Our Story

The owners of Panache, Connie & Nader Afshar, met while college students in Switzerland.  Connie had spent the previous semesters studying in London and Kenya while Nader had spent the previous year studying in India.  After college they further pursued their passion for travel and discovered a wide world of fascinating cultures, traditions and cuisines across the globe

In the mid 1990’s, after raising a family and participating in various careers, Connie and Nader focused their talents on Paris. Having lived in the French speaking region of Switzerland and having had their first child in Évian-les-Bains, France, they shared a deep affinity for all things French!

Connie stayed in her first Paris apartment rental in 1995 and found it to be an amazing experience! Instead of feeling like a “Tourist” Connie felt like a citizen of the city – a true Parisian – and it was a wonderful feeling!  She loved entering her handsome building through its beautifully carved wooden doors and walking through the plant-filled inner courtyard to her private apartment.  Often greeted with a pleasant “Bonjour, Madame” from the building’s concierge and a wink from the drowsy cat lounging in the cobblestone courtyard, the entire experience was totally charming!

The extra space offered by her apartment, as opposed to a restrictive hotel room, meant a fully equipped kitchen for making her morning coffee (while still in her PJs) and preparing delicious eatables gathered from fun excursions to the neighborhood’s outdoor market and specialty food shops. Further, the cozy living room was the perfect place to relax at the end of the day – savoring a glass of wine while being completely immersed in the allure of “La Vie Parisienne”!

After 4 years in the Paris apartment rental business Connie and her husband, Nader, founded Panache in 1999.  Avid Francophiles, they happily share their passion and love of authentic Paris with others.  Connie knows the city and her apartments intimately well and enjoys offering highly personalized service.  Her “Raison d’être” is assisting each guest in choosing the perfect apartment to fulfill their personal wants in size, location, taste, style and budget! Panache’s Paris luxury apartment rentals are well chosen for their central locations, décor, comfort and charm so guests can truly enjoy “La Vie Parisienne!”

Soon after establishing Panache Connie & Nader expanded their European vacation rental portfolio to include villas in the beautiful French countryside and apartments in romantic Italy.  More recently Panache added a superb selection of London luxury apartment rentals to their portfolio.  Whether you choose “La Vie Parisienne” in a Paris luxury apartment rental, “Living like a Londoner” in a London luxury apartment rental, romantic Italian or a charming villa in the French countryside – Connie will use her knowledge and uniquely personalized service to ensure your authentic experience will enchant and exceed your expectations!

We are so happy you are here!