Literary Peel

Literary Peel: Île-de-France

A warm and friendly home set back within a peaceful courtyard, it's tastefully decorated with an eclectic mix of antique treasures, timeless pieces and modern adornments, as well as a fascinating collection of treasures from a life of adventures. If you're French is up to scratch, there are plenty of great books to get stuck into and keep you entertained during your stay. Otherwise, you'll need to provide your own literature to make the most of the reading nook. The location is great too, close to the centre but removed from the tourist trail. Over the last few years, the neighbourhood around Canal Saint-Martin has transformed into one of the trendiest places to live for the city's creative community. With it, a selection of kerbside cafes, enticing restaurants and independent shops have sprung up to cater to their diverse tastes. So whether you're after a casual lunch, tempted by a takeaway, or craving haute cuisine – there's a restaurant that'll tempt your taste buds within a ten-minute walk. On Sundays, the two scenic streets that run beside the canal are closed to cars – providing a perfect opportunity to hire a bike and take in Paris at your own pace. Of course, burning off those morning pastries is just a bonus.

Home truths:
* There is no lift to this home so pack light and enjoy the exercise
* There's a room that is not accessible to guests where your hosts store their personal belongings during your stay
* Your hosts request you keep noise to a minimum after 11pm