Three Days in Paris: Rue with a View

My three days in Paris

Upon entering 17 Rue St Jacques for three days in Paris last week, I knew I’d have a hard time leaving this 17th century apartment in the Latin Quarter of Paris. It exuded much of the Parisian ambiance that I’d always imagined. From the entrance hallway, we walked up a short flight of stairs to the living area where two large windows provided a perfect view of the amazing Gothic church, Saint-Séverin, directly across the street. It was our first time staying in an apartment instead of a Paris hotel and it is a wonderful option.

St Severin in Paris, France

View of Saint-Séverin from our Rue St. Jacques apartment

The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is a popular area for tourists because of its proximity to many Paris sites, but maintains a character befitting this ancient part of the city. With the Sorbonne nearby, there is also a young, vibrant feel to the area with cafes, clubs and shops. We decided to start the weekend at Café Le Petit Pont just a few minutes’ walk from the apartment and enjoy a glass of Bordeaux. Although being very touristy, the location is excellent with the western façade of Notre Dame and its Christmas tree with blue lights in view. A stop at Amorino Huchette for chocolate bouchées topped off a walk through the brightly-decorated streets of the Latin Quarter.

Latin Quarter of Paris during the holidays

Latin Quarter during the holidays

As we enjoyed breakfast (omelet, café, juice, salad) at L’Authre Bistro on Rue de la Montagne, it started to snow big, fluffy flakes. We then shopped at Place Maubert, where vendors were selling fruit, vegetables, chocolates, flowers, clothing & accessories at the oldest street market in Paris. Back at the apartment, we watched the snowfall as children had a snowball fight in the church courtyard below.

Place Maubert in the Latin Quarter of Paris

Place Maubert Market

Outside again to enjoy a walk in the snow and see more of the area, we visited the Pantheon, originally built as a church to honor Ste Geneviève, it later became a grand location for the tombs of French notables such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Madame Curie. From there, on our way to the Luxembourg Gardens, we watched the Marches des Maladies Rare (a march in support of finding cures for rare diseases) in progress from our seats at Café le Luxembourg.

St-Germain-des-Prés

After dark, we wandered through the culture-rich St-Germain-des-Prés district’s residential and shopping areas and by the Théâtre National de l’Odéon. Close to the apartment, we crossed the Seine to Notre Dame. Although too late to be able to climb to the observation level, we entered the cathedral as mass was in progress at the main altar, enjoying the choir while being taken in by the architecture.

Night scene of Notre Dame Cathedral across the Seine in Paris, France

Notre Dame Cathedral across the Seine

Montmartre

A highlight of the weekend was a walking tour of Montmartre with Michael Schürmann, the author of Paris Movie Walks. Along with the beauty of Sacré-Coeur Basilica, panoramic views of Paris, the character of shops and cafés that line the winding streets, there is the added bonus of seeing well-known film settings and former homes and studios of artists such as Picasso and Dali. At the Places des Abbesses is a Christmas market, which was bustling with families riding the carousel and shopping for toys and ornaments while enjoying holiday food and drinks.

Over the rooftops of Montmartre in Paris

Over the rooftops of Montmartre

 

We took the Metro from the Abbesses station to the Place de la Concorde.

Christmas Market in Montmartre in Paris, France

Montmartre Christmas Market

 

Around the Champs-Elysées

Emerging the Metro station on this beautiful night near La Grand Roue (large Ferris Wheel) at the end of the Champs-Elysées. This is also the location of Paris’s largest Christmas market and traditional stalls lined both sides of the avenue to Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées. After a light meal at the self-described “chic et cosy” Le Berkeley on Avenue Matignon, we headed back to our Latin Quarter apartment via the Tuileries, the Louvre and a walk along the Seine.

La Grande Roue, Paris, France

La Grande Roue

Au revoir, Paris!

Up before dawn on Monday, Rue St Jacques was quiet with only a few cars making their way on the wet street below. It was time to leave, but the weekend had left a mark and the desire to return to Paris very soon.

 

The River Seine at night, Paris, France

The Seine at night

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40 thoughts on “Three Days in Paris: Rue with a View

  1. Kerry-ann

    You have brought back so many memories. I really miss Europe – I miss Paris. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Keep the updates coming!

  2. Kerry-ann

    Forgot to ask are you having a lot of snow? The news reports we are getting here sounds like it is snowing heavily yet your photos don’t look thick with snow. The snow definitely adds to the magic of being in Paris at Christmas time.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks for the comments, Kerry-ann. The really heavy snow came after I was already back home, but we did have a lovely snowfall last Saturday. Paris would be a great place to be snow-bound, I think!

  3. Andrea

    Cathy, are you doing some kind of tour of all my favourite places where I used to live? =) Abbesses used to be our stop in Paris and before that we lived on the Left Bank. I love both areas so much! Was looking at photos of all that winter snow that just fell and feeling very nostalgic for the place. It’s so cool that you got to walk around with Michael Schürmann!

    1. Cathy Post author

      It does seem that way, doesn’t it? NYC, San Francisco, Paris…. Maybe I should plan on a trip to Australia next. And yes, a walk around Montmartre with Michael was very cool — he and his wife, Marlys, really know Paris!

    1. Cathy Post author

      It may seem crazy, but we did just go to Paris for the weekend — actually 2-1/2 days, 3 nights not counting travel time. We’re known to do things like that. Besides, getting there is part of the fun, too!

  4. Caz Makepeace

    Paris in the snow!! How beautiful, I am sooooo jealous. I love Montemarte, I could wander those streets for hours. I know what you mean about staying in an apartment. My brother was once engaged to a Parisian, so each time I went there I stayed at her families apartment which was just around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. It was so great. And so was the four course dinner we had every night complete with a drink to match each course. I was only 22 at the time, and didn’t know much beyond cheap beer and wine in a box. I was in heaven

  5. Michael

    Cathy, you’ve chosen well by getting an apartment in the Latin Quarter. That’s one of my favourite part of Paris, second only to Montmartre understandably. We totally enjoyed your company and particularly so because you are real movie buffs. Till next visit….

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks again for your expert tour of Montmartre. I’m making a list of movies filmed in Paris to watch before next trip (whenever that might be)!

  6. John in France

    It was so great that you could stay at our place in Paris! I was with you every step of the way here!! I’ve just bought a large new painting to go behind the settee in the lounge – I will have to send you a photo when it’s up!!! Happy memories!

  7. Raquel

    Great post Cathy… It made me think back of the times I’ve spent in Paris. I have to agree with you about Cafe Petite Pont, although touristy it has a great ambiance, perfect location and view and live music. Perfect for a night cap before turning in.

    I prefer staying at apartments when traveling to cities such as Paris, NYC, Rome, etc. It makes the experience more real!

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks, Raquel. Glad to bring back some of your great Paris memories for you. Staying in an apartment was a wonderful experience that I hope to repeat many times in the future!

  8. Jeremy B

    What a clever play on words in your title! Right now, I would LOVE to be in Paris with all of the snow. Went to Paris for Thanksgiving a few years ago and it was a wonderful time to visit!

  9. inka

    Glorious. What an amazing stay. Paris at night is wonderful and staying in an apartment is an option I will consider more fur future travel. Thanks for that advice. Great pictures too.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks, Inka. Although there are also wonderful and affordable hotels in Paris, definitely consider an apartment there for your next trip.

  10. Ben and Carrie Tracks - Wildlife Biologists

    Could anything over there be any more beautiful? WOW, love the lit up buildings at night, and in general just a huge fan and you’ve certainly inspired us to visit for sure !

    Happy Holidays 🙂

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  12. Eileen Ludwig

    Paris cast it’s spell on me in 1983 for five weeks. Mesmerized by the cafes and people watching, walking all over and riding the metro – Had a Orange Ticket for full month of unlimited rides. Terrific time. Thanks for the memories

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