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Bonjour!
It's only been three full days since we arrived in Paris, but we're already quite smitten by this beautiful city; and though we speak basically no French, are feeling just the teeniest bit like Parisians.
We've strolled the grand boulevards, wandered down quaint cobblestone streets and sauntered along the lovely river Seine to the tune of about 6-8 miles each day. And yes, we've found ourselves hopelessly lost a number of times, not even knowing how to ask for help or directions. Each day, by the time we've made the final climb to our third floor, little (very little) Paris apartment, our tired feet seem to be shouting, "Enough, enough already!"
But then, as we turn the key and catch the first glimpse of our little home-away-from-home, we seem to forget the fatigue, knowing we have a place to throw off our shoes, make a cup of tea or sip a glass of French wine, curl up on the couch and chill. That's when it's easy to pretend that we belong in this amazing "city of light".
This is the first view that would greet us after we'd turn the key and stumble into the apartment after a long day. So refreshing and delightful!
When Scott and I were planning this 40th anniversary trip to Paris, we both felt like renting a flat vs. living out of a hotel would be our preference for a week long stay. We're so happy we chose this route as it's been delightful as well as more economical than staying in a hotel and eating every meal out.
One of the things we've discovered over the years when traveling, is that the images you see in pictures of hotels or vacation homes are not always accurate representations. When you actually see the place in person, often there's a bit of reality shock. Have you ever had that happen? It's actually quite a let down. Not this time however: our little (very little) Paris apartment is actually way better than we ever anticipated!
The flat is little, but so efficient, interesting and well done. We thought it would be fun to take you on a pictorial tour to show you what we mean. Are you ready?
The building looks quite plain from the outside.
Peeking in the gate from the outside gives a tiny glimpse of the treasure that lies within.
The courtyard is incredibly pretty.
The building was actually a convent in the 18th century (hence the delightful courtyard) and some of the buildings date back to the 17th century. A really cool tidbit we found out is, that it was the inspiration for some of the stories in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables
We felt quite secure here with a double-gated system and security camera.
The apartment is actually on two levels. These are the stairs that lead down to the living area. The bedroom is on the upper level.
This is where we chill out and enjoy our time together at the end of each day.
Our delightful little breakfast table where we enjoy fresh croissants each morning that Scott runs just down the street to pick up. Of course the bread here is quite amazing too and never seems to disappoint!
The courtyard is a wonderful place for the families who live in the building to enjoy time together.
Oh my word! I'm not sure I ever really had a croissant before arriving here!
There are a zillion varieties of lovely bread here and tons of boulangeries (bakeries) to choose from.
The layers of deliciousness are unending!
Of course I was quite interested in the kitchen; are you surprised? But we'll share that fun little space in our next post. You won't believe the miniature appliances! There's also the bath and bedroom; simple, but just perfect for this little pair from North Carolina.
We're headed out for the day now, so I'm going to sign off. We love blogging from Paris but, at the same time, can hardly wait to get out each day and explore. So, until later, au revoir! We'll be back in your inbox soon, with Our Little (very little) Paris Apartment - Part 2!
Maria Harper says
Loved the post and recipes. As a Brit who grew up in London, who moved to the 'burbs', I always find it funny to see comments made about European home/property sizes. Most of us aren't living in huge homes, but are paying a fortune for properties. A 1,350 sq ft semi in the burbs is £750,000. Especially, those within commuting distance of London. Most people setting up home near London, don't expect more than a small flat. Average prices for that flat start at £400,000 / $555,000. I imagine Paris may well be the same. Small is relative to what you are used to.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Maria, you are so correct! And we are so spoiled here, in America! We dearly loved that little Paris apartment and London is one of our favorite places in the world. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Elizabeth Tippett says
I must have missed the Lemon Cake could you repeat it please it is my favorite flavour
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Elizabeth, here is the lemon cake- https://thecafesucrefarine.com/french-grandmothers-lemon-yogurt-cake/
Rose Carino says
Dear Chris,
I so enjoyed reading about your trip to Paris and the lovely flat you rented! It’s wonderful to live vicariously, especially now during these challenging times. You mentioned that you’d post a recipe for a salad vinaigrette that you enjoyed while in Paris, but I can’t find it. Would you direct me please?
Happy Holidays!🎄
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Rose! It's ture, we all have to live a little vicariously right now. Regarding the salad dressing, I never got it posted. But it's a classic French salad dressing that's served every in Paris and France. Here's a basic rendition:
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons good French Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
6 tablespoons good quality extra-virgin olive oil
Whisk together the shallots, vinegar, mustard and salt in a small bowl and let it sit for 8-10 minutes (this will remove any sharp flavor from the shallots). Slowly whisk in the oil until the dressing comes together. Taste and add a bit more salt and pepper, if needed. This will keep for 10 days-2 weeks in the fridge.
You can add some chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Doreen says
Hi Dear Chris,I hope all is Ok at your end. I enjoyed baking your easy lemon cake. It is tasty and delicious! I also enjoyed seeing your lovely little French flat. It brought sweet memories of home! Well done for your writing in describing your holiday...you reminded me of the lovely books I used to read when younger. Well done for all and Thank you for sharing. God Bless and Stay safe.☺😍
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Doreen! Paris is such a charming and lovely place to visit!
Michelle says
Your Little Apartment in Paris looks lovely. How did you find such a great place?
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Michelle! It was so charming. We looked at several rental agencies and ended up going with Paris for Rent. We were very pleased with their services.
Doreen says
Hi Dear Chris,I hope all is Ok at your end. I enjoyed baking your easy lemon cake. It is tasty and delicious! I also enjoyed seeing your lovely little French flat. It brought sweet memories of home! Well done for your writing in describing your holiday...you reminded me of the lovely books I used to read when younger. Well done for all and Thank you for sharing. God Bless and Stay safe.☺😍
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Doreen! What a sweet, kind comment! I appreciate you taking the time to write 💕
Andreas Lippa says
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your wonderful post in Paris and the Lemon Cake. Being in lock down and not having the chance to revisit Paris for a while, your cake recipe helped with the blues and gave me the French feeling. I tried the cake a few times and just love it. Last time I added 6 small passion fruits to the dough and also doused the cake in a mixture of lemon and passion fruit juice - delicious.
Merci Bien
Andreas Lippa
Chris Scheuer says
De rien, Andreas! I'm so happy you enjoyed both the cake and the post 💕 Your adaptation with the passion fruit sounds delicious!
Olga Pringle says
Dear Chris, firstly I love the Lemon Cake have made it several times since I found your recipe, thank you.
Do you think you could tell me the names of the little flat you rented in Paris. My daughter and I are hoping to go to Paris in July. I would appreciate your help.
With my thanks and best wishes.💕
Olga Pringle Sydney. Australia.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Olga, thanks so much! I'm so happy you've enjoyed the French Grandmother cake!
How fun, to go to Paris with your daughter. July would be a lovely time to visit. We rented our flat through Paris for Rent. It was in the Latin Quarter and the name was Sorbonne. It was a delightful area of Paris and easy to get around to see the rest of the city via Uber, the Metro or walking. Have a wonderful trip!
Olga Pringle says
Thank you so much for letting me know. I am 78 and not too good on emails etc and didn't see your reply until now. Sorry for the belated thank you, will let you know how I go
With my thanks and best wishes. Olga. 💕🌺
Olga Pringle says
Hi Chris, do you remember I said my daughter and I were hoping to go to Paris for 8 days. Well we went and thanks to you stayed in the Latin quarter at a wonderful little hotel called Melia Norte Dame, just the best spot. We had the best time and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Paris would have to be the most beautiful city. Everything about our holiday was just wonderful, couldn't have been better. I hope to celebrate my 80th there with family. Thank you and my favourite lemon cake for helping us decide on Paris.
With my best wishes. Olga Pringle, Sydney, Australia.💕💕
Mary Morrow says
I would love to know the name of the apartment you stayed in could you please post it or send it to my email address. Many thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Mary, we rented through Paris for Rent - https://www.parisforrent.com The name of our apartment was The Sorbonne.
Esme says
I came over here from Monique's blog. I know where you are-my Dad and I went looking for the Curie institute-this looks like a lovely apartment. Who did you rent from?
Chris Scheuer says
We rented through Paris for Rent - they're based out of San Francisco, but are very helpful and worked well with us.
Terri Jones says
Chris & Scott--- beautiful apartment. Makes me think I was along with you. Question for you, my husband and I are planning to see Italy in 2 yrs and we would love to rent a flat like you did as well. How did you find it? VRBO? AirBnB? Craigslist? Or did you use a travel agent? I absolutely loved the quaint charm oozing from your pictures and hope to make the lemon cake this afternoon. Thank you for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Terri, we just looked online and found Paris for Rent, they were great to work with.
janelle says
Thank you for this wonderful post and lovely pictures! I saw much more of Paris than I have ever seen through photos before. I have 2 questions: What kind of camera and lens did you use? How did you come across the apartment for rent? Thanks in advance!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Janelle! Scott here. I shoot with my "big boy" camera; a Canon 6D - it's a full frame camera and really turns out beautiful shots, even in limited lighting environments. The lens is the Canon EF 24-105mm 1.4 zoom lens. For food photography, I also use a Canon EF 50mm 1.4 primary lens and a Canon EF 100mm 2.8 macro lens for tight closeups.
Amy Tong says
Thank you so much for the tour! What a lovely and beautiful place. I miss Paris. I visit last summer and always longing to go back again! So nice to see your post.
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
Chris, you're seriously making me want to plan a trip to Paris!! I haven't been in so many years! Your apartment looks lovely, and I think you must live in a very big house because that little apartment doesn't look quite so little to me! 😉 Hope you're having a wonderful time!
Sandra says
Your little (very little) apartment is very quaint and cozy. It's beautiful!
Monica says
I am so happy and lucky to have landed here today...first of all, happy 40th anniversary to you and your husband. What a beautiful way to celebrate; I couldn't imagine a more romantic getaway than with my husband in Paris and in a cozy apartment. And what a gorgeous apartment it is! I would never want to leave! : ) Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your very special holiday.
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Wow what a gorgeous courtyard and breakfast overlooking tat courtyard sounds like a dream! Thanks so much for sharing this quaint and gorgeous apartment and trip with us, Chris!
cheri says
Beautiful place Chris, Happy 40th!!!
jenny says
This is my first time reading one of your blogs, normally i simply admire the fod related ones. But reading this particular gave me a sense e of happiness and utter content. It inspires me, and I truly look forward to Part 2 >_< 🙂
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a beautiful little spot Chris. I wish I could steal Scott's seat at your breakfast table and dig into to those treats looking out at the view. Can't wait to see the rest of the place.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
What a charming space, the perfect home away from home!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
By Paris standards, your place looks huge. 🙂 I'm so glad you're sharing your romantic anniversary with us.
Chris Scheuer says
Stay right here Tricia, we've got a lot more to come!