Rue Monsieur le Prince is a small residential street in the heart of the bustling 6th arrondissement. A short stroll from the apartment can lead you to either Boulevard St.-Michel or Boulevard St.-Germain, two of the most active arteries in Paris, and the metro stop Odéon and RER station at Luxembourg are just a few minutes by foot. An endless array of fashion boutiques, elegant shops for home and beauty and a famous collection of cafés and bistros make the 6th a desirable address for locals and well-heeled tourists alike.

Upon entering the courtyard of the address the cool garden shade and quiet ambiance are immediately apparent. The apartment itself is tucked away toward the back of the building, offers a southwestern exposure and overlooks a garden courtyard. The apartment enjoys a remarkably peaceful atmosphere, save the morning birdsong from the courtyard. The building and public areas are meticulously maintained by a full-time gardienne. In typical French fashion, the elevator of the building does not stop at the first French floor, so one must climb the 18 steps to the apartment’s entrance.

The 65 m2 (700 sq. ft.) apartment has an air of modern sophistication with a warm, inviting color palette, and the seamless mixture of contemporary and classic furnishings shows the style and care in which the apartment was furnished and decorated by its French owners.

The bottom level of the apartment comprises the salon, dining area, and open-plan kitchen. The modern kitchen is closest to the entrance, outfitted in stainless steel and blond wood, and features a ceramic cooktop with four electric burners, a traditional electric oven, a combination refrigerator/freezer, toaster and coffee maker, as well as a combination washer/dryer. There is no dishwasher or microwave. In an effort to preserve electricity, and in compliance with new French regulations, the recessed lighting in the kitchen will dim itself after being illuminated for a certain period of time. After a few moments you can again illuminate the needed fixtures.

A small counter with seating for two offers a smooth transition from the kitchen to the salon and dining area. The salon, with seating for six, is outfitted with a sofa, a wingchair, and a chaise longue upholstered in bold tones that speak of royalty. From the sitting area you can admire the light-colored fireplace (non-working) and the original ceiling beams, or watch the flat-panel television, complete with satellite reception, including CNN, and DVD player, tucked discreetly into a corner to the right of the mantle. On the opposite side of the fireplace from the TV, nearest the windows, is a lovely little bistro table and chairs for two. A long desk runs the length of the opposite wall, holding the stereo with CD player and telephone, and offering plenty of space for a bit of work, be it checking emails on the high-speed (DSL) internet connection or writing postcards to loved ones back home.

Back at the entrance to the apartment is a small door concealing the apartment’s only WC. Nearby are the open steps that lead to the mezzanine level. The bedroom of 14 m2 (150 sq. ft.) is furnished with a queen-sized bed (160 cm), plenty of storage and closet space for personal effects, and wall sconces to reinforce the abundant natural light. A doorway to the right of the bed leads to the well-lit and spacious bathroom with two basins, multiple mirrors, a stall shower, and a luxurious tub with hand-held sprayer. As previously mentioned, the WC is downstairs.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the apartment offer plenty of natural light and air into both the main living area as well as the bedroom. But if things are steamy in Paris, you can enjoy the luxury of central air-conditioning, still a rare commodity in this ancient city. All utilities are included, but excessive electricity consumption is an additional charge.