St. André des Arts

in the 6th Arrondisement

The rue St. André des Arts is a 13th century street that has a number of fine 'hotels particuliers', which is just one reason why many regular visitors to Paris prefer staying in the Left Bank's historical district.

Situated about midway down the street, this lovely apartment happens to be in the most beautiful building on the rue St. André des Arts. Built in 1740 by the wealthy Baron de la Bussière from the Angoumois region, whose family was very prominent during the reign of Charles the Ninth. In 1794, during the period of French Revolutionary turmoil, Louis Guillaume, Bishop of Orange and Deputy for the Clergy during the Estates General was arrested from this house during the Reign of Terror and was later released after the 9th Thermidor.

The Baron spared no expense in making this edifice into a finely crafted, elegantly proportioned building with some of the finest carved stone detailing found anywhere in Paris. The exquisitely carved stone Bacchus above the cellar door is unrivalled anywhere in the city and is duly protected by France's Historical Monuments Organisation. Anyone seeking authentic, age-old Parisian charm would love this flat!

Despite the upscale pedestrian buzz out in the rue St. André des Arts, the apartment itself is located on a calm, quiet inner courtyard. The large arched stone windows contribute significantly to the atmosphere of the flat. The view out the window of the opposite side of the courtyard is splendid and it allows for a fuller appreciation of the quality of the carved stone faces decorating the courtyard façade; yet it is the main façade on the street side that has the most beautiful detailing, clearly reflecting the Baroque Italian influence in what became recognized as the Louis XVth architectural style.

This flat sleeps 4; but it is best suited as a spacious; comfortable abode for a couple or a single person. The kitchen is at one end of the apartment, and the bathroom is at the other end, with the living room and the bedroom being in the middle. The beamed ceilings are another distinctive feature that makes this flat so appealing to visitors. Just half a flight up from the ground floor, the apartment is easily accessible, yet very secure.

Those who favour this historic district on the Left Bank are fully aware as to why it is the most desirable area to stay in:

- Close proximity and within easy walking distance to the Seine, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, and to most of the major sites in the historic centre.

- Narrow medieval streets with buildings that are hundreds of years old.

- Easy access to public transportation and taxi stands.

- A vast selection of restaurants, bars, cafés, and jazz clubs to choose from in the neighbourhood.

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"... this time, I was going until 1 A.M., loading up my car with the following: 2 very large rectangular mirror frames, a lovely porcelain corner sink with its original faucet, an oak cabinet door, a small cheese cabinet door with its wooden grill, more carved marble mantle pieces, a large cast iron skillet, and bits and pieces of carved wood: from molding to cornices."

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