Loft d'Artiste - Vue sur Notre Dame

Super

We loved our stay in Paris right on the Seine within walking distance to so many great museums and attractions. A few things would have made it perfect - some information about nearby bus/ metro stops, shops and restaurant recommendations, instructions for the washer for the non tech savy Americans... This apartment is on the sixth floor but there is a tiny lift that goes almost there. There is no air-conditioning so windows need to be open in the summer and there is some traffic noise. The apartment is listed as smoking permissable - it does not smell smokey at all, however the neighbors downstairs do smoke with their windows open, but it did not bother us. The apartment seems to be a photographers studio with everything still there from the 1980s. Very authentic Latin Quarter. We found the apartment clean, but due to the era of the building not sparkling.

The apartment is on the top floor of a classic building on the Quai (probably 18th or 19th Century). There might be some minor shortcomings with the apt, but its rustic beams and large windows to take in the view make this just superb. Short walk to Notre Dame and the western side of the 5th and into the 6th, a bit longer walk to the Marais and right next door to the famous and historic La Tour d'Argent restaurant (go if you love pressed duck and a romantic setting but you get the same view from this apt!). About two long blocks to the M10 Metro stop (Cardinal Lemoine) which can get you to St. Michel (major Metro stop and RER) or Odeon which can then take you most anywhere in Paris. The Cité Metro stop is closed but when it reopens, that too is a short walk. To start you indulgent day, go to the Le Boulanger de la Tour (an annex to La Tour d'Argent, the pâtisserie is just magnificent). Many great dining places (try Rôtisserie Atelier Maitre Albert, a Guy Savoy restaurant, or Le Reminet, or for a lot of nightlife dining and fun fun, Kong which is on the Right Bank side of the Port Neuf). While the apt can get loud at night, when you close the windows, we had no problem sleeping. That would be the case anywhere along the Quai, it was not a problem for us and we are noise-sensitive. The Monop (small Monoprix) across the street on Blvd St. Germain is a good place to get some nice wines, cheese and other essentials for your stay. We never tried Chez René a block up but I'm sure it's at least great for drinks (a Brasserie). We just loved the apt and for any couple staying in Paris, this is a winner. While it is on the 6th floor, the lift goes to the 5th, which we did not find a problem at all. Tristen was very accommodating with our later arrival (he had a friend who lives in the building who met us). Just a very romantic setting...loved it!

Location was excellent. The views are to die for. Apartment has "rustic charm" and all the convenience of a kitchen, washing machine and nearby restaurants.