfortable as well (too many designers are guilty of making beautiful stuff that just doesn't work for people shaped bodies) and the sofa bed is one of the most comfortable beds I have slept in. There is wi-fi (and a resident mini-laptop) and about 70billion channels of TV. It's on the 5th floor, but there is a lift: especially welcome after a big dinner or when carrying shopping bags and suitcases.

We really enjoyed being close to the centre of town: we walked to les Halles one evening, and Printemps and Galleries Lafayette the next day. There are a number of Metro stations serving various lines within a 5-10 minute walk, and a velib (hire bicycle) station right outside the front door, which means that if you're feeling lazy or slightly foolhardy there is a range of transport options.

The English speaking owner, Pascal, and his partner have clearly thought hard about what works for a short break in Paris, and he was keen to get our feedback (all positive!) when we left.

The apartment's website is here.

Simon