Shelter from the Storm
Submitted: March 17, 2013
Stayed: March 2013
My husband and I arrived in Le Marais by train (we had flown into Paris from the US a few days earlier and taken the train to Strasbourg for a few days) on a cold and snowy Monday after many months of grief. (His father had died unexpectedly during the summer.) Walking up old wooden steps, we opened the apartment door into a warm, exquisite little pocket of romance in Paris and smiled. Delightful details abounded - simple, but noticeably tasteful. The small kitchen was perfectly appointed for cooks and we found great pleasure in the challenges of cooking our meals using two burners. Every day, we looked forward to time spent visiting the collection of markets JUST OUTSIDE the door. There, we chose our cheeses, meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, chocolates, breads, pates, and our wines. One night, we needed more wine - my husband looked out the window to see if the wine shop was still open - it was - and he rushed across the street to see what our next wine should be. Most of the market men and women did not speak English, and this was fun, too! There was a lot of pointing and smiling. We enjoyed a beautiful snowstorm in Paris in March! And warmed ourselves with a drink in the cafes all along the street late at night after dinner. It was easy to find the metro stations - one day we had a cooking class in Montmartre and used the metro. Another day we rode to visit the Jacquemart-Andre Museum (opulent bling - gorgeous!) then walked down the Champs Elysees, then to the Eiffel Tower, and rode the metro back to Le Marais. Walking around Le Marais was a cinch - we visited the Carnavalet Museum - a new favorite! And one day we met our daughter to visit the Holocaust Memorial - a necessary heartbreaker. It was easy to walk to Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle (my favorite). The neighborhoods and small streets of Le Marais are irresistable.
The only thing that didn't work out is that our views to the gardens (as depicted in the pictures) from the bedroom and kitchen were blocked for now. I am a garden designer and when we travel, my husband often has to work a few hours, so it is nice if there is a separate room where I can also work and write. I hoped to sit by a window and write with a quiet view of a garden.
But - Le Marais is a treasured area of Paris and there must always be some kind of restoration going on.
Paris did not disappoint us, even with snow! This apartment was a great value and a lovely work of Parisian "heart" art. Just go!
Recommended for:
Adventure Seekers,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Thank you, thank you for such an adorable comment. You totally made our day. We're thrilled to read that you enjoyed our neighborhood and our little apartment so much.
Once again, we're sorry the renovation of one side of the building prevented you from the view of the garden...It takes longer than planned, but that means the apartment will be even nicer, and that you will have to come back to enjoy it even more!
We'll be happy to have you back.
Julie and Fabrice
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