This apartment is amazing. It has been lovingly restored with wooden flooring, crown moulding, and furnishings that transport you into a modern day experience of an ancient Paris. All the tourist attractions are easily accessed by the Metro stations located within walking distance of the property - Porte Dorée (5min walk) Daumesnil (10min walk) which give you direct access to metro lines 8 & 6 that easily link up to other lines.
I used the metro to venture towards the centre of Paris to see some of the well known sites, but they largely felt like they were drowning in commerciality, and that’s the beauty of this spot; It feels mostly untouched, it’s heart and soul still intact, offering a more authentic experience of the city.
Bois De Vincennes Park is a 5 min walk away. I watched the sunset over the lake there every day, whilst also catching the rays of the rising sun from the apartments treelined balcony in the morning. Whilst the 12th arrondissement may not be considered the centre of Paris, to me, it felt like the heart of Paris, and I felt fortunate to be this close to nature whilst also experiencing the hustle & bustle of the city.
The apartment is located on a road lined with shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants, and on Sunday a great market. So, you really don’t have to travel far to get your needs met, but there’s also an air of tranquility about the place (beautifully captured in the Buddhist sculpture in the park) due to it being more of a residential area with a community spirit.
The beauty and authenticity of this old building means you can hear movement in other apartments, but the respectful neighbours and the peace of the place make it inconsequential. I can’t express how grateful I am to have briefly called this place home.
Thank you Sandie for your warmth and hospitality when greeting me and handing over the keys, and thank you to the homeowner for sharing this incredible space.