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:
10 Chic Boutique Hotels in Paris, 2019
Bonjour et Happy Spring! I hope you’re doing well and coming out of winter hibernation.
This time of year we get lots of requests for hotel recommendations so I put together a list of my personal Parisian favorites. Below is a list of Boutique hotels (I normally stay in apartments but do love a great hotel now and then). Like the image above, most of us would be happy with just a bed by a window…They were chosen based on aesthetics (can’t tolerate bad decor, especially in Paris), price and amenities. (I’m a sucker for a fireplace or pool, good sheets, central location and a view).
If you’d like to add any to the list please let me know. In the meantime I hope you enjoy these even if it’s just an armchair vacay for now! (image via Pinterest)
1. Hôtel Mansart – Esprit de France
Hôtel Mansart – Esprit de France A colorful Boutique Hotel
Set on the on the corner of the prestigious Place Vendome, this hotel offers refined guest rooms with old world charm that’s traditional but not too serious. It’s got all the modern conveniences we love in good hotel. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, satellite channels, WIFI and mini-bar. All rooms are decorated with antiques and include tea and coffee makers.
A continental breakfast is served each morning in the elegant dining room. Guests can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar. A 24-hour front desk, newspapers and laundry services are provided.
2. La Maison Favart
La Maison Favart – A Light-hearted Boutique Hotel
This is a fun hotel that’s done in a playful 18th century design. It’s in the heart of town and is only a 5 minute walk to the Opéra and the Grands Boulevards. A sauna, gym and pool can be enjoyed for free on site. Flat-screen TV and WiFi are provided in the air-conditioned rooms.
The rooms also have a coffee machine as well as a mini bar. A morning buffet is served daily in the breakfast room and the hotel has a 24-hour reception desk. some of the rooms have questionable decor so ask which you’re booking if want a more subtle palette.
3. Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais
Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais – A Charming Boutique Hotel that takes you back in time
This is one of my favorite small hotels in Paris. It’s in the heart of the 4th arrondissement, the perfect location to do absolutely anything including walking around at night. Not far from from the Place des Vosges and Musée Carnavalet, it’s one of the most precious boutique hotels in Paris and was once an entire house. There are 19 rooms in total, each designed to evoke the Paris of the past. Rooms and suites are decorated with French furniture and decor, chandeliers and whimsical details. Breakfast is served each morning in a wonderful original room with exposed stone walls and a working fireplace.
The hotel has all the amenities and comforts including WIFI, USB plugs, minibars and flat screen TVs. There’s an elevator that goes to all floors, air-conditioning and some of the rooms have small balconies. Book early as it fills up quickly and is difficult to secure during high season.
4. Hotel des Grands Boulevards
Hotel des Grands Boulevards – Very special hotel with exceptional service
This is a lovely boutique hotel with beaucoup style and all the modern trimmings. It’s meticulously run with great pride without being stuffy. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, WiFi and dimmer switches for soft lighting. There is also a coffee machine with organic coffee in the rooms, as well as a radio and phone.
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel’s restaurant serves a variety of dishes and also offers vegetarian options, and guests can enjoy drinks and dining in the hotel bar. Staff at the 24-hour front desk are very helpful.
5. Hotel Saint-Germain des Prés
Hotel Esprit St Germain – Welcoming & intimate with a spa & fireplace
This is a fantastic 5 star boutique hotel that has the feeling of being at a private residence. It’s on the Left Bank in a lovely location. It’s been the winner of the numerous awards for being a top hotel worldwide. The design is understated and has been thoughtfully decorated throughout the lobbies and in the 28 rooms and lounges. Guests are greeted with personalized service, and complimentary drinks are offered throughout the stay while sitting by the fire.
For those who love the left bank, this is the perfect location, situated on a small quiet street with shops and restaurants steps away. Hotel Esprit Saint Germain was created to pamper guests with elegance and comfort as well as all the amenities (WiFi, A/C), as well as a gym and sauna. Ask which room you’re booking as some of them are decorated in wild colors of you want a more monochromatic palette.
6. Hôtel Providence
Hôtel Providence – An oasis in the 10e Arrondissement
Located in the neighborhood of Strasbourg-Saint Denis, this boutique hotel is setting trends and raising the bar on boutique hotels. There are only 18 rooms in this little gem but each is decorated in vivid colors like bright ochre and draped in velvets of French blues and deep hues. Every detail has been considered in both decor and hospitality and the hotel also has a bar and restaurant. There are special touches like 27-inch iMacs and cocktail bars in each room. There’s a fireplace on the main floor which keeps the ambiance cozy. This is becoming a very popular neighborhood and the hotel books up quickly so if you’re looking to book, plan as far in advance as possible. Of course it has all the amenities you could ever want including a fantastic restaurant and charm galore!
7. Hôtel Verneuil Saint Germain
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Hôtel Verneuil – Quiet opulence on a petit Parisian street
This lovely hotel is only 26 rooms and is located in a 17th century building on a very quiet street. Just around the corner is all of Paris, gourmet food shops, famous restaurants and all the major landmarks. It’s quite a unique location and famous for being the street where Serge Gainsbourg once lived. The rooms are very small but have everything in place for a perfect stay. Some have beamed ceilings, others have a stone interior. The team is very helpful and will provide museum passes upon request, reserve tables in neighborhood restaurants, and are on site 24 hours. The small size of the hotel is designed for guests to feel at home with a warm lounge and crackling fire.
8. La Chambre du Marais
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La Chambre du Marais – A jewel in the center of Paris
La Chambre du Marais is located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. It’s well done with updated bathrooms and pretty decor. It’s in the middle of everything and still maintains a gentle, quiet vibe. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, high speed WIFI, air conditioning and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units feature an en suite room. Each room is equipped with bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. 24-hour front desk service.
9. Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Paris
Le Metropolitan a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Elegant and modern with a Parisian spirit
Situated in a 19th-century building at the Place de Mexico, this hotel is the epitome of minimalism to the max. The hotel is an eco-friendly property in the 16th arrondissement, with a direct views over the Eiffel tower and walking distance from the Champs Elysées. This contemporary and sophisticated boutique hotel features stylish guest rooms and suites, all equipped with WiFi, a personal smartphone with internet access and unlimited international calls.
The hotel also features a restaurant that serves innovative cuisine of locally sourced ingredients. The bar area has a fireplace and offers a welcoming place to relax with a drink. After a long day, guests can enjoy the pool and Hammam steam room or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment.
10. The Hoxton, Paris
The Hoxton, Paris – Casual and Comfy
This is a fabulous hotel that’s a little on the masculine side as far as decor and its very luxurious with comfy beds and ultra soft sheets. It’s in a central location and just a few yards from from Grands Boulevards Metro. The hotel has a beautiful restaurant and bar as well as a lounge.
The Hoxton, Paris features standard amenities including WiFi throughout the property as well as A/C, room service and flat screen TVs. But hey, who watches TV in Paris anyway!?
PS This list is my first foray into affiliate partnerships. I personally recommend each of these hotels. Some of the links go to booking.com and they pay a commission on bookings that come through these links. I know this is old news but it’s new to me :)
If you’re interested in finding out more about it let me know, we can all be using this system in our own individual ways.
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 