Rue Marie Stuart is a small and narrow cobblestone street extending about 50 meters between rue Montorgueil and the arcades of the Passage du Grand Cerf, one of the narrow, enclosed commercial passages lined with small boutiques, cozy restaurants and cafes that crisscross this part of Paris. The arcades were built during the 19^th century Haussmann renovations of the city. Poets like Baudelaire strolled here and the literary critic and philosopher Walter Benjamin identified the arcades as being emblems of the distinctly modern metropolis.

Rue Marie Stuart is closed to traffic. Looking out through the open French windows on a sunny day is as restful and regenerating as being in the country. But step outside, walk about 20 meters to the right to rue Montorgueil, and you are embraced by one of the most alive and picturesque streets of Paris. Off limits to traffic, like Marie Stuart, one of the oldest streets in the city offers an array of small shops, groceries, restaurants, and cafes to a steady stream of Parisians. It is called the rue Marche because you can purchase fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish, and an assortment of meats, cheeses, and bread from small shopkeepers who display their wares openly. Some of the restaurants and stores date back as far as the 17^th century! Enjoy the village feeling and sense of place and history. You will find the bustle and discriminating ambience of Paris until late at night on rue Montorgueil.

The four story house on rue Marie Stuart dates back to the early 17^th century. It is listed and photographed in “Architecture et Arts” and routinely visited by guided walking tours as an example of early 17^th century architecture. The building was completely renovated about 20 years ago in order to modernize the infrastructure while maintaining its historical integrity. It is constantly being maintained through sizable contributions of all co-proprietors. There is an elevator in the building.

The apartment has one bedroom with a window looking out on a quiet courtyard, an open kitchen/dining/living room area, a full bath with standing shower, and a separate toilet located for privacy in the hall between bed and living rooms. We had the apartment remodeled and furnished consistent with the quality we want for our home. It is not primarily a rental, although we are pleased to share the experience of living here with our valued clients.

We have carefully preserved the 17^th century terracotta floor and, of course, those magnificent 400-year old beams that support high ceilings. But we have consistently sought to modernize the conveniences and furnishings in accordance with out sense of style. We had the bathroom remodeled in by tiling the walls, installing a glass shower screen, a heated towel rack, and a vanity with cupboard. We added a built-in closet for hanging clothes and storage and an entertainment center for the living room. There is room for storage and clothes in the bedroom closet too. In 2011 the bathtub was removed to make room for a larger shower stall.

In early 2007 we completed major remodeling in the kitchen and toilet. There is a toilet, a cupboard with vanity and sink, and light fixtures. We love our kitchen, which was designed by LaPeyre. The wall separating the kitchen from the living room has been torn down. We now have a wonderful breakfast bar with a massive oak countertop. All appliances, including refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave oven, four burner convection stove, and sink are new. Drawers and cupboards in lacquered white and dark brown trim provide ample room for kitchenware. The backsplash to the stove is tiled in white and yellow.

We have also added overhead light fixtures in the living room and kitchen and wall lamps in the living and bedroom. We have installed a big water heater that provides an ample supply of water for showers or baths! All pictures in the living room are originals. We have a queen size bed in the bedroom and the large couch in the living room. The couch can be converted into a bed for two.

Rue Marie Stuart is located in the heart of Paris. The Seine, the Louvre, the Opera, the Marais District, Sainte Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter are all within easy walking distance. The same is true of Les Halles, the Palais Royal, and the Tuilleries. The nearby Forum des Halles, where you will find a large selection of shops as well as a large swimming pool and a Cineplex, complements the variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops on rue Montorgueil.

Transportation could not be more convenient from this fantastic location. If you cannot walk where you want to go, there are three metro stations and three rapid transit lines (RER) within a five-minute walk of the apartment. The central bus stop at Place Chatelet is also within a few minutes’ walk.

Need more room? The apartment is located in next to the building having our studios apartment ID 29 and apartment ID 179. This is a perfect combination for two or three families traveling together but yet want separate accommodations. Together, the three properties can accommodate up to 10 persons.