PARIS / Rue Petion Apartment

So, what's wrong with small and high rise block? Most Parisian accommodations are both small and are in blocks of apartments. The reviews are glowing.

I think Steve might be suggesting the VRBO photos and pictures on Google maps don't match up.

The gardens could possibly be at the rear of the block, accessible to all residents? You could email and ask the owner.

Kay

Hi Steve,

Since this is only a studio flat it may feel small, especially if properties in Australia are quite spacious.

The flat looks very nice and cosy. I think you will appreciate the private garden (provided its not raining) in the morning with a hot cup of coffee in your hand!

45 square meters is not bad.

Hi m2dm,

Just to get back on track - I'm more than happy with a studio. I'm more than happy with 45 square metres. I love the idea of a private garden!

My concern is - as Kay has recognised - that this VRBO listing is legitimate? Looking at the Studio images, I could imagine the location being in a secluded, leafy, suburban area a long way from central Paris. However, when you look up the street view on Google Maps:

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=27+Rue+P%C3%A9tion,+Paris,+France&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=48.859463,2.380911&spn=0.000014,0.013894&sll=48.859469,2.380890&layer=c&cbp=13,261.09,,0,16.59&cbll=48.85946,2.380909&hnear=27+Rue+P%C3%A9tion,+75011+Paris,+%C3%8Ele-de-France,+France&t=m&z=17&vpsrc=0&panoid=tj4__rBN9oqK7l4ilcp3cA

It seems to belie that this building could contain such a lovely studio.

So, the main reason for the post was to hopefully find someone who had actually stayed here. I could then rest assured.

Sorry for not explaining myself better.

Thanks again and keep the replies coming.

Regards,

Steve

Perhaps you could search on google earth and see if that shows a garden. It's a butt ugly street that's for sure, but it doesn't matter if it really is as pretty inside as it seems.

Hello Steve - FWIW it's one [of many] I've had bookmarked for a while and probably on the strength of recommendations here, so with a bit of luck you may get a first hand reassurance or two when the North Americans are back on the forum in a few hours. We Antipodeans never cease to be amazed what's hidden away behind the doors to European apartment blocks and in their courtyards, but of course it's always a good idea to check things out as you are doing.

Steve - there's a good recommendation of the apartment in this thread -

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-11th-apartment.cfm

And here's a useful review on Slow Travel -

http://www.slowtrav.com/france/vr/review.asp?n=4376

I know the owner and his pictures are accurate.I've wanted to rent it several times but it is always booked or he is using it himslef!

Steve, we are renting this apartment in May with our grandson and I can assure you it's legitimate. We visited the owner in the apartment a few years ago and sat in that lovely garden and had champagne and strawberries. It was totally quiet and peaceful and you forget that you are in middle of Paris.

The apartment is on the ground floor of a small apartment building and the garden is totally private for your use. There are good public transportation options nearby, as well as bakeries, cheese shops, supermarkets and the Bastille market is about a 10-15 minute walk. We are really looking forward to our time there with Sebastian and showing him the city we love.

Jo

Hi Steve -

If you go back to your own google map link, then click on the "Satellite" button in the upper right hand corner of the map to change the view to an aerial view, voila! there is your garden between the buildings - if you zoom in you can get an even better view of the green space.

I had noted this apartment several times from mentions on this message board, and I am going to be staying there in March. I'm looking forward to staying in this neighborhood, which will be a new one for me. I have liked the parts of the 11th arrondissement where I have ventured in the past.