Description Louvre in Close-up: Paris

If you're looking for a Parisian bolthole with character and city vistas, this 17th-century mansion apartment has it in droves. Located in the Saint-Germain des Prés district, with unobstructed views over the Seine, this is as central as it gets. Not that you'd know it from this apartment's quiet inner courtyard entrance. This is a lived-in family home, and you'll find some of the owner's belongings dotted about the place – including a taxidermy antique, which won't be to everyone's taste. It's also worth noting some of the rooms feature mezzanines – a great way to maximise those high ceilings, but you'll need to keep a watchful eye on little ones.

Home truths:
*This home is located within an apartment building with a shared entrance. Expect to bump into other guests during your stay. *A cot and high chair can be provided for little ones on request. *This is a lived-in home. You should expect some of the host's personal belongings to be present during your stay. *Alongside the two double bedrooms, this home has a third bedroom with a mezzanine sleeping area with restricted head height. Therefore, we think this room is better suited to an office space. *Given the home's central spot, expect to hear some street noise throughout your stay. *This home does not accept groups of young people.