Bonne Nuit Paris

Absolute Paris, 300 years old but not grand, beams galore and modern comforts, independent rooms and a warm family welcome, little streets, friendly markets: this is real privilege. Charming, intelligent Jean-Luc serves his own honey, Denise's jams and fresh baguette in their generous, rambling living room. Guest rooms are on the floor below. Each has a fun-lovingly colourful shower room, a lot of quirk (the last word in creative basins) and an appealing mix of old woodwork and contemporary prints. Simplicity, panache and personality, real attention and service are the hallmarks: you will feel well cared for.

• 63 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, +33 (0)1 42 71 83 56. B&B with two doubles, one triple from €150. Extra person €75.

Martinn

A gem of a pied-à-terre, right there in the middle of old Paris. The quiet, neat and secluded cobbled courtyard, hidden behind a huge old heavy wooden coach-entrance door, is your introduction to Martine's ground-floor flat. The door opens straight into the small, uncomplicated and attractive bedroom with its purple tafetta bedcover; beyond are the bathroom and the living room, each beautifully decorated. The whole compact place has every gadget you could require and the corner kitchen is equipped for real cooking. The neighbourhood teems with restaurants, brasseries, cafés, fashionable shops and peaceful semi-pedestrian zones.