You’ll be surrounded by stories at every turn in this Parisian apartment. Encounter intriguing original details in the decorative marble fireplace and ornate Russian chimney surround, along with antique furniture, a period tapestry and various portraits, all handed down through the generations of your host's family. While tradition and quality is the driving force behind the design, don’t think of this as a stuffy old museum — it's also full of modern conveniences, including a sleek monochrome kitchen. During your stay, you'll be located in the trendy Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhood, in which the next waterside bar or buzzy restaurant is never too far away. Alternatively, the galleries and quirky boutiques of Le Marais are a twenty-minute stroll to the south.

Home truths:
*There's no air conditioning in the apartment but fans are provided
*The apartment has wifi, but the signal is slightly weaker in some rooms
*The host can provide a cot if required