Owned by a creative family, and their home for much of the year, this delightful apartment in the Latin Quarter is stylish, fun and packed with character. Set in a typical period building, its high ceilings, wood floors and tall windows make for a classic Parisian stay – topped off with a balcony overlooking the bustling streets below. Just a short walk from Notre Dame, it's an authentic homestay that will immediately make you feel like a local. The big living space is sociable and bright, with statement lighting and wall art, leather sofas and a huge dining table. Open to the rest of the room, the chef of the group will be able to whip up home-cooked meals in the modern kitchen, thanks to the well-stocked cupboards and high-end appliances. Elsewhere in the flat, there's an office with a piano and a guitar for the musically inclined, and a desk if you have to get some work done during your stay. We love the master bedroom with its large en-suite bathroom and quirky little craft room. The apartment is opposite the Cluny Museum and just a minutes walk from the open-air market of Maubert Square (held three times a week). It takes only fifteen minutes to walk to the Louvre and there are all sorts of places to eat and drink on your doorstep.
Home truths: *There's quite a hefty security deposit at this home but it is fully refundable
*You'll need to pay an additional €30 fee per stay for the home's linens (that's bedding, bath towels and kitchen cloths)
*Towels will be changed every ten days for longer stays
*If you're travelling with little ones, a cot and high chair are available for a fee – contact the host
*The single bed is due to be updated
*This home is on the third floor, with stairs up, but there is a very small lift which you could use for luggage
*You can pre-order some coffee pods for a small fee (speak to the host) or bring some of your own
*This is a lived-in home, so expect some of the host's personal belongings to be present and small signs of wear and tear