Just outside Paris sits the lively suburb of Nanterre, home to the high-rise buildings of La Défense. It may not be as picturesque or as central as other neighbourhoods, but it's well-connected to the city nonetheless – trains run from Nanterre-Ville directly to the Arc de Triomphe. This apartment also comes with parking if driving is more your speed. Inside, there's plenty of room for families – though two guests will sleep on the mezzanine's futon – as well as toys, books, and games to entertain little ones. The cherry on top is the private garden, an ideal spot to enjoy Chardonnay as the sun goes down.

Home truths:
*At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on a futon in the mezzanine. This is partially open to the space below, so it lacks a little privacy.
*Though it's a nice spot to sit, we think the garden looks a bit tired. It's also overlooked by the other apartments in the building.
*As is common in France, the WC is separate from the bathroom.
*Parking is included here. Since this home isn't in central Paris, we think a car would be useful to have, though you can still explore by train.