The Paris underworld

It's essential to check out your cave (cellar) properly when you are buying an apartment. This is the area in the bowels of your building which can be used to stock your wines but also, bikes, old furniture and often nomadic friend's belongings as the pass in and out of Paris in my case - ("Hey, you have a cave, can I leave some stuff for a month or two?"). So, they're a nice little commodity and not to be sniffed at. Always ask if there is one when sussing out a property to buy. It can also add value, even if you don't need it for storage yourself, it could be rented to a neighbour short of space.

Last week, on investigating a cave for a potential purchaser I was stopped in my tracks when I saw this notice posted to the door. Due to thefts, a number of caves had been protected by their owners with traps! I've braved some difficult situations for my clients, normally more likely to be negotiations with tetchy Real Estate agents, but this is ridiculous. Suffice to say I came out unscathed.

If you are considering storing good wine in your new cave it really is important to be sure that it is neither too dry or too humid or you will not do those fine wines any good.

Always check it out first, Caveat Emptor is a very important maxim here in Paris (as it is anywhere but you have been warned!).