Description Le Marais Courtyard: Paris

Overlooking a quiet courtyard in Le Marais, this Paris apartment delivers the kind of calm that feels almost impossible to find this close to the action. The designer interiors have real character – a considered living space, a floor-to-ceiling marble shower room, and a calming bedroom. You're in the 3rd arrondissement here – des Vosges is minutes from your door, the Centre Pompidou a ten-minute walk, and the cobblestone streets outside are lined with bakeries and boutiques worth losing an afternoon in.

Home truths:
* Access to the apartment on the first floor is via stairs with no lift.
* You won't find an oven here – though there is a hob. We think the kitchen is better suited to prepping lighter bites than large meals.
* As is common in France, the toilet is separate from the bathroom.
* You're in the heart of Le Marais, so most of what you'll need – cafes, bakeries, galleries, and the Metro – is within walking distance. We recommend exploring on foot; the neighbourhood rewards it.