The Radical Romantic

Place de la Bastille is right on the doorstep, with Ledru Rollin and Bastille metro stations both within easy walking distance – a central base for getting around Paris. The apartment itself is ground-floor and well insulated from the buzz of neighbouring bars, so nights here are quieter than the address might suggest. The living room has real warmth to it, and the two bedrooms each come with a king-size bed. Notre-Dame Cathedral is a twenty-eight-minute stroll away, and the Louvre is reachable on foot in thirty-five minutes.

Home truths:
* The courtyard is paved with cobblestones, which can be tricky for wheelchair users or anyone with pushchairs and heavy luggage. The entrance doorway is also on the narrow side, so factor that in if you have bulky mobility equipment.
* The Bastille area is lively well into the night, and you may hear some courtyard or street noise from neighbouring bars on Friday and weekend evenings. The apartment's sound insulation is generally good, and most guests have slept well – but if you're a light sleeper, earplugs are worth packing.
* If you're a group of more than two planning to shower at the same time, be aware that the water heater may not keep up. Staggering your showers works well here.
* You'll have your own private entrance here.
* At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on the sofa bed in the living area.
* Your host can provide a cot for little ones.