Verdi, antique-filled flat for 4 - Bastille/Lyon

Description from the manager

If you desire a sanctuary with character and charm, where artistic flair is tempered with traditional design, look no further than the Verdi. This veritable find in the city’s Bastille neighborhood is home to an opera director, which might explain the owner’s penchant for eclectic artwork, antique furnishings, old books and collectibles. The convenient location is equally noteworthy: the Gare de Lyon metro and train stations are just around the block—providing quick access to the center of Paris (10 minutes) or a longer trip to Lyon (2 hours)—and the Place de Bastille is short walking distance away. Top it off with the diverse collect...ion of shops, grocers, and bakeries (boulangerie) in the surrounding area, and we are certain the Verdi will soon have you shouting, “Bravo!”

Situated inside a lovely Haussmanian building, the 19th century cut-stone architectural style admired by foreigners and French alike, the Verdi features an elegant lobby entrance with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and a spiral, red carpet-bound staircase worthy of a maestro. The apartment can accommodate up to four guests and would be an ideal choice for a family. The master bedroom features a four-post king-size bed and a wooden crib. A second bedroom offers a bunk bed that sleeps two.

The living area is an art aficionado’s dream. Unique furnishings designed with natural materials in cream-earth tones feature graceful lines and subtle curves, while oversized mirrors make the large room feel even more spacious. A bookcase houses a formidable collection of art and music history tomes. The fully-equipped kitchen is appointed in French-provencial décor that lends a thoroughly rustic feel to the room. Should you decide to cook at home, consider dining alfresco on the balcony that overlooks a neighborhood wine shop.

In addition to the convenient train/metro options, the Verdi’s location near the banks of the Seine river makes for an easy 10-15 minute stroll across the bridge to Ile Saint Louis and the famous Latin quarter. Or, for a slightly longer walk, head to the Marais neighborhood and explore the many stores and art galleries. In the immediate area, attractions include the “Promenade plantée” (tree-lined walkway), and extensive greenbelt that begins just east of the Opera Bastille and forms the Viaduc des Arts, a line of shop featuring highly-skilled arts and crafts. Also be sure to visit Marché d'Aligre, an authentic outdoor market in the 12th arrondisement that offers everything from fresh foods, spices, and flowers to vintage apparel and art.Read more

Additional Location Information

Ever since that momentus revolutionary destruction of a prison (even though there were only seven inmates at the time), the Bastille neighborhood has carried a naughty reputation. It subsequently became a hot spot for dance halls, brothels, and other unruly establishments. What remains today is an extraodinarly diverse and constantly changing neighborhood with all imaginable forms of commerce and culture.

Location Type City, Downtown

Additional notes from owner

With ParisSharing, you can stay several nights, several weeks, or several months. The prices are adjusted accordingly.

Prices are displayed per night and are based on an average length stay, from 3-6 nights. If you stay more than 6 nights, you pay less. If you stay more than 30 nights, you pay much less. If you stay less than 3 nights, you pay more per night.

Each guest that exceeds the normal sleeping capacity incurs a 10% surcharge.

What Past Guests Are Saying

• shannp
  Doncaster, UK

  Are you sure this is what you want in Paris?

  Left on 04/26/2013 for a stay in April 2013
  
  

  I'll start with the positive:-
  
  Good points:
  Close to Gare de Lyon
  attractive building
  Quiet location (I am a light sleeper and slept well, though woken by upstairs residents getting ready for work at about 7am. Wooden floorboards make noise travel)
  Tiny lift
  Comfortable and clean beds
  Plenty of hot water
  Extensive library of theatre/opera
  Reasonable access to groceries, etc
  Free wi-fi
  
  areas of concern/need for improvement:
  
  Very weird fixtures. If you like taxidermy and memeto mori, then you'll like it. If you're into stage design and the grotesque, then you'll like it too. Otherwise, it's a bit frightening - the full-size anatomical dissection demostration in the children's (!) bedroom might put off many people (and I'm a doctor!).
  
  Complete absence of anywhere comfortable to sit. The furniture is like a stage-set - not practical but gives the appearance of comfort. The settee is unbearably uncomfortable and there are no easy chairs, only rock-hard stage props!
  
  The master bedroom is accessed through the other bedroom, which may inconvenience some.
  
  The bathroom is small, with only a hand shower so you have to sit in the bath. No shower curtain. Separate toilet.
  
  Lots of hazards for children. Multiple areas of concern with children, e.g. toddler-level books, electricity cables, knives, breakables, lotions/potions, etc. You would be on tenterhooks all the time!
  
  The owner left a list of 'do's and don'ts', which was not very welcoming. It would've been better to have left a 'welcome' pack.
  
  The location is OK. About 15 minute walk to the Marais, 20 minutes to Notre Dame. Would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Close to 'Promenade plantée', which is worth it.
  
  Overall, I was disappointed. I can imagine some people thinking this is a lovely, quirky flat and like living on a stage. But, it's not really what it is described as, is quite expensive, hazardous and not comfortable.

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? No

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  Was this review helpful? Yes

   

  Response from Paris Sharing - 05/14/2013

  

  Paris Sharing

  Manager

  For some, this is what they want in Paris, for others it is not. Our aim at ParisSharing is to provide our customers the kind of experience they are looking for. We are very sorry that this was not the case for Paul, and we hope that he will choose a different ParisSharing apartment for his next visit to benefit from our same dedication to customer service.
  
  Since many of the apartments we offer are lived-in homes, rented while the owners are away, they will necessarily offer the furnishings and decorations that suit the owner's taste. The Verdi is a perfect example. It does indeed feature several taxidermies, so if you find such things grotesque then the apartment is not for you. We will update the apartment's description to make sure that is clear, and add a couple of photos.
  We confirm that there is an antique anatomical chart in the child's room. This is history and science, and if you are put off by it (see photos) then the apartment is not for you.
  We do understand that the furnishings can be perceived as more like a stage set...perhaps not so comfortable. Maybe this is explained by the fact that the owner is an opera stage director. Again, this may not be for you.
  There are a few less subjective remarks that we do not agree with. For example, we do not believe the apartment to be hazardous for children, given that the owner has his own children (not toddlers).
  
  The suggestion about the welcome pack is well taken and has since been implemented for this apartment (which was recently offered at the time). We believe the price to be fair, but are always willing to compare to other apartments that offer the same or more for less.
  
  
  
  
  

• Shelley
  Bermuda

  Charming apartment in a good location

  Left on 04/01/2013 for a stay in March 2013
  
  

  The apartment was everything we hoped for. An Eclectic and charming home. There were a few good Boulangeries and a small grocery store in the neighborhood which were convenient.
  We were able to walk to Gare du Lyon to get taxis and pick up our rental car, Which also afforded another level of convenience.
  The antique settee could use a seat cushion and a comfy chair ot two in the sitting room wouldn't hurt.

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Families

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  Was this review helpful? Yes