Appartement Blanc

A great value 2-bedroom apartment that's quirky, understated and on the cool side of town

There is much to praise about this quirky, comfortable bolthole and those looking for a simple pad in a cool location will be very happy here. You’re in the youthful 11th arrondissement, with the Place de la République at one end of the street and the Bastille at the other. There’s a varied assortment of independent bistros, bars and boulangeries around here, and we found it a real joy to stock up on cheese and wine before utilising the kitchen and munching down like the locals do.

Set in a traditional 18th-century apartment block (smart but not overly grand), the apartment is insulated from the street noise by a cobbled courtyard, giving that rarest of Parisian commodities: a peaceful night’s sleep. Indoors it’s airy and uplifting in a simple way. Walls and parquet floors are painted various shades of white, and natural light pours in through the Parisian floor-to-ceiling windows. If it’s a sunny day you can even open the master bedroom doors onto your private terrace. There’s also a big comfy sofa, a TV and some books in the sitting room: perfect for relaxing before an evening on the town. But the biggest prize you get here is space: 3 rooms, a charming terrace, and no one to bother you!

Highs

• When we revisited in 2012, the apartment had just been repainted and given a new bathroom suite
• The décor is pleasingly simple, with fun touches of colour
• Your're in a great position on the cool side of town
• The Gare du Nord and Eurostar are 3 stops on the metro
• The honest price tag makes it a good value option, particularly for Paris

Lows

• Not for those expecting the lap of luxury; this is a fun, homely, understated pied à terre
• The apartment is slightly overlooked, but we never felt like our privacy was intruded upon
• The small bathroom has a shower but no bathtub - not ideal for little ones or longer stays