The Light Bulb Moment

The Light Bulb Moment: Île-de-France

Just minutes from Champs-Elysees, this home has location as well as style. Stroll the luxury-shop lined boulevards by day, dine out in classic French bistros of an evening and return to a bijou apartment typical of Paris to rejuvenate and rest your head. Noir-style wall art and Edison bulb chandeliers adorn the living room, while French windows with wrought-iron balcony rails mean you can watch the street life below. The raised dining table is straight out of a wine bar – the perfect spot for a glass of something from the Loire Valley perhaps. The kitchen may be petit, but it has everything you need and more. We counted at least three utensils for cutting cheese alone – you are in France after all.

Home truths:
* An additional guest may use the sofa-bed in the living room but it will be at the expense of lounge space

* There is no formal dining space but there is a narrow bar with four stools in the living room

* It's in a more upscale residential neighbourhood, you'll have to travel to access more lively quarters

* There is no air-conditioning but fans will be provided