On the Champ with a View

When on the grassy plain of the Champ de Mars waiting for the concert and fireworks to begin on Bastille Day, I was wondering what it would be like to have that same view (or something similar) from my window. Lots of people do — in fact, a view of the Eiffel Tower immediately increases the value of a property, just for the privilege of seeing La Grande Dame every single day.

The tower wasn’t always so revered, you know. It was quite controversial when it was built — debated over about the relationship between architecture and engineering. A committee was formed led by architect Charles Garnier including some of the most important experts of the time to determine it’s value and future. It was protested by devotees of the beauty of Paris, claiming “indignation in the name of slighted French taste, against the erection of this useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.” They further went on to say, “And for twenty years we shall see, stretching like a blot of ink, the hateful shadow of the hateful column of bolted sheet metal.” According to legend, Guy de Maupassant “ate lunch in the tower’s restaurant every day because it was the one place in Paris where the tower was not visible.”

And now look how wrong they all were, to have lacked so much foresight and to be so narrow minded and attached to their past that they couldn’t see a future for what is now the most recognizable structure in the world, and certainly one of the most beautiful. Not only is the Eiffel Tower the absolute symbol of Paris, but has welcomed more than 250 million people since it’s construction in 1889 making it the most visited monument in the world with a paid entrance.

What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower? The properties that were built around it and others even further from its base strive to have a view of the enigmatic monument whose beauty seems insurmountable. Does it not give one goose bumps to be so close to the epicenter of Paris and therefore all of France? You can have it, if you choose!

Perhaps you would like to own one of your own? American friends who managed to find, purchase, renovate and decorate ‘to the nines’ a magnificent apartment just next to the base of the tower literally ON the Champ de Mars have (sadly) placed their apartment on the market for sale so they can move on to another lifestyle — preferably in the South of France. The apartment was designed and decorated with the utmost of taste by a very well-known French designer and is for someone wanting to move right into to the ultimate of luxury.

Located on the first floor, the apartment consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, grand foyer, large living room, separate dining room, large fully-equipped kitchen and a dressing room — all in 87m2 (936.5 square feet). It is being sold with all of its furnishings — you need only to bring your personal belongings and move right in.

Asking price? 2,250,000€ + a finder’s fee. If you are SERIOUSLY interested in owning this property, please email me personally at [email protected].

Or would you like to rent one for a short period of time? “La Vue de l’Eiffel” is a Parler Paris Apartment with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and is available for rental of seven days or more. Located just next to the Champ de Mars, it’s very spacious with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and very large “double séjour.”

Absolutely elegant and wonderfully located, the weekly rental includes everything, ranging between 2,080€ to 2,300€ for the week and between 5,200€ to 6,900€ for a month or more. For more information and to book your stay, visit La Vue de l’Eiffel.

And keep in mind that should you set out to purchase a property in Paris, anything with an Eiffel Tower view will always hold its value — in spite of what some of our forefathers had to say!

A bientôt ,

(on the Champ de Mars for Bastille Day)Adrian Leeds

The Adrian Leeds Group

Respond to Adrian: [email protected]

P.S. This weekend I will be exploring the region of Champagne — so stay tuned for a look at this beautiful area in northeast France best known for the production of the sparkling white wine that bears the region’s name. Also FYI, there will be no FPI on Thursday, August 7, for annual vacation.

P.P.S. Did you know that many Parler Paris Apartments have been featured on House Hunters International? You can stay in one of the gorgeous apartments appearing in this popular show! Visit Parler Paris Apartments and look for the HHI logo.