SurferGirl: Just for you, I promise to come back to this thread while we're in Paris and post a detailed description of the loo-flushing procedure! Does anyone else want any specific info about this apartment?

We have, in fact, sent in our contract and deposit on Apt #1 (aka the Ikea apt.) We are already imagining all that we might do to personalize it a little - if it looks like poster putty would be safe on the walls, we'll be out buying posters at the museums on Day One, and then we'll buy fresh flowers on the way back to the apartment!

I'll let you know how it goes. I can certainly tell you that Thierry of ParisBestLodge.com has been nothing but helpful, patient, and delightful to communicate with as we worked on narrowing this down.

We also bought our plane tickets last night. We couldn't resist the $560 fare from Montreal to CDG on ZoomAirlines. Montreal is only a 2-hour drive for us, and it saves us each almost $250 even after paying for airport parking for eight days, so we're taking the chance. Feel free to now share your Zoom travel tales, good and bad! (The name is so funny that I keep picturing the flight attendants running up and down the aisles with clown noses and bicycle horns...)

Again, merci mille fois for all your input. It is most appreciated!

- Jessica

hi, jessica,

looks like some good decisions have been made, all round.

our nearest main international airport is 3 hours away, so the journey to montreal doesn't sound too bad.

now you are booked, you can really start planning.

have a great trip,

regards, ann

Jess-

I've been following this thread and rooting for Apt #1. After years of "charm" that covered suspicious cleanliness, I stayed in an "Ikea" style place and found it so restful. The plain decor made a great excuse to get flowers on the first day, as Tomas suggested, and otherwise, I enjoyed the restful clean lines and plain colors and I hope you both will too!

I also really like how Apt 1 had the curtained "nook" as the second sleeping area. I've bookmarked it for the future and hope you guys have a wonderful time. Check out the restaurant Ma Bourgougne under the arches in the Place des Vosges. It is in Rick Steeves so you do see Americans often, but the steak tartare is oo-la-la and the atmosphere and friendly owner are delightful.

hi, jess,

talking about the place des vosges, do go to Victor hugo's house. It made a big impression on me 20+ years ago.

regards, ann

Hagan, I am very interested in the apartment you mention. I emailed Francine & she says it is available for our dates in October. May I ask you a few questions?

Was Francine reachable while you were staying there? I am thinking of emergencies, etc. What were the payment arrangements? Any extra fees? Did the financial details go smoothly?

Are all the amenities listed on the ad really there? Does the TV have any English stations? Any English DVD's? I know, I know--it's Paris, why would one be home watching TV? But I am traveling with my mom and we tend to do our exploring early in the day...

I realize you were there in winter, but without air conditioning, do you think there is enough ventilation to be comfortable on the 6th floor in warmer weather? Is there any view?

Finally, what is the building like? New, old? There is a lift, right?

We have always stayed in a hotel in Paris but, with the crashing dollar, this may be a lovely alternative. I told Francine I'd heard good things about her flat and she asked from whom. I'll tell her your name if you like. Thanks you so much for your help.

Jess -
I have to say I'm impressed with the parisbestlodge offerings. They have nice amenities, especially the apartments of your host. Price is higher than some, lower than others, all in all very fair, it seems.

Some apartments on the market look like they were vacated yesterday; by contrast, many of these seem to have been renovated yesterday. Antique charm can be great, but not worn out appliances and mattresses. So I'd definitely check out parisbestlodge when the time comes. Thanks.

Jess,
another Fodorite offered a link in a discussion on another thread that lead to a fellow named David Lebovitz, a well-known pastry chef living (at least part time) in Paris. He's got an interesting website with many tips, including Paris restaurants. Your an old hand there, but as it's your friend's first trip, she might enjoy his page, "My Paris."
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/paris.html