For those who dream of experiencing an authentic Parisian experience, nothing beats staying in a charming rooftop apartment in the city's heart. During our month in Paris, we stayed in a gorgeous 1824 architectural masterpiece in the Bastille neighborhood, meticulously restored and curated by its owners, Anna and Christophe.
The space was bathed in natural light, streaming through three south-facing windows, illuminating the entire apartment. The apartment and loft layout is thoughtfully designed, with a fully equipped kitchen where we could prepare full meals, lounge in the living area with fresh morning tea and coffee, and enjoy a hot bath looking up to a skylight. We even had a dining table that doubled as an office, providing the perfect spot for remote work and meetings in the United States.
The true pièce de résistance was a 19th-century steel daybed, painstakingly stripped of its layers of history and paint, providing an extra sleeping spot and a fascinating conversation starter about the apartment's rich past. We loved adorning the vintage fireplace with flickering candles, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Ascending the stairs led us to the charming bedroom with a queen-size double bed and an en-suite bathroom. The bedroom couldn't be entirely sealed off, as the staircase remained open, allowing us to enjoy the apartment's openness. The luxurious duvet, filled with 100% down feathers, offered an unparalleled sleep experience — better than resting on a cloud! The bedding was carefully selected by the VRBO hosts for its organic materials, providing a chemical-free environment that ensured sound and rejuvenating sleep. Crisp, percale sheets added a touch of elegance to our nightly retreat.
The highlight of our stay was reclining in a hot bath while gazing up at the sky through the bathroom's open window – an indulgent treat after a day of remote work. Thick, white, organic towels, from the same prestigious brand as the sheets, added a touch of luxury. During our month-long stay, we enjoyed exclusive access to the entire flat. Just outside the flat, an additional toilet was shared with Anna's family, who were the most gracious hosts. The interior courtyard, shared among the neighbors, became our tranquil oasis. Although we couldn't sit and relax there due to house rules, it provided a serene backdrop to our evenings and a refreshing environment throughout Paris's crisp autumn days. As respectful guests, we adhered to two simple rules: no smoking anywhere on the property, and we treated the delicate, expensive duvet with the utmost care, refraining from sitting or lying on it — ensuring its delightful fluffiness remained intact for future guests.
In conclusion, our extended stay in this charming VRBO property was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all our expectations. The apartment, thoughtfully designed and rich in history, offered us comfort and convenience during our remote work adventure in one of the world's most iconic cities. It was a delightful fusion of modern living and historic charm, providing the perfect backdrop to living in Paris for a month.
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