Description Afternoon Shades: Paris

Tucked between Rue de Bretagne and Square du Temple, this apartment puts you at the centre of one of Paris's most rewarding neighbourhoods to explore on foot. The Picasso Museum and Centre Pompidou – an eleven-minute walk – are practically on the doorstep, and the boutiques, cafes, and covered markets of the Marais fill the streets in between. Back inside, the living space is calm and well considered, with a workspace for anyone extending the trip into a working stay. Place des Vosges is sixteen minutes on foot when you're ready for the city's grandest square.

Home truths:
* The apartment is on the second floor with no lift, so you'll be carrying your bags up the stairs on arrival and departure. Keep that in mind if you're travelling with heavy luggage.
* The sofa bed in the living room sleeps two, so if you're a group of three or four, one pair will be sleeping in the shared living space rather than a separate bedroom.