It should be noted that access to this gem of an apartment is a little bit tricky: for guests who are particularly fit, or have culinary sins to expiate, there is a staircase which winds up the five stories directly to the door of the apartment. Most guests will prefer to take the easier route, which involves an elevator to the fourth floor, one flight of stairs to the fifth, and a long hallway to the apartment. Happily, a car service and assistance with your luggage are available, and many local food markets will deliver your groceries right to your door!

However you choose to reach this apartment of 80 meters sqaure (800 sq. ft.), it is unlikely you will be disappointed when you arrive. From the shared living-dining space, French doors lead out to the 10 m2 (110 sq. ft.) terrace with views of the best half of Paris. The view encompasses the golden dome of Les Invalides and the southern part of the city, where the uniform rooflines are interrupted by only by the Tour de Montparnasse. Also clearly visible are the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the top of the Louvre, and to the far north, Sacré Coeur. Being able to take in any one of these monuments would qualify as a prime view for a rental apartment. Having all of them plus a table and four chairs from which to enjoy the view makes the terrace of this apartment a very desirable place indeed.

The living room, which is bathed in light in the afternoon, is furnished with a large slate-gray sofa of high-quality wool, and two contrasting wingback chairs covered in velvet. They flank a decorative marble fireplace, and are well placed for watching the large flat screen television, which has cable reception that includes several English-language channels. On the other side of the room, the dining table for six is placed under a skylight that catches natural light earlier in the day.

Sliding doors conceal the kitchen, spacious by Parisian standards, which was designed by Bultaup, and is finished in apple wood and bright stainless steel. The five-burner gas stove has a stainless steel hood, and is flanked by ample counterspace for meal preparation. All the details, large and small, have been thought of: American-style refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and a full complement of china and crystal - not to mention candlesticks and high-quality table linens for entertaining.

The master bedroom, an airy, serene space, enjoys almost total quiet thanks to its location over a private garden, well away from the activity of the street. The hardwood floors are complemented by simple wainscoting, generous built-in closets, and two deep chairs. The queen-sized bed has independently controlled reading lights on either side. The ensuite bathroom, finished in elegant grey slate, has a deep bathtub and overhead shower set high up, large double sink, WC and heated towel racks.

The second bedroom is furnished with a handsome daybed, and has its own bathroom finished in 19th-century stone tiles, with a stall shower and WC.