Questions and Answers

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You may contact us at charmingparisapt@gmail.com 

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How will I find the apartment and get the keys when I arrive in Paris?

Prior to your departure you will be sent detailed instructions for arriving at the apartment. Our host will meet you at the apartment, give you the keys, and familiarize you with the apartment and the neighborhood.

 

Is there an elevator? What floor is the apartment located on?

The apartment is on the third and top floor and there is no elevator. There are two large landings, good handrails and bright hallway lighting.  Please note also that access to the apartment is by pedestrian access only (approximately 250 feet from either direction) and is paved in cobblestones.

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How big is the apartment? How many people will it accommodate?

The apartment measures approximately 40 square meters (approximately 420 square feet), and has a living room with double sleeper sofa, separate bedroom with queen-size bed, a large kitchen (for Paris) and a split bath: one bath has a sink, lots of storage, and a tub/shower, while the w/c in the entry has a toilet, sink, and storage. The floor plan allows one to three people to occupy the apartment comfortably.

 

Will I be able to cook in the kitchen?  How equipped is it?

The kitchen is a full kitchen and big by Parisian standards. There is a full size (French sized) refrigerator with a small freezer, a toaster, microwave, four burner induction stove, a large oven, a dishwasher and a washer/dryer combo. There is a drip-style coffeemaker and a French press too. The kitchen has everything you need to make your fabulous feasts.  Pots and pans, saucepans, a Le Creuset casserole, and various utensils. There are plenty of dishes, glasses,  and cutlery.  You'll also find aprons, tablecloths and placemats.

 

How much laundry will I be able to do?

There is a washer/dryer combo in the apartment.  However, French machines do not take the large loads many of us may be used to. Please do only small loads. Drying especially takes longer in French machines.  I am not exaggerating when I say one small load may take over 4 hours to dry completely.  A laundromat with huge, fast machines is only a block away, and we usually take our larger loads, bed linens, and towels there.

 

Is this a "Non-Smoking" apartment?     Yes, this is definitely a "Non-Smoking" apartment. 

 

Is there air-conditioning?  No. Like most historic apartments in Paris, the building does not support air conditioning units. We do have fans to keep you cool, and the 2 large casement windows can be opened very wide. Because the apartment is on the top floor, there is often a fresh breeze to cool things off. We also have a mobile A/C unit that you can set up.

 

Is there anything I should bring?

Because the apartment flooring is all hardwood and tile, it might be a good idea to bring a pair of slippers.  We provide tissues, toilet paper, laundry, dishwashing, and hand soap.  You should also bring your own shampoo and personal toiletries, though these are also provided.

 

Is the apartment appropriate for young children or pets?

The apartment is not appropriate for children under 12 years of age or for pets.

 

Does the apartment have cable TV and internet access?

Yes, it has a SMART TV offering many channels and you can access your Netflix and Prime Video accounts through the TV. The apartment has wireless internet access; you will need to bring your own laptop computer or other device. 

 

What about telephone usage at the apartment?

There is a landline telephone in the apartment. You can receive all incoming calls and make outgoing calls to local numbers, as well as landlines in the US, Canada and Europe.

 

Is the apartment quiet and safe?

The apartment is very safe and quiet because Cour Damoye is a private pedestrian street, and no cars, motorcycles or garbage trucks are permitted to enter. The front and back gates of Cour Damoye are locked at around 7:00 p.m. each evening, and access is restricted to residents and their guests through use of their keys and the intercom system. There are security cameras and a resident gardien, in case of emergency. In addition, the windows in the apartment are double paned.

 

What about insurance and liability for theft or damage to our possessions or injury to us?

You are responsible for obtaining accident and illness insurance coverage, and insurance for your personal possessions. Check with your insurance carrier before you leave, because these things may already be covered by your health and homeowner's policies. We cannot be responsible for damage to or theft of renters' personal property or personal injury or death of renters or their guests.

 

GETTING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

Where will I find groceries and other items I need to buy?

There are several good grocery stores and bakeries very near the apartment. Also, just across the street there is Paris’ largest open air market each Sunday and Thursday -- the Bastille market.  An Asian grocery store is about a block and a half away on Rue de Lappe.

 

Are there fun things to do nearby?

Yes! There are many night spots on Rue de Lappe, Rue de la Roquette and other places in the Marais and Bastille area.  The Paris Opera Bastille is right across the street! There are two multi-screen movie theaters within 5 minutes of the apartment, and they do feature English-language films. This area is known as the trendiest part of Paris right now.

 

GETTING AROUND THE CITY:

What is the closest Metro station?

Getting around town is easy since there is a Metro stop and three Metro lines (1, 5 and 8) at Bastille, steps away from the apartment. The closest Metro entrance is right outside the front gate of Cour Damoye, on Place de la Bastille.

 

What about taxi and bus service?

Several bus lines stop at Place de la Bastille. And the taxi station is just across the street in front of the Opera Bastille. 

 

How far is it to Place des Vosges, Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and other famous sights?

From the apartment it is a 5-minute walk to Place des Vosges and a 10- 15minute walk to the Seine and Île Saint Louis. The apartment is on the edge of the Marais and within easy walking distance to the Picasso Museum, the Carnavalet Museum and the home of Victor Hugo. It is a 15- 20-minute walk to Notre Dame and a short (10-minute) Metro ride on Line #1 directly into the ground floor entrance of the Louvre. To the right of the Opéra de la Bastille is the beginning of the Viadux des Arts (also known as the Promenade Plantée - a unique garden planted the length of an old railway viaduct, offering a pleasant stroll  or a run as far as the Bois de Vincennes at the eastern boundary of Paris.  It's Paris' version of New York City's High-Line.

 

I'm not familiar with this part of Paris, will I be able to find my way around?

The best part of this neighborhood is that it's outside the typical crowded tourist areas, but still so close to everything you want to see, and so vibrant with life. You will feel like a local in your own special pied a terre, yet you can be at the Place des Vosges in 5 minutes, or Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter in 15. Because you are steps from the Bastille Monument,  you only have to look up to see the Angel on top of the monument, to find your way home.  Also, you have the convenience of the Bastille Metro steps from your door.  Without having to change train lines, you can get to the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre,  Montmartre, and more, within minutes.