Top 10 Paris Perfect Apartment Rentals for a Soirée Privée
Bonjour friends, ça va ? I hope your summer’s in full swing and you’re savoring delicious August.
It’s been pretty busy this summer with trips and guests and tours and clients and friends. I split my time between Paris and Miami and always keep an eye out for apartments to stay in, and lately for spaces that could work as petite venues too. We’re planning to host a sort of a modern Salon this spring in Paris with events and dinners, and apartments work well because of the intimacy they offer, the luxuriousness of having a real home and the joy of being able to cook, converse, share ideas and entertain. (Quietly and respectfully bien sur)!
I’ve had the pleasure of staying in some of the apartments on this list thanks to my colleague and friend, Madelyn, of Paris Perfect Apartment rentals. Madelyn is a legend with all that she does to restore, renovate and rebuild some of the most interesting and exquisite apartments in the city. All for our pleasure! Paris is her passion and she’s worked tirelessly to bring us the full experience by considering every 5 star detail. She also has a youTube channel where you can see her process. This was her first episode and it’s packed with good stuff!!
So…in celebration of our 10th year of camaraderie, it’s my honor to surprise her with a showcase some of my personal favorite ParisPerfect apartments that would be a dream for entertaining, creating and making memories. Some of these are contenders for the upcoming salons. Each has a different vibe and was chosen for the state of the art kitchen and bath, gorgeous decor and that overall glorious Paris Apartment feeling. Some are long term, all have different styles and capacity, but each has an undeniable charm that begs to be enjoyed and adored! Let’s dive right in:
BEAUNE
How could we not fall in love with this sweet apartment with French doors and muted tones? The open air layout still with separate rooms is beyond elegant in this petite space. A great place to entertain with a big table, lots of light and antique accents.
Two luxurious bedrooms have been beautifully remodeled to include central heating, and a fully-equipped kitchen with modern appliances. Both bedrooms have quiet courtyard views and air conditioning for warm nights in Paris. The Beaune is located in the 7th arrondissement on Paris’ Left Bank and is surrounded by chic cafés, boutiques, restaurants and open markets.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/beaune.php
CHATILLON
Definitely one of my faves, but then I’m a sucker for floor to ceiling windows and an original mantle mirror. Toss in a chandelier, that deep plum velvet and the view, what’s not to love? And there’s enough space to have separate convos including the terrace that can be accessed by both rooms.
Set in the 7th arrondissement, the Chatillon is a magnificent two bedroom in a spectacular neighborhood. The balcony can be entered from the living room or dining room for incredible Eiffel Tower views. This spacious apartment features gorgeous décor, an ultra modern kitchen and two comfortable bedrooms overlooking the courtyard. Every detail in this deluxe apartment has been carefully finished, from the intricate details of the historic woodcarving to the exquisite marble in the bathrooms.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/chatillon.php
LUSSAC
With all the opulence and design in Paris, it’s nice to find an apartment like this with wood beams, wide plank floors and natural elements. Compact yet exactly what you’d need with comfy chairs and ample dining table. The pretty kitchen is separated which adds to the ability to have multiple goings on at once.
Lussac is a one bedroom in the heart of the Latin Quarter, a lovely neighborhood with an open-air market. It’s a peaceful setting to enjoy the charm of Parisian life while being just a stroll from the Seine, Notre Dame, fabulous food, shopping, and all the best of the lively Latin Quarter. Set in a building dating from the 1600s, it features historic stonework, original tiles and beautifully restored wooden beams throughout that add so much character. Not to mention the antique chandeliers, gorgeous tile work and antique armoire doors that are built into the kitchen and bedroom!
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/lussac.php
ALOXE
This is such a fabulous apartment, although only available for long term stays. Not a bad place to call home with its giant windows, chevron floors and balcony…and it’s a fantastic place for a small group to cook and converse comfortably.
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The Aloxe offers everything you need for a comfortable long term stay, including air conditioning in the two bedrooms, a 5th floor location with elevator, and a light and airy open plan living room, dining room and kitchen. The fully equipped kitchen is designed in the angle of the dining area, making meals easy to prep and enjoy with family and friends. Each of the two bedrooms is beautifully designed and features an en suite bathroom. Large windows throughout and its upper floor setting means loads of light all day long. Beautiful architectural details, crown molding, marble fireplace mantels, shimmering chandeliers and elegant Parisian style are all packed in to this lovely apartment.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/aloxe.php
BEAUJOLAIS
This apartment has big green trees out the windows and the cozy bedrooms with baths that are just divine. There are 3 tall windows that open onto a beautiful street where you can see the Eiffel Tower. The living and dining room have an open plan making it easy to work and entertain at the same time.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/beaujolais.php
Beaujolais is a gorgeous two bedroom, two bath in the charming 7th arrondissement on Paris’ Left Bank. It’s been fully remodeled and features a beautifully decorated living room, a lovely dining area, spacious kitchen and en suite bathrooms in both bedrooms. The sofa in the living room opens to create two single beds. With an additional half bath, Beaujolais comfortably welcomes up to five guests.
CLOS-JOLIE
It’s hard to describe this apartment because it’s a really interesting duplex but suffice it to say that it’s one of the most unique spaces in Paris. It’s great for dinner parties and events because there are multiple rooms and places for smaller conversations. The decor, the floors and the windows make it even more enticing and an excellent space for a meeting of the minds.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/clos-jolie.php
In the heart of Paris’ 1st arrondissement, the Clos Jolie is a fully remodeled 3 bedroom apartment. It features a modern kitchen, elegant and comfortable living room and gorgeous dining room. The first bedroom overlooks the quiet courtyard of the historic building. The Clos Jolie features a mezzanine level with two bedrooms and a bathroom.
LALANDE
Warning: You may not leave this apartment as it has everything you could want and more! Floor to ceiling windows, open plan for entertaining, table for 6, wrap-around balcony and the view! I also like that there are 3 bedrooms and 2 are upstairs.
Lalande is a three bedroom duplex on Paris’ Left Bank. An open-plan living and dining room with traditional French design and a warm neutral palette emit style and elegance. A second living area to the rear of the property provides a great spot for putting your feet up. The fully equipped kitchen has all you’ll need for preparing meals. Adjoining the living room, you’ll find the first bedroom, complete with a cute writing desk and large French windows. Upstairs are two more bedrooms. The pièce-de-résistance is the wrap-around balcony, wide enough for a bistro table, with Eiffel Tower views.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/lalande.php
CAVAILLES
J’adore this apartment for the architecture, windows and walls and doors and floors! Not to mention the bedrooms…however this is a long term rental…which might not be such a bad thing…especially with 3 bedrooms. it’s the perfect place for a small group to stay comfortably and the huge living and dining rooms are separated which makes it great for separate activities.
This spacious three bedroom apartment is the epitome of Parisian living. Situated in Le Marais, Cavailles is surrounded by authentic and thriving markets, shops and bistros. It’s packed full of French charm with beautiful parquet flooring, traditional wainscoting and high ceilings. Two large balcony doors bathe the room in natural light. A decorative mantelpiece and plush sofas make the salon the ultimate space to relax. The living area leads into a formal dining area, with ample space to entertain. A modern kitchen is opposite the living room and has a sleek finish throughout, beautiful floorboards and marble countertops. The kitchen is not only beautiful, but is equipped for the best of chefs!
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/cavailles.php
MARGAUX
This beauty is a spectacular space that’s large and cozy at the same time. French windows, wood floors, views and, well, where else do you need to go? Top it off with a wrap around balcony that’s basically another room and it’s a slam dunk in every way.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/margaux.php
Margaux is a three bedroom, two bathroom where the magic of Paris dances across the rooftops, and the evening light sets the scene for the Eiffel Tower’s show after dark. The apartment is surrounded by the beauty and charm of the 7th arrondissement on the Left Bank. It’s here you’ll appreciate stepping out on a huge wrap-around balcony where to get a glorious view of the Eiffel Tower while dining al fresco, lingering over breakfast, or lounging on the comfortable sofa as the sun sets. Margaux has been fully remodeled and is a spacious apartment, measuring 1,210 square feet, located on the 7th floor of a historic and traditionally Parisian building.
MONTAGNY
It’s hard not to love the big open rooms and soothing palette of this magnificent flat. Combined with the chandeliers, crown molding, parquet floors, marble kitchen and bath and all the space you could ever need, it checks all the boxes. Oh, and that bathtub…
The magnificent Montagny is a welcoming two bedroom, two bath in the heart of the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower and Seine River. It’s an inviting home with room for six. The living room serves as a central gathering area with comfortable furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower. The living room features an open plan dining area that is both intimate and accommodating, with ample elbow room for family gatherings. The kitchen will delight the chefs in the family, with a bright and airy atmosphere and enough counter space for multiple cooks. With a gracious layout and touches of elegance around every corner, the Montagny truly feels like royal retreat.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/montagny.php
QUINCY
Such a sweet place it’s just my bonus choice for a small get together. Sometimes you only need a little something without too much fuss. And even though it’s petite, it has enough glamour and flavor to rival any of the above!
Quincy is a charming and oh-so-Parisian Left Bank apartment with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. Fully remodeled and decorated with unique Parisian touches throughout, this apartment is located on the top floor with great natural light and captivating views. The 560 square foot apartment has 2 bedrooms and can sleep 5 comfortably. Located in an elegant building on a lovely street near the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars gardens, restaurants and cafes, bustling Parisian shopping along the rue du Commerce, a quiet, undiscovered park at the Place Dupleix, and the wonderful open-air market at Boulevard de Grenelle.
parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/quincy.php
Well, that sums it up for this list although I could have added quite a few more. It was a lot of fun to put together.
I’ll keep you posted on plans for the spring if you’re interested. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask and if you’d like to get in touch with Paris Perfect directly, use the contact info below. Tell them I sent you for an additional discount! Enjoy the rest of your summer! xoc
Email:
reservations@parisperfect.com Call USA: 1-888-520-2087
PS If you liked the first image, check it out here for a more tête-à-tête soirée:
To travel is to take a journey into yourself
Bonjour tout le monde, ca va? If you’re here you probably want to talk about our favorite topic: Paris of course! It’s just an obsession for some of us, isn’t it? How is it that Paris never gets old? It’s one of the few places you can go over and over again and never see it all.
If you’re anything like me, you love to think about WHO created Paris…the vision that the people all had to have shared to build a city that would still be the benchmark for beauty and culture. And they did it dressed to the nines. With no electricity, just their imagination and determination they erected a place that we stroll sometimes without a second thought. But there are some of us who still want to see the Paris of the Parisians of the Past and experience what they had in mind for future generations to enjoy.
I’m talking about the Paris where you feel at home. Not going to monuments but instead going to the special parts of the parks, to the homes of artists, visiting the ateliers and workshops where they lived and worked and sweated and created. It’s like going to visit old friends for some of us. Maybe we were there together in a past life!
image: Parc Monceau by Adam Gopnik
What about you? Is Paris on your bucket list? Maybe you’ve gone once, or even twice. I hear a lot of people say they just didn’t get it, that it didn’t resonate with them. Or that it’s changed. That’s because they didn’t get to see the real Paris. The intimate, exquisite, quiet, elegant and usually overlooked Paris. I continue to explore, and it seems the more I do the more there is to discover. Maybe the fact that you can never finish is part of the allure.
Even with my blog there are so many topics to get into that sometimes the vastness of its depth and beauty is incomprehensible. From the parks and gardens and passages to history, architecture, cabaret and follies, fashion, photography, food, shops, cafes, music, galleries, art, perfume, culture, wine, chocolate, cinema, museums, picnics, parks, gardens, ateliers, brocantes and of course the flea markets, there’s so much to see and do and taste and touch it’s like a banquet of beauty. In fact it’s a moveable feast, Hemingway was so right! And the buffet is endless.
And so, once again I’m heading back in September and have been putting together some new adventures, and you’re invited to come along. I like to share a different Paris than the one in the guide books, one that’s beautiful and serene. One that the Parisians of the past knew well and where they went to get away from the crowds to stroll and languish, paint, write and get inspired.
Lately there’s been interest in a lot of activities along with the usual trek to the fleamarkets, including off-the beaten path places like the vineyards of Montmartre, cooking in a private apartment, walking tours, jazz clubs, thrifting for designer fashions, restoration techniques, and lots more! We’re combing a little of each into our trips, creating an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
So take a look at what we’ve got simmering. If you’d like to join us, contact us and we’ll set it up. I want you to experience the Paris you’ve always dreamed about. Our trips can either be booked one on one (flea market shopping) or with a group which includes airport transfers, hotel or apartment, transportation to events, tickets and more. If you’re interested, contact me and let’s discuss your dream trip this fall. Below are the cliff notes and just a fraction of what’s in store. You’ll get a detailed itinerary with specific events and destinations when you book.
Sept 1-6
First Timer’s Trip
Joachim Hiltmann / Getty Images
I can’t begin to tell you what this trip entails but suffice it to say you’ll see a Paris that’s beyond magical. All the little streets you’ve seen IG’d, the picnics, the day trips, the cobblestone alleys and of course the places that can’t be missed, but from an angle that’s unexpected and unusual.
Sept 6-12
Decor Tour:
image: Connaissance des Arts
This incredible week will be filled with treasure hunting and shopping for home decor. We’ll take you to find everything from mantles and doors to chandeliers and textiles at the flea markets. We’ll also go to the world famous trade show, the Maison et Objet. You’ll go inside auctions and warehouses in and out of the city. It’s the perfect trip if you’re decorating a home, stocking a store or stocking up for shows and want to find linens, decor and home accessories at wholesale prices.
Sept 13-19
Artist’s Ateliers & Workshops in Paris:
If you love going into private homes and workshops of artists who lived in Paris, this is the one for you. Parisians have had incredible foresight to keep certain places just as they were when the artist in residence lived and worked in the city. Many of these homes are tucked away right in the center of Paris. We’ll go on our tour to explore these homes and it truly feels like we’re going to the visit old friends and acquaintances from the past.
September 21-26
Parisians of the Past – Salon Hostesses:
We’ll visit the homes and haunts of the women who made Paris the center of the universe in the Age of Enlightenment. When there was nothing but dirt and oppression, these women decided they’d create a new world for themselves filled with beauty, culture, manners and etiquette. They designed clothing and interiors and gardens that are still the benchmark for good taste today.
Together we’ll walk in their footsteps enjoying the homes and salons that still stand in commemoration of their epic legacy by day and have evenings in our own modern salons that include cooking, music and dance.
Well that’s it for the moment! Bottom line is there’s a Paris that’s just for you, not a cookie cutter tour but an adventure that’s full of fun and discovery. A journey and experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for this truly magical place that’s just waiting to be rediscovered…by you!
If you’d like to schedule a day together in July, email claudia@theparisapartment.com. Et alors, ciao for now…à bientôt!
movin’ on up
bonjour tout le monde! i’m still in paris and have moved from the pretty little apartment in my last post to a more masculine, chic sort of modern place. as opposed to the one we just left which was on the first floor, this one is on the 6th and gives an entirely new perspective of the city.
it’s got a great view of the eiffel tower and windows that have caught both a full moon and setting sun.
as promised i’ve been talking with madelyn, the founder of paris perfect apartment rentals to learn more about what it’s like to live, work, renovate, restore and deal with the ins and outs of life in the city of light.
while digging through their website, i’ve come to realize that although we’ve been colleagues and friends for years, she is a treasure trove of information. i also came across an interview she had done previously with Paris Property Group which was really thorough so i thought i’d share it before the interview of our own:
An interview with Paris apartment rentals company Paris Perfect
Continuing our series of interviews with collaborators, we talk to Madelyn Willems of Paris apartment rentals company, Paris Perfect.
1. Where do you come from, how long have you lived in Paris and what brought you here?
My father was a US Air Force pilot, and we were posted to Naples and Rome in Italy, and Wiesbaden in Germany. My five sisters and I dreamt of returning to Europe one day. While working as a research analyst in London, I met my future French husband Philippe. He owned a small apartment on rue St. Dominique in the 7th arrondissement (district). When he joined me in London we rented it to family and friends and Paris Perfect was created.
2. What is your profession and how did you get into that line of work?
Before we founded Paris Perfect, I was a buyer for a California department store chain, got an MBA at Stanford, and then became an equity analyst and institutional banker. Philippe was a cardiac surgeon.
We got into remodeling and managing Paris apartments by accident, when we rented out Philippe’s apartment to friends who were keen to experience the Paris lifestyle. We owned the first two apartments. But then former guests asked if we could help them find an apartment in Paris with the same wow factor and to help remodel and manage it while they were away. In keeping with my very high standards, I want every home to be warm and welcoming, with impeccably clean linens, warm duvets, and thoughtful gadgets such as Nespresso machines.
Both guests and owners appreciate the way our team maintains and manages the apartments. We’ve invested in our own laundry, a fulltime maintenance person, and an office that is open seven days a week. Since it’s hard to handle every little detail for our guests, we limit our family of owners and retain our cleaning and maintenance services exclusively for them.
3. Had you done/do you do the same kind of work in a different part of the world? If yes where, and how is working there different from working in Paris?
We’ve done similar work in the UK but the quality of builders and finish is consistently better in Paris. The purchase prices and building costs are higher in London. We’ve also found that the purchase process is more straightforward in France than in the UK.
Part of the advantage of Paris is personal, however, because we’ve been remodeling in Paris for decades and have a trusted team. We’ve remodeled more than 50 apartments in the past few years. So we’ve learned how to squeeze in a second bathroom without losing the sense of space, the best lighting, just how many is enough electric sockets, well-placed storage, and comfortable, attractive furnishings.
4. What were the biggest challenges Paris had in store for you, both in terms of working here and living here?
We commute between London and Paris every other week, just over 2½ hours door to door, which is easy thanks to the Eurostar. Doing business in France is always a challenge, with the administrative rules and paperwork, but we’re fortunate to have a brilliant team on the ground. For all the frustration, nothing beats the quality of life in Paris.
In managing apartments in Paris that were already finished or remodeled with the owner’s own builders, we’ve seen our share of disasters – from inaccessible hot water tanks to unsafe wiring. It really pays to know you can trust your builders when tackling an apartment renovation project in Paris.
5. In terms of your profession, how has Paris real estate changed over the past 10 years?
Despite the internet it’s the same as 10 years ago if you’re looking to buy an apartment –difficult. There is still no multiple listing service and over 3,000 small agencies who don’t share listings. If you’re not here on the ground or don’t have a diligent search agent, the search takes longer and is more difficult.
Prices have gone up over ten years, but had lagged other major cities for the previous 25.
6. Which neighborhood do you live in and what made you decide to live there?
When we’re in Paris we stay in the 7th arrondissement where Philippe spent almost 20 years. We love the village-like atmosphere and close proximity to the boutiques and museums of other favorite neighborhoods, the fabulous open-air markets, and the top-notch food shops. Our children have known the pharmacist, cheese shop, local pastry shop and favorite boulanger since before they could walk. We picnic or go jogging in the Champ de Mars Gardens, where our two children used to play.
7. If you could live in a different Parisian neighborhood, which one would it be, and why?
Place Dauphine on the Ile de la Cité! It’s truly the heart of Paris, known as kilometer zero. Founded in the 1600s by Henri IV, this quiet square has remained unchanged for centuries and is full of excellent restaurants. On one side of the Seine you’re in the 6th arrondissement of the Left Bank with first-rate eateries and boutiques. On the other, you’re shopping on rue de Rivoli, enjoying walks to the Louvre and the Tuileries
8. What would you miss the most about Paris if you were to move away?
There’s so much I miss when we’re not in Paris: early morning jogs or walks along the Seine, especially in winter when the light is magic; the sunrise behind Notre Dame; seeing the bridges in sunlight and how the light changes throughout the day.
We can’t go for long without visiting our favorite restaurants, like Café Constant and Au Petit Sud Ouest in the 7th, or buying our favorite baguettes on rue Saint Dominique and the best croissants on rue de Grenelle.
9. Is there one hidden treasure (specific fabric store, website, a certain booth on the flea market, etc.) or resource that you find indispensable to your work here? Please share.
A spot you must experience is Dreyfuss fabrics and Reine below the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. Go soon because this neighborhood is changing fast. It was the old fabric quartier, but is now converting to souvenir shops. Bring your curtain sizes since you’ll even find a shop to make them up immediately so you can carry them home.
10. If you could offer one piece of advice to a first-time buyer in Paris, what would it be?
Can I share three? First, get a good licensed search agent. They dig through hundreds of listings published by thousands of agents each day to find the gems. They know all the streets, the desirability of certain buildings, the unknown problems a buyer may be unaware of.
Second, if you walk in and your heart soars – and the property has the no-budge essentials such as an elevator – go for it. If your agent tells you the apartment will be grabbed up, make the asking price offer on the spot. Don’t negotiate because you may lose it to a higher bid.
Third, if the property is almost perfect but not quite, give it the 24 hour rule and see how you feel the next day. For example, it might be on a lower floor when you wanted to be higher up; it may have no elevator but is only on the 2ndfloor; or it overlooks a courtyard but you wanted a street view. “Needed a gut job” is rarely a constraining factor for us, since we prefer to know how the electricity and plumbing were installed.
so there you have it, the truth from Madelyn, an american who is a really living the dream and sharing her knowledge and experience as well as expertise. i’ll profile her a bit more later but want to get out before the rain comes this morning although i have to admit it’s as hard to get out of this comfy bed as the last one. have a bonne journée!
the paris apartment 