I stay in apartments in the Marais to live away from the tourist crowds and get closer to a "local" experience. Likewise, it gives me a chance to sample local living conditions and not hotels. Alexandra’s place has all the ingredients of that goal: 18th-19th century building with an early retrofit of plumbing and electrical work and personal decorating representing the owner. If I was dropped into Alexandra’s apartment I would know that I was in France...no doubt. If I stepped onto the street, I would know I was in Paris and if I walked around the block I would know I was in the Marais.
This trip I introduced my grand-daughters (13-15) to their first foreign exposure. If I could show you their daily faces, this review would be complete.