We felt at home almost immediately. But we felt like Parisians at home in the cozy, fascinating, hip Marais.
Just steps from the rue de Bretagne were multiple boulangeries/patisseries, cafe/restaurants, tasty delis, mouthwatering fruit and veggie markets, wine shops, and various other shops. All very French, including the Japanese Sushi place and the Thai restaurant.
A couple of short blocks one way and you can turn on rue Vielle du Temple, which plunges into the ancient Marais, past magnificent 'hotels particuliers,' exquisite urban gardens, museums and ultra-chic shops.
Head the other ways and there are more gardens, landmarks, shops, and places to drink, eat, sit and talk, or read, or gaze at the passers by, who tend to be young and attractive, often jabbering and smiling, etc. at each other.
And there's the built-in exercise program of climbing up and down five flights of old, wonderfully crafted wooden stairs.
Inside: lots of light, lots of cross-ventilating windows that allow the fresh breeze to waft through, a very functional kitchen, interesting furniture, dishes, lamps, etc. Quiet but with some street sounds that we found were not too loud and generally were pleasant reminders of where we were. Interesting apartments across the street, one with an abudant terrace garden and attentive, albeit ancient owner.
'Tout pour plaire.'