The thing that springs to most immediately to mind when speaking of the les Halles neighborhood is the sprawling underground shopping area known as the Forum des Halles.
The original Les Halles was an above-ground market once known as "The Stomach of Paris." It was written about by 19th century novelist Zola, and was actually first extended in the 1100s by King Philippe II Auguste. There were glass and iron structures where merchants from across the globe plied their wares. By the 1970s the area had deteriorated, and in the meantime the area beneath had been developed into the central hub of Paris' speedy train system, the RER.
In 1971, the above-ground Halles was dismantled, and the forum was created. This underground shopping area has multiple levels, and was opened in 1979. The somewhat surreal atmosphere here is still enjoyed by strollers and Parisians today. Around 500,000 people pass through the Halles area each day. There are multiple attractions within the mall itself, from a media museum to move theatres, and even a wax museum (Musée Grévin).
A nearby apartment in Paris means living in what is Paris' "most central" area, the bustling first arrondissement. Your Paris apartments for rent at les Halles means living literally within walking distance of the Louvre museum, the Notre Dame, the Palais Royal, and much more.
Lovers of jewelry and glamour can stroll to the Place Vendôme, an 8-sided square that is home of Cartier, Boucheron, van Cleef & Arpels and many others. For a more serene getaway, walk to the Palais Royal, once the home of a young Louis XIV, with tranquil enclosed gardens filled with wonderful shops and the sound of children's laughter.
For a more spiritual getaway while in the 1st, head to the magnificent splendor of the Notre Dame cathedral, located on the Ile de la Cite. The nearby Sainte Chapelle is also closely, with its famous stained glass windows, colorful tiles and magnificent light.
For a somewhat darker trip, visit the Conciergerie. This medieval fortress was where Marie Antoinette was kept imprisoned, and is a wonderful example of royal architecture during the Middle Ages.
There are various museums to see in the first beyond the Louvre, from l'Orangerie, which holds a private collection of Cezannes, Matisses, Renoirs, Picassos, and others. Fir children, the Musée en Herbe is a "must-see" educational museum that has interactive games for children which help them build a familiarity with many of the world's greatest works of art. And the Museum of Decorative Arts, located just around the corner from the Louvre's main entrance, covers 800 years of Gallic decorating ideas. Located on the rue de Rivoli, you'll enjoy just walking there, seeing the crepe stands and people walking, soaking up the history.
The first is also adjacent to the rest of central Paris, putting you in mere steps of the Seine, the Latin Quarter, the Saint Germain, and areas that will take your breath away over the course of even a small stroll.
For food shopping, take a small trip from your short term apartment rentals Paris to the Rue Montorgueil or choose an apartment rental in Les Halles, Paris. This area north and west of Les Halles is mostly car-free, and there are a couple of well-known bakeries, as well as a fish market, an organic food store, and much more.
For a bit of historic relaxation at the end of the day, look no further than Bar Hemingway on the Place Vendôme. Ernest used to come here at least once per week, even before the days of his literary fame. Today the bar is still regarded as one of the best bars to be found anywhere, creating elaborate cocktail works of art, with lively and literary conversation often buzzing around the room.
apartments rentals in Paris located in or near the Les Halles area puts you within easy reach of a world of delightful sights and sounds. Not to mention many of Paris' most famous things to see and do. But feel free to explore this part of Paris and make it your own. After all, it's some of the small treasures you'll discover here that will make your stay in Paris truly memorable.
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