Reader's Retreat

Reader's Retreat: Île-de-France

This is the dictionary definition of an artsy Parisian loft. It’s easy to imagine a disciple of the School of Paris tucked away up here working away on a masterpiece as the natural light cascades through the two storey windows. Inside, the apartment is an eclectic arrangement—distinctive 60s seats and lighting fixtures sit beside art deco dining chairs, while dozens of vibrant abstract pieces adorn the walls. And of course, there are the books, multiple shelves stuffed with hundreds of titles along every corridor. After waking up to fantastic views over the rooftops from the first-floor bedroom, wander the local streets of bohemian Montparnasse, home to the famous cemetery—the final resting place of literary luminaries, Sartre and Hemingway. The more adventurous may want to explore the eerie Catacombes de Paris while those of us with more common sense will set up shop in one of the area’s historic bistros or stroll around Luxembourg Gardens.

Home truths:
*While the flat is accessible by lift, the home itself is split over two levels with stairs only
*While there are two double beds, the second one is smaller so four guests would be a tight squeeze
*If you're bringing a car, paid parking is available on the premises