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The apartment . . . is on the top floor of an 18th century Haussman style building that blends with the lovely architecture of the fifth arrondisement. It is adjacent to the historic Eglise St. Medard and steps to Metro station Censier-Daubenton, which is only minutes by Metro from any of the train stations or the Chatelet station where one may transfer to the RER B and ride to Charles de Gaule airport. It is also a five minute walk to the Jardin des Plantes with its wonderful zoo and adjacent Gare d'Austerlitz. It overlooks Maple trees on the side of Place Bernard Halpern, a small plaza bordered by quiet sidewalk cafes, shops and restaurants. It is equipped with decorative fireplace, stove, and all new appliances including washer-dryer, coffee maker, microwave oven, refrigerator, telephone, answering machine, television, VCR (European SECAM format), stereo, king-sized bed, table and chairs, very large armoire for hanging clothes, linen, towels, bath tub and American style shower with plenty of hot water and excellent water pressure, plates, dinnerware, cooking pots and pans, glassware and utensils. The bed folds into the wall unit for added space during the day. The kitchen is equipped with all utensils, glassware, and kitchenware one might need, and has a small electric stove, refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave oven. The telephone may be used for local calls or to call anywhere you wish with your "ticket" telephone card, which can be purchased at any Tabac. The apartment has electric heat and three windows for excellent ventilation. Bring your own toothbrush; everything else is there for you! The studio is owned and lovingly maintained by an American who understands the fragile beauty of this part of Paris and visits whenever he gets a chance. For photos of the interior click ici. Dozens of Americans have stayed here over the past few years, but I've only just implemented a guest book with some of their comments. The owner's representative will meet you at the apartment to give you the key and entry code, answer any questions, and provide an overview of the area. He is a native of Paris but speaks very good English, and is available 24-hours per day in case of any emergency or problem you may encounter during your stay in Paris. He'll give you the real scoop on getting around and eating in Paris and can, for an added fee, meet you at the airport and transport you to the flat or lead personal tours of area attractions. The building is only steps from a large American style supermarket, coin operated laundromat, large public underground parking garage, health club, bank, automated 24-hour video rental shop, several ATM machines linked to your US bank, two major bus lines, and the Metro line 7. All of these modern conveniences have been integrated into the local architecture without garish or obtrusive signage. Additionally, there are at least four cafes and five restaurants within 100 yards of the front of the building, and wonderful boulangeries, a large assortment of wine and cheese shops, bistros and brasseries, and the greatest variety of ethnic restaurants in all of Paris within a five or ten minute walk. For the quintessential Paris experience, you need go no further than the famous rue Mouffetard during a market day and stroll along with the crowd. Unlike American cities, Paris is very concentrated with more consideration given to pedestrian than vehicle traffic; many of the sights and popular places are very close together and within strolling distance of the Latin Quartier. For a quick escape from the bustling streets of Paris, stroll five minutes to the Jardin des Plantes or fifteen minutes to the Jardin Luxembourg, where Ernest Hemingway first met Gertrude Stein. A little bit longer stroll or a 10 minute jog brings one to the banks of the Seine, the Notre Dame and le Marais with its amazing Hotel de Ville in the center of Paris. If you seek a hotel experience, have difficulty climbing stairs, need to smoke in your room, or wish to spend your time in Paris surrounded by American tourists, I suggest staying in one of the many fine hotels Paris has to offer. There are many near the Louvre, Bastille, or Eiffel Tower (each only 15 minutes away by Metro or bus). There are also some nice two star hotels around le Mouff, starting at around 90-100 Euros per night for one person (hotels never include tax and extras in quoted rates, so add about 15%). Also, if you intend to have loud parties or blast the stereo, this is not the apartment for you. The neighborhood, though very popular with Parisian students and young professionals, is quiet and serene; the church bells do not ring at night, many residents sleep with windows open, and excessive noise is not appreciated. On the other hand . . . if you want to stay a while and truly experience the amazing feeling of walking the quaint and charming streets that have been inhabited by so many of the greatest thinkers and creators in human history while living much the way they did, stroll under the trees and historic eaves of the oldest part of Paris amidst early morning dew while the luxurious scents wafte across from bakeries and cafes then please be my guest at le vieux Paris! |