Le Chat Noir

At the foot of Montmartre, among a buzz of bars and sex shops, this boulevard is home to an incredibly luxurious hotel-like stay in Paris. On the eighth floor of a hotel building, this apartment is high up enough to be out of earshot of the exciting neighbourhood below, as well as high enough to see jaw-dropping views. From your private balcony and huge windows, admire sweeping 270-degree views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower itself. There’s such a vintage Pigalle feel to this home, with mid-century furnishings and a sexy vibe with black decor. Quirky artwork such as a lobster’s skeleton set in glass might sound odd, but everything works in harmony here to create the epitome of bohemian, sophisticated, Parisian chic. After a pain aux raisins and a café au lait, head ten minutes to the Sacré-Cœur, via winding slopes of Montmartre's uniquely artsy streets. Later (after a few cocktails), check out a gig at La Cigale or a show at the Moulin Rouge just two minutes away. And with metro stops all along the street (the closest being a one-minute walk), you don’t even need to stay local. Wherever you end up, we cannot stress the importance of returning home to your balcony at night – the glittering sight of Paris after dark with a glass of champagne in hand is completely unforgettable.


Home truths:
*While it's not recommended as a four-person home, two additional guests may use the double sofa-bed in the living space
*With a large casino and a couple adult shops around, it might not be the best family destination, but the host can provide a high chair, cot, children's toys, and babysitter recommendations
*You'll need to climb a set of stairs to get to the second floor, where your kitchen and dining area are located
*Some spaces are common areas for guests in the building, so it feels more like a hotel – there is a common room, a breakfast area with morning breakfast service, and a concierge
*There is no washing machine for laundry, but you can pop out to a laundrette
*The air conditioning only works from June to September