Description
This is the Grands Boulevards area of Paris with its stunning Haussmann buildings as well as the wonderful Grands Magasins of Galeries Lafayettes and Printemps. It is a lively, diverse area which plays host to typical working "Parisiens", shoppers, bankers, lawyers as well as tourists. Famous past residents of the area include writer Alexander Dumas, composer Hector Berlioz, film director Francois Truffaut, and painters Edgar Degas and Henri Toulouse Lautrec.
Rue de Bellefond is named after Madame de Bellefond who was abbess of Montmartre in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The quiet cobblestone street sits 12 meters above rue Pierre Semard and straddles it by means of a bridge. By descending the 80 steps or so from the bridge, you can reach one of the prettiest green areas in the 9th district, Square Montholon. The Sacre Couer basilica and the picturesque streets of Montmartre are also within easy walking distance.
There is a bakery at the end of the street, less than a minute away on foot. There are also plenty of neighbourhood shops close by and of course food markets within walking distance at Anvers and Cadet. Rue des Martyrs, one of the best gastronomical experiences in Paris, is just over a five minute walk away. With five boucheries, a couple of charcuteries, three fromageries, two wine shops, several boulangeries and a few pâtissieries, it's almost impossible to return home empty-handed.
The metro stop "Poissonniere" is almost on the doorstep, just at the end of the street and less than a minute's walk away. From there on the 7 line, it's just three stops to the Opera and the most famous department stores in Paris, with the Louvre and Pont Neuf just a few stops further. There are also some excellent bus routes on rue La Fayette.
Gare du Nord is just over a five minute walk away so if you've had enough of Paris, you might consider taking the 2 ½ hour trip on the Eurostar to London for lunch. Brussels is only 1 hour 20 minutes away.
To travel to Charles de Gaulle airport, both the train from Gare Du Nord and the Roissy bus from the Opera are easily accessible.
A tiled entrance to the building leads to the first of two meticulously maintained courtyards where the live-in concierge keeps her wonderful plants.
An elevator just before the first courtyard takes you to the third floor (North American fourth) where our apartment is easy to find as it's the only one on the floor.
With two double bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen with dining area, a bathroom with separate WC and a storage room, this wonderful Parisian flat has all the comforts required for a relaxing stay in the most beautiful city in the world.
Lovingly restored and maintained with period ceiling mouldings, original herringbone parquet flooring throughout and a modern fully-equipped kitchen, this lovely apartment is a perfect pied-à-terre.
With windows both to the courtyard and facing south to the street, it is filled with natural night from dawn until dusk.
Upon entering the apartment, the first thing you may notice is the pretty bright red crystal chandelier in the hallway.
There is also a Louis XV style half-moon table with an original art-deco lamp and a gilt mirror above.
Salon Sofabed
The living room features an original marble fireplace and has a double window looking onto the quiet street below. There are three comfortable armchairs along with a leather sofa which converts to a full sized double bed with spring mattress which can sleep two adults very comfortably.
There is a Louis XV style desk with an antique brass reading lamp which is perfect for working on your laptop or writing postcards to friends.
With a Philips LCD TV and a home cinema system with surround sound for use when you are too tired to participate in Parisian nightlife, this is truly a home away from home. We have a collection of movies which were filmed in Paris so you can continue to enjoy the sights and sounds after a long day.
The TV cable provider is Noos digital service which has over 100 channels including English ones such as CCN and BBC World.
There are some games and plenty of English books to browse through. The walls are decorated with early 20th century prints of 18th century French engravings.
Kitchen Kitchen with dining table
The kitchen has been completely renovated and is fully equipped with full size oven, hob/cooktop, dishwasher and refrigerator with freezer.
One very good reason to stay in an apartment in Paris is to live like a Parisian and shop for fabulous food to prepare at home.
With double windows to the courtyard, a round antique "lions-paws" dining table, antique crystal chandelier and seating for up to six people, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a few bottles of wonderful French wine with a delicious dinner.
Queen bedroom Chaise longue
The first bedroom is tastefully decorated in red with a queen sized bed beside which stands an original art-deco marble-topped locker.
Just behind the door, there is a glamorous gilt Louis XV style chaise-longue with two gilt-framed silk paintings above it.
A charming inlaid chest of drawers, also in Louis XV style, and built-in shelving provide storage for clothing.
To the left of the window, there's a pretty red armchair and to the right, there's an original caricature drawing from the well-known early 20th century Alsace artist, Jacques Gauchot.
Double bedroom
The second bedroom has a double bed along with a large Louis XV style inlaid chest of drawers.
On either side of the window, there are beautiful antique Louis XV armchairs. There are two bedside lockers which are convenient for storing personal items.
Two prints of paintings by the Scottish artist William Q. Orchardson, which are over 100 years old, hang on your left as you enter the room.
With wonderfully luxurious goose-down duvets and almost no noise from the street outside, it's extremely easy to collapse into bed and enjoy a restful night's sleep after a day of sightseeing.
For extra storage, there is a walk-in wardrobe/storage room just off of the hallway.
This contains plenty of hanging space for clothes and coats, as well as ample room for suitcases and shopping bags.
Bathroom Toilet
The bathroom contains a full size bath with shower overhead and a towel-heater.
The washbasin sits in a black granite countertop with two well-lit mirrors above it.
The large window to the courtyard lends a bright and airy feel to the room. The washing machine is stored underneath the countertop.
As is common in Paris, the WC is in a separate room next door to the bathroom.
Once inside, you'll notice some ingenious and convenient magazine storage which we inherited from the previous owners.
This perfectly proportioned apartment has everything you need to ensure a wonderful holiday in this beautiful city.
We hope you that you enjoy your stay.
