The first thing that has to be mentioned with this Parisian apartment is the location, which really is superb. The building sits right on the banks of the Seine and the Notre-Dame cathedral is only three minutes' walk away. The Louvre can be reached in ten, too. However, despite this proximity to the big sights, the locale is remarkably peaceful and the home's interior doesn't feel like a trade-off of any kind. Not only is it pleasingly large, but it's also got bundles of character. Modern pieces, such as the multi-coloured artwork and the kitchen finished in a particularly Gallic shade of burgundy, sit quite happily alongside more vintage touches, like the studded iron support beams and the beautiful clock hanging on the wall. We defy anyone not to fall head over heels for this address.


Home truths:
* There is no window in the living room, only an LED skylight simulating natural light
* The entrance is in between the first and second floor so even when using the lift, you will have to go up or down a few steps
* At full capacity, the seventh and eighth guests will be on the sofa-bed in the living room although it will be at the expense of lounge seating
*There's no car parking space, but Saint-Michel Notre-Dame underground station is only three minutes' walk away