In the very few weeks that I briefly get to live my dream of living in Paris, the tiny apartment is the one thing that truly makes me feel Parisian.

Sure, I tirelessly wander markets and flea market stalls, eat amazingly good food, people-watch from outdoor cafés, and visit museums and gardens and everything else in between, but nothing makes me feel more a part of this dazzling city than coming home to a welcoming little apartment and waking up to the sun streaming through the giant windows, or the views from the window while I sip my morning coffee, or running to the boulangerie for bread. It all feels so natural and exceptional.

Last October, our apartment was tucked deep behind a second courtyard of Renaissance era building in the 4th arrondissements on a narrow Le Marais street.

We stayed in a beautiful little third floor apartment with lots of natural light and ceilings with exposed beams; outside the cobblestoned courtyards were little green gardens and ivy plants creeping up the building and around giant doors and windows.

And while it felt like a little countryside cottage inside, outside was bustling with activity – the main gates opened on to Place du Marché Sainte Catherine, a delightful pedestrian-only plaza filled with people, greenery, benches and outdoor restaurants.

Also close were wonderful busy Le Marais streets like Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Rue Vielle du Temple and Rue des Rosiers, and just a minute away from Place des Vosges.

On dull rainy days, I daydream longingly about a Parisian apartment, seemingly more perfect than I remember.

Other Paris Apartment Posts

• Temporary Quarters
• Mon Petit Appartement à Paris