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Review 2441: Owner, Artist-Owned Apartment

Recommended
Review by doggielover from CA

Studio apartment in 11th arrondissement, Paris

When

May 2006, 1 week

Location

Note from SlowTrav: We're not sure if this property is still availabe. The original website provided is no longer active. However, the artist can still be reached through his website, www.paire.com.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's close to Bastille and Marais. The closest metro stop (Ledru-Rollin) is one minute away. The Bastille metro stop is less than five minutes away on foot. You can even walk to Gare de Lyon (we did it with our rolling luggage) from there. It's almost right across the street from Chez Paul and Rue de Lappe but it's quiet as it faces the courtyard.

I love the area because there are many small boutiques and interior design stores around. You can also walk to Ile St Louis for a picnic lunch. To the west, you'll find Bastille and Marais and, to the east, you'll find a more residential part of Paris. Viaduc des Arts Promenade is about ten minutes away on foot.

Nearby Amenities

Monoprix and Francprix are only 1.5 blocks away. There is a good bakery on Rue Traversière. There are others on the north side of Rue de Charonne but we did not try them.

There are so many resturants around: Chez Paul, Bistrot Peintre, and many others on Rue Keller. I discovered a lovely and reasonably priced restaurant called La Connivence on 1, Rue de Cotte. At night, there are still plenty of creperies (not great, but fast-food type things that can fill your stomach) and small eateries. It's a yuppie neighborhood, a bit like West Village in NYC.

The House/Apartment

It's a small building with a courtyard. There are exposed wood beams in the apartment. I think it's very quiet as no windows face the main street.

Garden

There is a common courtyard but I didn't see anyone sitting or sunbathing there.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

The place is very clean and stylishly decorated. The owner is an artist and photographer; he has good taste. Lovers of modern design and art should really consider renting this place.

The bed is a full size and the couch is not a sofa-bed. The space is good enough for two persons. The dinning area can seat four.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The bed is pretty comfortable and the bathroom is equipped with a tub/shower combo. There is artwork displayed in the bathroom. Note that there is no shower curtain.

Kitchen

The kitchen is Paris-size. However, it's well equipped with a fridge (completely silent), dishwasher, washer, burners, silverware, and utensils. There is also an espresso machine.

Problems or Bonuses

It's not huge but has everything you need - washer, Internet, TV, kitchen. The owner (speaks pretty good English) and was very helpful in answering my questions. He accepts Paypal and so reserving is easy.

The only catch is that there is no elevator.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

I paid the rate stated in the website: 530E for 1 week.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

Yes, I will stay here again. The location is perfect. This place is great for a couple, but not for people with kids or those who hate stairs.

Things to do in this area

See above.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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