Tucked away in the ancient heart of Montpellier, this sophisticated home blends its period features with modern styling. Set in among the warren of narrow streets, close to the opera, the cathedral and museums, it's a surprisingly quiet retreat. Here you'll climb the stairs to your apartment, set within a traditional building dating from the 1700s. And although it's been thoroughly modernised, you'll still see plenty of character details like high ceilings, exposed beams and pretty windows.

The sociable space is painted all-white, with a smart wood floor and a pretty well-equipped kitchen. There's a Juliet balcony in the living room and a sofa bed which boosts the capacity to up to four guests. A comfortable, stylish home in one of the best locations in town, we think you'll love it. And they do say that the best way to experience Montpellier is to get lost in it, so feel free to wander the streets and discover the wonderful restaurants and open-air music performances on your doorstep.

Home truths:
*This home isn't suitable for children under 13 years-old
*The centre of Montpellier is mainly pedestrian and served by a tramway but there is car parking nearby if needed – speak to the host
*You'll be on the third floor and there's no lift
*There's a ceiling fan in the bedroom, while the main room is air-conditioned
*Two guests can sleep on the sofa bed in the living room but we think it may feel a little cramped
*There's a shared entrance