The City Corner

An architect's eye transformed this former neighbourhood shop into a stylish Paris apartment – all clean lines and sophisticated details. It's snug, but it packs a lot into the space – including a downstairs den where you can curl up and watch TV. You'll find it in the 11th arrondissement, walking distance from the Bastille and multiple metro stations. The area is lively but popular with locals, and home to an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops – plus easy transport links to make exploring the city a breeze.

Home truths:
* Please note that air conditioning is only available in the living room, not in the bedroom or the basement.
* This is a compact apartment, so it works best for couples or two guests travelling together. If you're a group of four, factor in that two guests will sleep on a sofa bed, so space will be tight.
* The stairs are steep leading down to the small cinema room.
* The apartment was originally a shop, so it's on the ground floor. This also means natural light may feel different from that in a traditional upper-floor apartment, and that the entrance is directly from the street.
* As is common in France, the toilet is separate from the bathroom.