Beams & Dreams

Set within a 14th-century building, this apartment retains much of its Old-World charm, but with otherwise contemporary mod-cons for the utmost comfort. Inside it's exposed wooden rafters, plaster walls and original fixtures galore, exuding heaps of historic character. A large and cosy bedroom boasts access to a small terrace with typical wrought-iron railing, while two bathrooms present sleek hotel-style finishes – it's this contrast that we really love about the home. Also, its location at the quieter end of the restaurant-lined Rue de Buci, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés (filled with shops, art galleries and classy cafés), is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway to the city of love. You're removed from the flocks of tourists and intense crowds, and yet two minutes from Café de Flore and under a ten-minute stroll from the Louvre and the Luxembourg Gardens, making it an enviable place to call home.

Home truths:
*At capacity, two people will be sleeping on sofa beds in the living room, although we think it may be a bit cramped with eight guests
*There is no formal dining space in this home, but there is a breakfast bar with four footstools
* The living space overlooks a busy street, so you should expect to hear some noise, particularly with the windows open
*There's no air conditioning, but the host does provide fans