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Today's our last full day in Paris, and, I have to admit, it's a little bittersweet. Being here has been an experience beyond anything we imagined, and we've certainly fallen in love with this amazing, beautiful and complex city.
It feels like we've only scratched the surface in experiencing life in Paris, and yet, we're super excited to spend several more days with our family in London before heading home to North Carolina. And speaking of home, our home-away-from-home, a little flat (650 square feet) we rented in the heart of Latin District of Paris has become quite endearing to us.
Over the past week, we've found our way all over Paris; on foot, via the Metro, by taxi, and Uber cars. We've have experienced some of the big sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapel, Luxembourg Gardens, etc., but have also loved just living the Parisian life; strolling along the Seine, enjoying the parks, dining at quaint little bistros and restaurants, nibbling on gelato and chocolate, exploring grocery stores, department stores, flea markets, farmer's markets and street markets.
The best part of each day though, has been coming home to our delightful apartment. It's quiet, comfy and infinitely nicer than living in a hotel. We shared Part 1 of Our Little (very little) Paris Apartment a few days ago, so I thought I'd finish it up today and give you a tour of the rest of our little nest.
My favorite part of the flat (if I had to choose one), is probably the kitchen. It's the most compact, yet very workable kitchen I've ever experienced. There's a little built in dining table for two that overlooks the courtyard. It's perfect for lunch and clean up is super easy. I haven't had the time to cook a lot since we've been here, though I did make a pot of French Onion soup and we've enjoyed lots of simple meals consisting of a baguettes (notice I mention that first?), cheese, sometimes a bit of sausage and French olives. With all the gorgeous greens that are so readily available, I've also loved serving simple salads with a classic French vinaigrette that I learned to make here in Paris (recipe to come).
Although the kitchen has all the modern appliances a casual cook might need, everything is in miniature; the sink, dishwasher, stovetop and refrigerator. My favorite thing is the microwave/oven/broiler, which, surprisingly works fantastic in every mode!
Since pictures speak much more clearly than words, I'll let Scott's photography tell most of the story. Hope you enjoy Our Little (very little) Paris Apartment - Part 2.
We've had lots of inquires regarding how we went about securing our flat in Paris. While we were planning the trip, we checked out several of the major rental companies and decided to go with Paris For Rent. They were recommended by Rick Steves and have been wonderful to work with. They helped us through each step of the process and were great at responding to any questions or concerns that came up along the way.
When we arrived in Paris, their sweet greeter, Eleanor, oriented us to the apartment and made us feel at home. On the table we found a welcome bottle of wine, chocolates and a map to help us navigate the streets of Paris. The place was super clean, and had everything we needed including an ironing board, umbrellas and, what I call, a schlepper (a wheeled shopping cart to carry groceries, etc. home from the market). There is also a nice television that's set up for lots of English-speaking channels, though to be honest, we never even flipped it on once. We did take advantage of the phone which allowed us free calls to the U.S.
We would, in a heartbeat, spend another week (or two) in this charming little Parisian flat, but until we return, we created lots of wonderful memories and took a boatload of photos to be able to reminisce over. Oh, and speaking of photos, stayed tuned. Scott is putting together a post with some of our favorites; the famous sites, from his perspective, and lots of fun, unique, amazing shots of the city he captured through his lens.
Au revoir!! Merci for joining us on our travels!
P.S. Although I have affectionately called this flat "little" in my posts, it's not really little in terms of European standards, or even large U.S. cities like New York, where apartments are often much smaller and very cramped.
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Vivian says
WOW! Such a lovely virtual tour. Your accommodations were gorgeous compared to my recollections of Paris of my youth in 1975! Tiny hotel, five flights of cramped stairs, a brick wall view out the window. Wine bottle "chilled" in the toilet!! Ah...but OUTSIDE...the CITY! Never forget it.
Karen Y. Lynch says
What a beautiful photographic memory you are sharing with others.
You have reminded me of why my husband and I need to plan another trip to Paris.
Glad to have the Steves' resource. Thank you!
Sandra @ Heavenly Deviled Eggs says
I love your little Paris apartment! I think you made the wise choice by renting an apartment rather than staying in a hotel. Everything about your apartment is breathtaking, especially that garden courtyard!
When I was in college, I spent a summer in Bordeaux, France. I can still remember the perfectly manicured public gardens that seemed to be everywhere there. So lovely! I write a little bit about my experience in a blog post here: Provencal Deviled Eggs
Laureen says
That looks delightful, my way to travel. I can hardly wait until my husband retires and we can travel the world and stay in quaint little places like this.
Kathy says
Thank you Chris, for taking us along on your fabulous vacation in Paris! Happy Anniversary to you both! My hubby and I are thinking of a trip next year for our 48th. Although, I have never thought of renting an apartment. It looks like the perfect way to enjoy such a terrific city!
Love, love your photos…just beautiful!! Thanks for the tour!
Sandy Mun says
I have thoroughly enjoyed your visit to Paris. Each picture and description has been absolutely delightful. it has been about 18 years since Gretchen and I were there & we loved it too.
Susan says
It certainly looks like you found the perfect little apartment in Paris, Chris! It may be small but it's certainly packed with everything you need.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Chris, my dear! With such a stunning view, and all the possible sites to see in the city of lights, who would mind to stay in a small apartment with a tiny kitchen?
I am sure you and your husband enjoyed all Paris has to offer. When you can, please delight us with pictures of sites in Paris.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Tell me, if you make that soup in France isn't it just called 'onion soup'? LOL I love your little Parisian apartment and it's MUCH bigger than a Paris hotel room.
Patti O'Reilly says
Chris and Scott,
I love that place! It's perfect and so french! I'm sure Scott's photos enhance each detail too!
So happy for you both! What an awesome time and a great anniversary gift.
I can't wait to see and hear more!
I'll be checking out Paris for Rent next!
Warm Regards!
patti
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Sometimes I think these apartment dwellers in the big cities have it all figured out. So much less to take care of and more time to travel and enjoy the arts. Your photos are all wonderful and thanks for the tips. We often vacation in the smaller cities but I must say Paris sounds much more appealing after your posts Chris. Love it - thanks for sharing and happy travels!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Oh how I envy you! What a terrific way to see Paris -- or any other city. We've rented places like this before (although not in Paris -- yet!) and just love to travel like this. So nice to have a kitchen, isn't it? Really fun post -- thanks.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I have loved going on this adventure with you, Chris - and the next time i visit Paris, this will be my handbook --- I love seeing the details of your kitchen! Have a safe trip home 🙂
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a beautifully appointed little spot. It amazes me how they can fit so much functionality into such a small space. Love your cheese and bread set up too Chris!
Vicki Bensinger says
Chris your trip sounds wonderful. Paris is so charming and to spend it together in this quaint little apartment seems perfect. Everything looked so spic and span. I have to say though, 5 hours to clean one load of laundry - holy cow - that's a long time. I hope it had a decent capacity but I'd venture to say it did not. Oh well I'm sure that added to the charm and experience of your vacation.
I look forward to seeing the rest of your photos. If you still have a full day left and haven't yet been to Sacre Coeur it's well worth the visit.
Enjoy the rest of your stay and Happy Happy Anniversary.
Ginny Hartzler says
Oh no, so sad it is time to leave. I love your little jar, especially the beautiful green handle! The apartment is awesome! And they made the absolute most out of a small space. The bedroom looks big and beautiful. Do you think they sell that kind of little stove in the U.S.A.?
Mary Hirsch says
Chris and Scott, I loved this Tour Part #2 and will go back to your blog to read Part #1 which I missed. I am so happy you told us the square footage. I wondered if "very little" meant less square footage than my condo or more. My condo where I live now permanently is 940 square feet so mine is about 1/3 larger than your little doll of an apartment. It's interesting how I am adjusting to this "little" space. I am so happy you two had a wonderful 40th anniversary week - something to celebrate, that's for sure.
Kathy says
Thanks so much for sharing your week with us. Paris is my favorite city and I love all aspects of it. Your photo's and descriptions take me right back there. I can't wait to see his other photo's.
Always wanted to try an apartment and hope to do so one day when things are more certain. You made the experience sound wonderful.
Happy Anniversary to both of you.
Wendy says
I simply can not dream up a more wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary! Thank you for taking us along in words and images! This year is anniversary 35 for us.....I may have to contact you for more Paris details. 🙂
Pamela Jarrell says
I have enjoyed my trip to Paris while having my coffee every morning. Thanks for sharing!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
Very small, but very well organized! LOVE it!
Colleen says
Thank you so much for sharing, Chris! I laughed when I read about your microwave/convection oven and your washer/dryer combo's! I too experienced the same thing when we lived in Singapore a couple of years ago. It all took a while to get used to, but I learned to even bake everything in that little oven. As for the washer/dryer duo, I didn't have the patience for the dryer and just hung everything up to dry and then fluffed it up in the dryer after. I looked at the Paris for Rent site and found your cute little apartment right away! I have saved it for later! So happy you both enjoyed your trip!
dor0thy says
What a lovely, impeccably clean apartment. You must have had a wonderful memory filled journey.
Thanks for sharing with us...Safe travels home...
Dorothy