With top-tier homes available to let in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Rome and Milan, The Plum Guide sets out to create a new standard in short-term home rental. Taking the top one per cent from a variety of different sites, a home critic from The Plum Guide visits each property to make sure it’s the cream of the crop and that it passes on all 150 points of property criteria. So as spring (slowly) approaches and Londoners set their sights on warmer city breaks, we take a look at the best locations from which to discover Paris.

Twiggy

Le Marais

A stone’s throw from the Metro and the Centre Pompidou, 60s child Twiggy is the perfect HQ from which to explore the city. Le Marais was originally Paris’ Jewish quarter and now not only houses a number of fashionable cafés, the best boutiques and cool independent galleries, but is also full of history and offers the best glimpse of medieval Paris. With its winding cobblestone alleys and courtyards, the area is known as ‘Old Paris’, but buzzing with locals and tourists alike, this area is full of energy and has plenty of places to put up your feet and enjoy an evening drink. Full of vitality and colour, Twiggy is a great one-bedroom base for solo travellers or couples looking to soak in the sights and nightlife of this lively city, while curated 60s furnishings transport the cosy space to another time.

www.plumguide.com/homes/paris/twiggy 

Flora’s Oasis

Belleville – Buttes Chaumont

For seasoned explorers of the city of light, Belleville is a great place to experience a different side of Paris. Originally a wine-making village that was only later annexed into the city, Belleville was known for its folk music and country cafés. A working-class area at its heart, the neighbourhood is very multicultural and boasts a number of Asian markets. Home to photographers, artists and a unique open-air graffiti gallery, the area is also out of the way of the bustle of inner-city tourists. Flora’s Oasis is a great spot for families looking for a little haven away from the busy city, dotted with beautiful vintage treasures and boasting an abundance of sunlight. For those looking for a real retreat, the property even comes with a dedicated yoga studio and a sunny outdoor area, perfect for soaking up the springtime sun.

www.plumguide.com/homes/paris/floras-oasis

A Stairway to Heaven

Montparnasse & Catacombs

Hard to find in Paris, A Stairway to Heaven has everything you want, and everything you didn’t even know you needed. From the private gym, pool and garden to the rooftop terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower, this five-story townhouse is tailor-made for large groups looking for that little extra. Montparnasse itself is rather residential, however not without its charms. Tour Montparnasse offers 360-degree views over the city and the area is home to various museums. Famous for the group of prominent twentieth-century intellectuals and artists that graced its streets, including Pablo Picasso and Jean-Paul Sartre, the leafy neighbourhood’s cemetery is worth a visit, as are – should it be your cup of tea – the famous catacombs.

www.plumguide.com/homes/paris/a-stairway-to-heaven

The Golden Bamboo

Arc de Triomphe – Champs-Élysées

With a view of the Seine, The Golden Bamboo is full of eclectic charm and beautiful classic pieces that bring guests back to an earlier, decadent Paris. Within walking distance from Palais de Tokyo, the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées, the location is hard to beat for first-timers or anyone looking to rediscover this great city. Dining, entertainment and perfectly picturesque cafés are easy to find, and the true Parisian feel of The Golden Bamboo creates a homely escape after a long day’s sightseeing. An added bonus comes in the form of a small balcony, on which to enjoy a croissant and a coffee in true Parisian fashion.

www.plumguide.com/homes/paris/the-golden-bamboo

The Showroom

Île Saint-Louis

The otherworldly charm of Île Saint-Louis is hard to ignore and although not where many imagine residing during their stay in Paris, its location in the middle of the Seine means you’re in walking distance of all the iconic sights. The island is home to some of the best bakeries and restaurants in Paris and offers not only beautiful views, but also fantastic ice cream. As there is no public transport on the island, it’s ever so slightly less accessible, but it’s hard to complain about the daily walk across the bridge with this kind of view. The Showroom is a cool, modern property that has plenty of room for larger groups, with an ample kitchen and dining table for hosting and an all round sleek decor that features many a designer and bespoke piece.

www.plumguide.com/homes/paris/the-showroom

Diamante

South Pigalle

South Pigalle was, for a long time, the seedy underbelly of Paris, hosting many an X-rated shop or show, but has been picked up by trendy locals and is now home to shops and cafés. This area truly comes alive at night, when the streets will fill up with young Parisians out for an after-work drink – which may well continue on into the wee hours. Pigalle station is also a close walk from Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, the cobbled streets of which often teem with tourists, but are a must-visit for anyone exploring Paris. Diamante is a clean, modern three-bedroom property full of artistic expression and unexpected design features, providing a cool and comfortable escape from its surrounds.

www.plumguide.com/homes/paris/diamante