The building is in the style of a traditional Paris apartment house (circa 1900) in a quiet middle-class residential district that still has some single family row-house type units. It's in the 13th arrondissement somewhat southeast of the University area. The metro within five minutes' walk is Tolbiac, which is on the #7 line one stop south of Place d'Italie, where the avenue d'Italie meets the avenue des Gobelins (among other streets). The Gobelins tapestry workshop is the closest ‘tourist’ attraction. The #6 metro line (an east/west line that crosses under the north/south Gobelins/Italie avenues at the Place d'Italie) serves the Montparnasse train station to the west and the Austerlitz train station to the east.

Located here, south of the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. It's four flights up from the street with no elevator. (Think of it as a fitness program, because in Paris one walks so much anyway, and eats so well.)

The neighborhood has a number of boulangeries/ patisseries and a Monoprix for more extensive food (and other) shopping. The apartment is located near Paris's Chinatown (along the avenue de Choisy) so there are many, many Asian restaurants within easy walking distance, as well as some solid French ones. The rue Mouffetard, with its 'restaurant row,' is about a 20 minute walk (or metro plus 5 minutes).

The living room has a new sofa bed that sleeps two, as well as excellent reading lights and a TV (BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera broadcasts as well as French channels). The bedroom has a very comfortable queen-sized bed. The tub and sink are off the bedroom. The kitchen is equipped, including a small fridge, a microwave, a toaster, and a stove where one can cook (but mostly we just have breakfast there). The WC is off the entry.

The apartment would seem small if more than two are in it for more than a few days, depending on the compatibility of personal clocks and schedules (not to mention personalities!). I have stayed for up to a week with three in the flat quite compatibly and pleasantly.

The apartment contains a collection of guidebooks, maps, and a loose-leaf binder with information on a range of topics (where to find a laundry and internet access, restaurants in the neighborhood and elsewhere, favorite destinations of visitors, etc.). There is also a small collection of France-oriented books for recreational reading. It is great city to see by foot!

Note: The apartment is utilized quite a bit, so scheduling for the winner will be considered in light of already scheduled family and guests.

Available dates (2012): August 4-10, 11-17, 18-24.

Celebrity Resorts Queen Studio for 2: View of the water. Television with cable channels. Wireless Internet access (surcharge). In-room safe. Private kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, cookware/dishes/utensils, and coffee/tea maker. Ensuite bathroom with shower/tub combination. Bath amenities include hair dryer and complimentary toiletries. Clock radio and iron/ironing board. Air conditioning. Non-Smoking. More information on hotels.com.

Available dates (2012): July 13-20.