A Charming Parisian Pied-à-Terre on Île de la Cité

Fathom editor Berit Baugher spent a long weekend in Paris at 25 Place Dauphine, Paris Perfect's beautiful new apartment rental residence located on an island in the Seine.

CHECKING IN

Overview

I would be hard-pressed to identify a more central and charming location than Place Dauphine, the serene 17th-century royal square located on Île de la Cité, one of two remaining natural islands in the Seine. Nestled in the Parisian epicenter is 25 Place Dauphine, a historic building just steps from the Pont Neuf. Given its central location and proximity to Notre Dame, one might expect a hectic square buzzing with merchants and tourists — instead you will find French families picnicking and older gentlemen playing games of boule — the kind of scene that belong in a French storybook.

Place Dauphine. Photo by Berit Baugher.

A bedroom in the Muscat apartment. Photo courtesy of Paris Perfect.

The Apartment

25 Place Dauphine is split into nine one-bedroom apartments with a French-modern vibe. High ceilings, billowy linen curtains, sisal rugs,velvet furniture, and antique tables come together to create a haven in the center of Paris. Kitchens are fully equipped — each comes with a full-sized refrigerator, mini-dishwasher, combination washer and dryer, oven, stovetop, coffee maker, toaster, pots and pans, and a full set of china. (Everything you could possibly need to whip up a feast in your very own Parisian apartment.) The technology setup includes fast wireless internet, a portable phone with free international calls, televisions in both rooms, and central air that can be managed with a remote control.

Fresh lavender on the windowsill at 25 Place Dauphine. Photo courtesy of Paris Perfect.

A kitchen at 25 Place Dauphine. Photo courtesy of Paris Perfect.

The Food

As with most apartment rentals, there are no onsite food services; however if the thought of an empty refrigerator after a long-haul flight makes you sad, a delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, freshly baked baguettes, and wines from La Grande Épicerie de Paris can be arranged. The gourmet food floor at Le Bon Marche department store is a personal favorite and worth adding to your agenda for small souvenirs like truffle oil and fancy French chocolate, or the fixings for an afternoon picnic at nearby Luxembourg Gardens.

If you are looking to replicate a traditional room service experience, two local restaurants offer delivery. Ma Salle à Manger is a charming French bistro directly across the street with a lively dinner scene and well-priced menu. La Rose de France serves traditional French fare like lamb shank and duck breast.

If you're the breakfast-in-bed type, gourmet delivery service UpDeli will bring a piping hot thermos of coffee, and croissants and baguettes from master baker Fréderic Lalos, and artisanal jams from La Chambre aux Confitures to your apartment door.

This Place Is Perfect For

Those looking for a romantic weekend or the experience of living like a Parisian.

But Not So Perfect For

Those who want traditional hotel amenities like room service, onsite concierge, and a fitness room.

Luxembourg Gardens. Photo by Berit Baugher.

Astier de Villatte. Photo by Berit Baugher.

CHECKING OUT

Surroundings

Being located on Île de la Cité makes the rest of Paris very easy to access — especially if you prefer getting around on foot. I was delighted to find several of my favorite Parisian spots all within a fifteen-minute walk.

Across the bridge, on Île Saint-Louis, the grand dame of Parisian ice cream, Bertillon, has its main outpost. During the summer, the right side of the Seine is lovely for taking a stroll. Pop-up beaches sell ice cream, host live music, and are excellent for watching people stroll by. Two of the city's most interesting shops exist on the Left Bank: Officine Universelle Buly 1803 is an old-fashioned apothecary with exquisitely packed luxury soaps and creams. Astier de Villatte sells handmade white ceramics, scented candles, and screen-printed notebooks. The back garden at Hotel de l'Abbaye is a favorite for afternoon tea. Also nearby is Deyrolle, the legendary taxidermy shop filled with natural curiosities. Cafe de Flore, one of the city's oldest and most storied coffeeshops, is a nice place for lunch. Gerard Mulot makes a fantastic croissant.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

How to Get There

25 Place Dauphine is a 45-minute drive from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and a 25-minute drive from Gare du Nord.

For those flying from the United States, low-cost airline Norwegian Air recently launched nonstop flights from New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

CONCIERGE

If you would like help planning your stay, the Paris Perfect concierge team can arrange restaurant reservations and a variety of activities, like cooking lessons in your apartment kitchen or a guided tour of Portes de Vanves flea market.

BOOK IT

Rates start at €236 per night. Click here for reservations.

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