So imagine, if you will, that you have just finished a day at the beach. Slightly sunburned, and fresh from a volleyball victory, you're ready for a rest. All that's needed to complete the feel of the sunny south is utter calm, even with the windows wide open to admit soft breezes. From the beach bag fish out the keys to your townhouse and proceed by way of Pont de Sully or Pont Marie to 25, quai d'Anjou. You will find utter peace and tranquility here, as this luminous and stylishly furnished townhouse seems - and may indeed be - the quietest dwelling in all of Paris.

Disappearing through the massive double doors that open onto the quai, you enter a pretty little courtyard where nature and civilization enjoy a happy marriage. The buildings enclosing the courtyard are classic Parisian stone-and-stucco with white shutters. Trees in pots line the perimeter, and in one corner is a small forest of bamboo. Apart from the rustling of leaves, the silence is complete.

The townhouse is on the right side of the courtyard, its entrance partially obscured by the bamboo. French doors lead to a sisal-carpeted entry, where a handsome spiral staircase rises to the two upper levels. A hall leads to the living room, and on the way there is a small bath with stall shower and WC.

The living room, already filled with natural light from French doors that open onto the courtyard, is further brightened by all-white furnishings, immaculate white wall-to-wall carpet and white window shades that can be lowered for privacy. Paintings, fiery orange and red throw pillows and an oriental rug lend just the right splash of color to the all-white background.

This comfortable room, with its balance of colors and cheerful art, invites relaxation and repose. Complementing this serenity is an impressive CD collection, mostly classical music that can be played on the high-quality sound system. The temptation is to collapse in the sofa or the old leather chair and dream about Paris of old: the music of Debussy, Ravel and Chopin (all of whom once haunted the streets of the Ile Saint-Louis) floats through the air, all the more vital for being enjoyed in this bright contemporary space.

Completing the arrangement of rooms on the first level is the compact and well-equipped kitchen, a marvel of efficiency and design. The all-new appliances include a four-burner stove and oven, dishwasher, microwave oven and combination washing machine-dryer. The maple counters and the entire space are lit by overhead spotlights and recessed lighting under the cabinets. From the courtyard comes a cool light filtered through the stand of bamboo at the French doors that open into the courtyard.

The sturdily constructed spiral staircase and its solid wood railing lead directly to the simply but attractively appointed bedroom, where an exposed stone wall and contemporary furnishings, including an armoire and matching chest of drawers, reflect the sober but engaging style of this room. The ceiling, a remarkable architectural feature, is a series of small exposed rafters that radiate in a starburst pattern from the wall and over the queen-sized bed. French doors open onto a small and classically Parisian wrought-iron balcony that overlooks the courtyard. There is also a television with a VHS cassette player.

The bathroom, reached by the spiral staircase from the bedroom, occupies the entire third and top level of the apartment. The space has a slanting ceiling with exposed beams, and is entirely open, with a tub that has a wall-mounted shower, WC and a vanity with plentiful counter space. The same rich-toned and polished wood finishes found throughout the apartment reappear here in the walls and countertops. To the immediate right of the stairs are mobile drawers for storage of sheets, towels and other household necessities. With the smaller bath off the entry hallway on the first level, each guest can have a separate bath.