You can take your drink or meal onto the terrace and watch the world below. From here, I have seen gigantic aircraft wings floating down the river, demonstrations, beautiful firework displays and delicate falling snow. Within five minutes you can be in Rue St Catherine, the longest shopping street in Europe, or at Capucins market, where they sell the best oysters, foie gras and cheeses. There is an artisan baker just around the corner, and on Saturdays a fantastic fruit and vegetable market. On Sundays, only metres from the apartment building, you can hunt for treasures among the bric-a-brac and antiques of the St Michel market. I've found some great and inexpensive collectables here, ranging from early editions of classic books, to old photos, to vintage clothing, to kitchenware, to pieces of embroidery and garden sculptures.
There is a wide selection of restaurants and bars very nearby, and the tram stop is less than 50 meters away.