The French Genius

The French Genius: Île-de-France

Just around the corner from the Place des Vosges, this sixth-floor apartment requires an uphill climb – but trust us, it's worth it. Chic and charming, it's a quintessentially Parisian pad that effortlessly merges 19th-century character with 21st-century convenience. It's in the eaves, so expect low ceilings here and there, but otherwise, it's filled with light, and the Juliet balconies are a lovely touch. Even better, host Mathieu has a book with restaurant suggestions, so although the kitchen is a decent size, you'll probably spend most nights trying out his recommendations. After all, there's a reason Le Marais is one of Paris' most sought-after neighbourhoods – you'll find a bevvy of museums, boutiques, and eateries here.

Home truths:
*This apartment is on the sixth floor without a lift – it won't suit guests with limited mobility and you'll want to pack light *As is typical in France, the toilet is separate from the main bathroom *There's portable air conditioning here which you can use during the summer months *This apartment lacks a TV, so if you're keen to catch up on shows, we suggest bringing a laptop or tablet for streaming *As this is a central spot, noise is to be expected *Upon request, you may be able to leave your luggage before check-in and after check-out – please ask your host for more information *Parking isn't provided, but you won't need a car in Paris – we think the best way to explore is on foot