Cherche-Midi 1
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Cherche Midi 1 in the 6th arrondissement

Fine arts and craftsmanship

This apartment was originally home to the owner while he studied French art and craftsmanship at the Paris Fine Arts Academy or Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts a few blocks away. His studies provided him with a rare opportunity to experiment with a variety of decorative concepts, which he applied to restoring as much of the apartment's original 18th century detailing as possible. Built just after the French Revolution in the 1790's, the building's thick walls, high ceilings, and tall windows are distinctive of the Directory period.

In the living room, the finely crafted, hand painted Louis XVI style wood paneling and cabinetry were inspired by historical examples in Paris museums. The woodwork discretely conceals a Murphy bed that serves as a backup for visitors (there is also a daybed). The fireplace was entirely rebuilt by a top caliber, third generation craftsman. The more colorful bedroom cabinetry is also of the best craftsmanship.

A previous tenant once likened the apartment to his boat, "every space optimized..." if sometimes only for aesthetics. The entranceway moonlights as a bar, which in turn hides a dryer. The rustic kitchen, small but designed for people who cook, has hand-made wall tiles and the original 18th century fireback behind the stove. The kitchen table can seat four, or more if extended in the living room. The bathtub, a solace to walk-weary bodies, looks onto a fluted wood column, the contemporary bathroom's focal point.

Midway between the place St. Germain-des-Près and the historic Bon Marché department store.

A tranquil haven in an exclusive part of the 6th arrondissement with a security entrance, this apartment is situated one flight up with no elevator. First, a cobblestone courtyard buffers the street sounds beyond, while the garden courtyard behind, planted with trees, provides a cool retreat and view in summer and a touch of greenery in winter.

The Rue du Cherche-Midi, or "looking for the noon-time sun" street, was named as early as 1595 after a shop sign picturing a Greek astronomer with compass and quadrant that hung here. During fashion week the otherwise peaceful street might more aptly be called "looking for the limelight" as fashionistas from around the globe converge to raid the shoe stores, and the famous Poilâne bakery, whose traditional breads are made in wood burning ovens, is just a few doors down. Expect to wait in line for your bread at any time of year, but you'll be in good company – Catherine Deneuve buys hers here.

Taxis can be had within 30 yards of the building, and three major metro lines are a three minute walk away. One of these metro lines lies on a direct line to the Porte de Versailles exhibition hall, as does one of the many convenient buses nearby. Restaurants abound. Suffice it to say it would be difficult not to find a good restaurant in the area. If you prefer to cook, a farmer's market provides fresh produce three times weekly one block down on the boulevard Raspail. Sundays draw the city's trendy crowd when the market turns "organic only".

Apartment Video

(and, from HGTV - House Hunters International)

Guest Comments:
Cherche-Midi 1 is absolutely wonderful. It looks so much like me that I could've decorated it myself. I literally cried when I had to leave.
Alice L.

Building Date 1790's Directory Period
Dwelling Facing courtyard. 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom. Two twin beds in master bedroom that can be combined to make king size bed. Murphy bed in living room. 45 square meters.
Features Possibility of having 2 distinct bedrooms
Floorplan (Click Image to Enlarge)
Cherche Midi 1 Floorplan
Level/Security 1st floor European. 2nd American. No elevator
Neighborhood 6th
Metro Sevres-Babylone
Television Television with cable TV
Stereo No
Telephone / Answering Machine Telephone and answering machine
Internet High speed broadband with wifi and ethernet cable connection.
Fireplace Yes, decorative only
Oven Yes, Full size
Stove Electric
Microwave Yes
Refrigerator/Freezer Full size refrigerator / freezer
Dishwasher No
Washing Machine/Dryer Yes
Air Conditioning? Yes
Smoking Allowed? No
Items Provided Linens, paper products, hairdryer, soap
Not Provided Shampoo, electrical converters, electric plug adaptors
Other Restrictions 4 guests maximum.
   
Contact Porter Scott
inquiry@iloveparisapartments.com
  +33 (0)6 11 30 53 57
   
Rates $285 per night
  Phone use not included
  $125 one-time cleaning fee
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Paris Apartment Rentals

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
- Left Bank