Alain & Olivia's home is amazing. Every time we opened the motorized shutters that surround 2 walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, which face into the backyard, it was like a theatrical experience! Just beautiful! And both of them were equally remarkable hosts: they generously left us some wine and food, let us use their car to drive to the stores and train station at the town center, and answered any questions we had via text during our time in each others' houses. They even took care of our cats, reporting that they enjoyed them. Truly, Olivia & Alain are very charming and super cool people! For us, the pleasure of staying in their house made up for the distance from Paris, the center of which is about a 20-minute train ride away. Le Raincy is a sweet little town, and even though almost all the small shops are closed during August, the Mono-Prix is less than a mile away and open every day.

Great house - easy to stay in and relax in - well equipped - well maintained - warn friendly neighbors - everyone we met were helpful, interesting and inviting. An easy 30 minute train to Paris - easy driving to west coast, northern, and north eastern French sights and points of interest. Our house on our return presented as if no one had been here. We had the opportunity to meet our exchange partners and found them warm and open - we were able to get to know one another before our adventure started. Highly recommended!