It is not our first stay in Paris, but the first one where every member of our family said that the next time we come to Paris, we should stay in the same place. The location is, simply, ideal - 250 yards via Rue de Bievre to Seine embankment right behind the Notre Dame; a short walk up the hill to St. Etienne du Mont and Pantheon, a walking distance to Ile St. Louis and Luxembourg Gardens. The metro station, Maubert, is literally 30 yards away. And yet, despite being so close to everything, the neighborhood feels lively and residential and not “touristy” (in a bad sense of it) at all. Both Carrefour and Franprix are within 3 minute walk if you want to have breakfast at home instead of going out. La Parisienne, the boulangerie in the next building down Blvd. St. Germain, sells the best croissants around - and we have tried a few (also, their tarts…. I will miss them!).

The apartment is located on the 3rd floor with the tiniest elevator I have ever seen (yet, perfectly sufficient for 2 people - or three, if they use it before dinner). The view from windows is marvelous - lively Place Maubert and Boulevard St. Germain, with the dome of the Pantheon visible in the distance. As many people have noted already, the windows block out the noise from the outside quite well, and we were able to have restful sleep every night we were there. WiFi and all the kitchen equipment worked great - no issues at all. The small balcony allowed us to enjoy a cup of coffee sitting outside, people watching. Sure, the shower takes a little bit to get used to, but I am nitpicking. Two thumbs up to this apartment and its gracious owners; we loved it there and we hope to come back again.