A small, elegantly proportioned square shaded by linden trees forms a quiet respite from the crowded lanes of the rive gauche. Ornate black ironwork benches are set under the trees and a fountain bubbles in its marble basin at the exact center of a lovingly-tended rose garden and petite lawn. Magnificent private homes, known as hotels, occupy the upper stories. Bright geraniums grow in flower boxes, carriages sweep along the narrow sidestreets and into the square at all hours of the day or night, and pretty nurses walk their young charges on the lawn or dabble fingers in the fountain. Shops and cafes line the ground floors of the russet-colored brick and stone buildings. Here is an intriguing bookshop, *Poussiere de Temps*, whose windows are filled with old prints and leather-bound tomes. A ginger cat lies sleeping among them, paws curled over his nose. Visit *Songe d'Israel* for a taste of the French Jewish community. All are welcome: stay, eat, sing, enjoy!
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