If you are looking to be in the very heart of Paris, while still tucked away from the hubbub it attracts, consider this elegant three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on a quiet residential street. The Musée d’Orsay and the Seine River are just a block to the north; in between lies the antiques district, Le Carré Rive Gauche, where over a hundred antiquaires display extraordinary (and often extremely expensive) pieces from years long past. A short stroll across the river brings you to the Tuileries Gardens of the Louvre, whose intricate paths and plantings are beautiful in every season. The Boulevard Saint-Germain is just two blocks to the south with its tempting boutiques and legendary cafés. Rue de l’Université is in and of itself a very sought after address in Paris; Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel fame resided in a hôtel particulier a few buildings down for close to 30 years, and Julia Child and her husband lived just a short walk away at 81, rue de l’Université, which they lovingly nicknamed “Roo de Loo.” This apartment is nestled between two other established streets: rue de Bellechasse and rue du Bac, where Eric Kayser’s boulangerie around the corner sells one of the best baguettes Paris has on offer. The apartment itself is fairly unique, located behind a private hôtel particulier, which provides an extra barrier from the already minimal street noise. In fact, the living room, dining room and one of the three bedrooms look out onto the neighboring mansion and its private, well-tended gardens. With large windows on both sides of the apartment as well as a southern exposure, plenty of natural light streams into the apartment throughout the day. Recently acquired and completely renovated by an interior designer with an emphasis on comfort and quality, the apartment has a pleasing mix of contemporary and antique pieces which feel tasteful, not forced or overly trendy. Walking into the apartment’s long entrance hallway, beautiful crown moldings and chevron parquet floors set the tone for this classic apartment and continue throughout the space. First on the left is the chic living room. The seating area is dominated by matching espresso brown velvet sofas, two pewter grey Bergère chairs and an iron and marble coffee table. A vibrant red oriental rug adds some color to the otherwise neutral space. Buttery ivory curtains frame two wall-length windows and a large mirror is propped above the marble fireplace. Some artwork, silk flowers and other finishing touches decorate the walls, tables and built-in shelving around the room and create a personal, welcoming atmosphere. There is also a flat-screen television with satellite reception and wireless Internet, as well as free calls to the United States available to guests. The living room provides access to the dining and kitchen area. There is an oval dining table and six iron chairs with padded seats and backrests in a muted blue, beige and cream plaid print. A collection of blue and white porcelain and other objets d’art decorate the built-in shelves and a large pendant light is convenient for dinnertime, the only time the room is not flooded with light from the large window. Despite being on the small side, the kitchen space across from the window has all the necessary modern conveniences including microwave, oven, Miele induction burners, coffeemaker, toaster, and quality knives, flatware, plates and glasses. Traditional white cabinets have undermount lighting which illuminates the beautiful black granite countertop and matching backsplash. Across the hall from the living room is the master bedroom and its ensuite bathroom. The pale, dove grey walls and ivory floor-length curtains give the room an airy feeling. The queen-sized bed has inviting white linens, a matelassé bedspread, and vibrantly-colored floral pillows that mimic the colors of the room’s Oriental rug. Small wood chests serve as nightstands, each with a large white lamp and an alarm clock. There is a closet as well as a large wooden dresser across from the bed for storing clothes and luggage. The modern master bathroom has the benefit of a large window which brightens an already gleaming space. The sink has plenty of counter space with a gorgeous beveled glass mirror hanging above. There is a bathtub with rainfall mounted showerhead, and the toilet is tucked in the corner behind a small partition wall. The beige and white striped hallway also leads to the smaller bathroom that is shared by the apartment’s other two bedrooms. It has a sink similar to that of the master bathroom although with a whimsical mirror, a glass-walled shower (also with rainfall showerhead), and a toilet. The hallway also houses the apartment’s washer and separate dryer. The end of the hallway breaks into a T where, at either end, are the apartment’s two other bedrooms, of similar size. To the right is a bedroom with calming blue and white thin-striped walls which are mirrored in the beige and blue striped matelassé bedspread. The queen-sized bed has a black leather upholstered headboard with brass studded border. The nightstands with their stylish black lamps frame the bed and across the way is a wood chest. Pale beige sheer curtains around the window hang to the floor. The bedroom on the left also has a queen-sized bed, with a colorful suzani bedspread and a floral upholstered headboard. There are floor-to-ceiling emerald curtains and a chest of drawers. This classic apartment is well located, tastefully decorated, and has the benefit of abundant natural light in all living spaces. The three bedrooms are comparable in size and each has a closet, a chest for storage, a flat-screen television, and a window. With the exception of the master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom, they provide almost equal accommodations for three couples traveling to Paris. It is hard to imagine a more inviting place to spend a week in Paris.