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When Dale suggested that we spend Christmas in Paris, I was wary about the weather. As someone whose favorite pastime is walking through this glorious city, I imagined ice-slicked streets and cabin fever. As it turned out, this visit proved to be one of our best ever! Not only was precipitation minimal but, more importantly, having #8 Colonel Combes as our home base made this trip so memorable. The warm glow of the fireplace, the shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower from our window, cooking in our thoughtfully outfitted kitchen and the wi-fi connection which allowed us to participate with family five thousand miles away on Christmas morning through web-cam, made us appreciate having this wonderful apartment in all seasons. The convenience of world-class boulangeries, restaurants and gourmet shops in the neighborhood and the ability to walk to Metro stations, buses and eight museums within a mile further enhanced the experience. Again, thanks to you, Walid for designing this unique apartment and to the team at Paris Pied-à-Terre for having anticipated our every need. Can’t wait to return in April.
Iris Litt & Dale Garell
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I had bought my fractional interest in Colonel Combes based on the internet information and conversations with Walid. I arrived in Paris from Hong Kong a few days ago to see the apartment for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it looked even better than in the pictures! I have seen other apartments in Paris and was very impressed with the building and the workmanship in the apartment. Not only is the outside of the building attractive but it has a gorgeous entryway and winding wooden stairway. What I especially like is how light the apartment is – with Southern exposure light streams in on a sunny days and the Eiffel Tower is very visible.
I was greeted by Paris Pied-à-Terre's concierge on the first day, and Walid and his wife stopped by as well. It was quite seamless getting to the apartment from the airport with the arranged car service and with complimentary baguettes and croissants; I started off my visit well taken care of.
The neighborhood is delightful. I had not spent much time in the 7th District in the past when I visited Paris, and am really enjoying it. There are many cafés and stores near by and great restaurants. There are quite a few Americans in the area which makes things easier as English can be used to communicate in most places.
I now know that I can happily stay in the neighborhood if I do not feel like going to explore other places in Paris. The Seine is a block away and easily accessible for a morning or evening stroll. The impressive, recently opened Musée du quai Branly is also only a five minute walk away on the way to the Eiffel Tower. It has made me realize how happy I am to have invested in Colonel Combes so that I can spend one month a year in this fabulous city. When I decided to spend the Chinese New Year holiday in Paris, many of my friends wondered why I would go in February. But as one of them noted, "Paris is great anytime of the year."
Jenifer Rogers
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My wife and I purchased a share of the Colonel Combes apartment last April and stayed there for two weeks in October. Mary Ellen and I love Paris and, like most people who feel this way, owning a pied-a-terre there has always seemed an impossible dream. Buying an apartment was not practical. Visiting Paris for more than a month a year was not going to happen, and renting out a property and maintaining it for the other 11 months would be way too much trouble. When we heard about Paris Pied-à-Terre's fractional ownership, it sounded like the perfect answer.
As we signed the sales agreement sitting in I remember thinking, “I hope this isn’t a huge mistake.” It turned out to be just the opposite! The apartment is sensational and exceeded our expectations -- it was being remodeled when we signed, so we didn’t get to see it finished until October. The neighborhood is perfect — near the Champs-Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, etc, but in a very upscale arrondissment with wonderful restaurants, bakeries and shops. And it was very quiet!
The experience of staying in our own Paris apartment was very different from our many previous visits. We felt like we really lived, part time, in Paris. It’s difficult to say what the difference is, but we just had a great time, enjoying the city on a whole new level. Also, Walid and his staff were great, taking care of all the small maintenance details for the apartment so our biggest worry was where to have dinner, or whether to cook in.
All in all we are very happy with our decision to purchase a partial share in Colonel Combes. Our son will be using the apartment next month and I wish we could join him.
Mary Ellen and George Linton
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