Returning to Paris.

A deep breath was taken multiple times over the journey knowing the plane was bound for Paris upon boarding this past April, and when the taxi became en route for our vacation rental in the 7th arrondissement, and especially upon arrival, an even deeper sigh and a wide smile emerged spontaneously. I had returned to the country and the city that is so very special.

The team of Paris Perfect elevated an already memorable trip with the accommodations at Saint Julien.

Having had the opportunity to stay in one of their vacation rentals in London in 2017 – London Perfect (under the Vacation Perfect which includes Paris, London, Florence, Amalfi, Venice, Tuscany, Rome and Provence), the peace of mind immediately provided when my reservation was set with Paris Perfect as I knew not only would the accommodations be welcoming, thoughtfully decorated and prepared, but I also had ease of pick up at the airport (and pick up for a departure if needed as well) as well as a safe and well-located neighborhood, is why they were on the top of my list to explore and why I continue to recommend any of Vacation Perfect location rentals here on TSLL.

The founder of Paris Perfect Madelyn Byrne joined me on The Simple Sophisticate podcast last August to talk about the extra care each apartment receives as it is renovated (outlets in the bathrooms, large German plumbing fixtures in the showers, ample storage, air conditioning, etc.), furnished and decorated. Be sure to tune in to episode #309 as Madelyne passion for what she does along with her sisters – Lisa manages the Italy and London branches – is immediately evident, and after 20 years of navigating the travel vacation market, they know what Americans are seeking and exceed expectations.

Knowing I would be returning to Paris in the spring of 2022, Lisa Byrne invited me to stay in one of their apartments should the dates I chose be available, and indeed they were. For three nights, I stayed with my mother (her first visit to the City of Light) at the Saint Julien apartment in the 7th arrondissement, located on the corner of Rue Saint-Dominique and Avenue de la Bourdonnaise, just one block from the Champs de Mars, home of the Eiffel Tower. In fact, you can see le tour de Eiffel from three windows on the street view side (bedroom and living and dining room.

Not only is Saint Julien near the iconic tower, more to my liking, it is close to Rue Cler for all sorts of favorite food and dining shops – fromagerie, chocolatier, Le Notre patisserie and boulangerie, etc., a farmer’s market (marché that is open two days a week – Thursday and Saturday) and wonderful boulangeries, as well as being well situated to walk to the heart of the city.

Let me give you a tour of our apartment which has two full bedrooms, one has a full bathroom en suite, and the second bedroom (the one I slept in that is street side and offered beautiful views of the architecture but also of the Eiffel Tower) has a bathroom adjacent to it with a rainfall shower that will wash any jet lag away more quickly than imagined. 🙂

With classic white painted walls and beveled wood trim to give each room depth without fuss, wood chevron floors throughout the entire residence, the high ceilings and traditional French windows (and with every inch of this apartment renovated, the windows are new and double paned to reduce noise and aid in a restful night’s sleep) adorned with traditional chandeliers, guests are welcomed by a classic, yet modern in amenities aesthetic that causes a deep sigh of calm to wash over you as you walk in the door for the first time after a long, long day of travel.

Each morning we sat down at the dining table and enjoyed a slice of baguette and/or a croissant paired with coffee or tea, and some confiture de fraises (strawberry jam). We would make our plans for the day, open the French windows and listen to Paris as she woke up to begin the day.

Now I have to talk about the bathrooms because if you have stayed in other apartment rentals in Paris, you know that luxury is not always what you find. Well, rest-assured, Paris Perfect understands this, and each of the bathrooms are impeccable in their use of the smaller space that is typical in Parisian apartments. My walk-in shower (seen below) was quite large, with an ample rain-fall showered – 10″ is my guesstimation, the water pressure is a dream, and the controls are easy to navigate and clear to read. As well, you have a towel warmer, three full drawers to place all of your toiletries and shower amenities (they include a hair-dryer in each bathroom, so you do not have to worry about using a converter to use yours), and they even share two adapters with you to use as you need while you stay. They have thought of everything and then even more.

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Perhaps my appreciation is deepened even more significantly because I have stayed in other vacation rentals in the city, and I have stayed in quite nice hotels, but nothing even comes close to the comfort, luxury and space, as well as cleanliness and consideration to every detail imaginable that Paris Perfect provides.

From ease of communication in their Guest Portal once you make your reservation, detailed information about your neighborhood and what to explore from the restaurants to the marchés, to the boulangeries and sights, everything has been tended to so that you can relax and savor being in Paris, which is what we came to Paris to do after being away for nearly three years.

I want to thank the Paris Perfect team, specifically Lisa and Ingrid along with Madelyne for an incredible welcome and stay at Saint Julien.

~Explore the Saint Julien apartment in full detail here.

~All opinions are my own and I look forward to staying with Paris Perfect again upon my next visit to the city.

Images via TSLL and a handful courtesy of Paris Perfect.