The spacious living room has been decorated to achieve a garden-like feel: the custom-made mirror and coffee table are accented by tiny leaves and flowers sculpted of wrought iron, and there are large hand-painted panels depicting outdoor scenes. In summer, each of the three small balconies off the living room is adorned with geraniums and other colorful flowers, so one has only to open the French doors to complete the botanical effect. The room is furnished with long white sofas with brightly colored cushions.

Adjacent to the living room is a cozy sitting room, called the Venetian Room, or the Library. The walls are covered with patterned silk. Decorative items include exotic glass lamps, an exquisite mirror with a Moroccan flair, and a small sofa that folds out to a large single bed. Given the room’s location at the front of the apartment, it is ideal for an occasional overnight guest.

The kitchen, unusually spacious for a Paris apartment, is accessible either from the wide front hall or from a small back hall that leads from the library past a guest bathroom. All fixtures and appliances are of the best quality. The marble countertops are long enough for several chefs to dice, mix and knead simultaneously. One stretch of countertop has several stools underneath, for informal meals, or for keeping the chef company. The appliances include a six-burner gas stove, full-sized oven, dishwasher, espresso maker, large two-door refrigerator, and a separate under-counter wine refrigerator. A washing machine and separate dryer are concealed in the cabinetry.

For those inclined to take the office with them to Paris, there is a handsomely appointed and fully equipped study just off the foyer. All the office accoutrements - wide flat-screen television with satellite access, printer, fax machine and desk - are tastefully incorporated into the surroundings. Each room in the apartment has a telephone outlet and high-speed Internet access, as well as speakers controlled from the central stereo system in the study.

The master bedroom is just beyond the study. This serene and elegant room has blue silk moiré walls, custom-made carpets, a beautiful decorative fireplace and plentiful storage space. Situated at the back of the apartment, with windows overlooking the courtyard, the suite is well insulated from the bustle of the quai Henri IV. The ensuite dove-grey marble bathroom has an oversized bathtub and a separate stall shower, a double vanity and - of course - heated towel racks.

These rooms, remarkable for their luxury and comfort, would alone make this apartment on quai Henri IV a real treasure. A couple would find the apartment the perfect Parisian retreat with no sacrifice of the space and amenities enjoyed at home.

In fact, however, there are two more bedrooms, in case that couple has children, or a single friend. The children’s bedroom - sophisticated yet charmingly decorated for youngsters - is a perfect space for kids to be on their own, especially if the adults are entertaining in the front rooms. Up a spiral staircase from the back hallway - with its own doorbell even! - this cheerful loft with bunk beds is part tree house, part bedroom, and completely guaranteed to make wonderful memories for some small person. Additional features include a small television, a stereo and a futon-style sofa.

The third bedroom, small but private, is furnished with a single daybed. This bedroom and the children's room share a bath with a stall shower and WC.

The floor plan of this apartment makes it especially adaptable for different rental groups. It is ideally suited for a couple, who might never set foot past the grand front rooms, kitchen and master suite. For a family, however, there is plenty of room for everyone to have their own space, and still gather in the spacious living room and kitchen. The premium quality of every element of the décor and equipment ensure that no matter the group configuration, everyone will enjoy this centrally located dream apartment with its sweeping views of the Seine.