Wednesday for the windows of Paris...the garrets of Paris.

Rooftops and garrets viewed from Paris' Ferris wheel.

 Image: Alison Juestel

 In Paris, a garret typically refers to a small, attic-like living space located on the top floor of a building and originally used as storage spaces or servants' quarters in the upper levels of buildings.They normally consisted of a warren of small independent rooms 'chambres des bonnes' with shared toilet facilities.They often had their own stairwell at the rear of the building giving direct access to the kitchen of their employer.   

Over the years, garrets have been repurposed for various uses, including artist studios, writer's retreats and affordable housing for students or young professionals. Due to their small size and unique layout, garrets often offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, making them desirable for individuals seeking an escape in the heart of the city.They can however present challenges in terms of accessibility, ventilation, and insulation, particularly in older buildings. Additionally, the compact layout and limited storage space may not be suitable for everyone's needs  

Today many have been repurposed by landlords and property owners who have acquired multiple garrets to combine them and make them into one apartment and take advantage of the outrageous rent and sale prices the city commands.  They have also gained some popularity in recent years as unique and charming accommodations for tourists and visitors. Some boutique hotels and guesthouses in Paris offer garret-style rooms, providing guests with an 'authentic' Parisian experience. 

Garrets perhaps hold an over romanticized and nostalgic appeal in Parisian literature and art, often associated with bohemian lifestyles and creative pursuits. Many famous writers, artists, and intellectuals, such as Victor Hugo and Henri Murger, were known to have lived and worked in garrets throughout the city.