Location
It was here between the Louvre and Saint-James’ tower, between Rue-de-Rivoli and Place-du-Châtelet, that stood the Halles-Baltard covered market, dubbed “the stomach of Paris” by Emile-Zola. Market place since medieval times, the area was, in the 19th century, somewhere where drapers, market gardeners, fishmongers, weavers and cobblers had their stalls under the pavilions designed by architecture Victor-Baltard. This was the commercial centre of Paris where modest and middle-class families met, where restaurant and cafe owners served their customers at all hours of the day and night.
With the development of transportation networks, wholesale markets moved to Rungis and in the 1970’s, the market stalls disappeared. They were gradually replaced by modern department stores such as La-Samaritaine, specialist boutiques and renowned cultural centres such as the old Bourse-du-Commerce (Commodities Exchange) now the Pinault Foundation.
This district, now semi-pedestrian, still has its lively, cheerful atmosphere. Châtelet-Les-Halles, the biggest underground station in Europe, is just a stone’s throw away, making it possible to get to the other side of Paris or the nearest suburbs in a few minutes as well as to train stations and airports giving access to the other side of the world.
Description
This flat takes up the entire fourth floor. The entrance hall provides access, on one side, to a bedroom, overlooking a courtyard. This bedroom adjoins a bathroom, where renovation works have installed a walk-in shower, a partition wall and a separate toilet. The entrance hall also leads, via a hall area, to a kitchen, with a window overlooking the courtyard. Fully fitted, it was recently completely reorganised. The living room, spanning more than 30 m², is illuminated via two wide windows, overlooking the street, and a large window looking out over the courtyard. Parquet flooring is laid throughout the living rooms, but the kitchen and bathroom have floor tiles.
Our opinion
This flat is in an ideal location in one of the oldest districts of what was once Lutetia prior to becoming Paris, but also one of the most modern in this international city. It is set between Rue-de-Rivoli and Rue-Saint-Honoré, in the city centre, but is far from the French capital’s hustle and bustle. Here, from dusk till dawn, not a sound disturbs the ambient air, apart from the delicious spicy aromas from the district’s excellent restaurants. The river Seine is but a stone’s throw away for those wishing to enjoy pleasant walks along the pedestrian embankments. This cleverly laid out flat has a pleasing aspect, making the rooms bright and giving an unobstructed view over the Parisian rooftops. It is a perfect pied-à-terre for a modern-day nomad or a lover of the French art of living.
859 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 955013
Living space | 61.7 m2 |
Number of rooms | 3 |
Number of bedrooms | 1 |
Number of lots | 19 |
Annual average amount of the proportionate share of expenses | 1400 € |
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.