In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea”. Since discovering these little gems – six compact one-bedroom hideaways, each one cute as a button, and super-affordable to boot – we think it just became an even better idea.
Tucked down peaceful streets in the Strasbourg-Saint-Denis quartier (which Time Out calls "Paris' coolest neighbourhood"), near the Bourse and Opéra, these small and well thought-out studio apartments simply ooze character. Think wood panelling, big original artworks adorning the walls, and floor tiles in bold, highly Instagrammable patterns. It was important to the owners Angie and Chris – long-term Parisian residents who also speak English and Portuguese fluently – to instil their love of city culture, and there's a distinct urban loft vibe to all six. Moreover, each apartment has a lovely back story. Take The Trevise Studio: once a costume workshop that manufactured flamboyant get-ups for Parisian cabarets. Or The Echiquier Workshop, a former fashion studio, found off a pretty courtyard behind an apartment building. Around you are grand 19th-century Parisian buildings, chic department stores (including Galeries Lafayette), and the vibrant food scene of St-Denis. You're within walking distance of the artsy Marais, the genteel Rive Droite (Tuileries, Louvre), and – on a more practical note – the Gares du Nord and de l'Est. So it's easy to get here; but we bet you'll find it hard to leave.
Highs
- The owners provide a brilliant service, sharing secrets on best restaurants and tourist-free must-sees via a nifty QR code for your mobile; someone is always on hand if you need assistance. You're really embedded in this buzzing city
- With rates from just EUR 120, they are unbelievable value!
- For theatre, music and cabaret lovers, the location is second to none: nearby are the Palais Garnier opera house, Les Folies-Bergère and independent theatres galore
- Five of the apartments give onto internal courtyards with planters, seating and bistro tables
- Most are tucked away behind apartment buildings, so it's tranquil even though you're in the heart of the city
Lows
- These are very compact spaces – as you'd expect at this price
- Some apartments can be light in the mornings, so bring an eye mask if you’d prefer a lie in; others have limited window areas
- Kitchenettes are mostly in-room and don’t come with an oven, just a double hob and microwave, but good eateries abound on your doorstep
- To note: the bed in The Echiquier Workshop is positioned under a particularly low ceiling; The Echiquier Bakery has no outside space and opens onto the street
- No kids permitted
Best time to go
Paris is worth the trip whatever the season. Expect pleasantly warm sunshine but bigger crowds in early summer (May and June). July and August are quieter but it can be hot, and lots of places close in August. Watch out for fashion weeks (January, July and late September) when things can get busy.
Our top tips
There are 700km of cycle paths and lanes in Paris: rent a bike from nearby “Vélib Station” and explore on two wheels
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 15 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape