The Best Bed & Breakfasts in Paris, France

Chambre Montmartre is exactly what it says it is, a bedroom in the heart of Montmartre. This romantic bolthole for two has all the basics you need for a comfortable stay, but what you really come for is the view. Sitting at the top of the Butte Montmartre, the apartment is on the top floor, offering sweeping views of Paris, and be sure to look out the bathroom window – it overlooks the Sacré-Cœur.

If you’re looking for a quieter place with plenty of Parisian character, you’ll love Le Clos de l’Olivier. In the heart of Paris’s 15th arrondissement, this upmarket B&B sits on a quiet, cobbled cul-de-sac and offers four spacious, elegant rooms. In the morning, you can enjoy a typical French breakfast – freshly baked artisan bread and pastries.

You’ll find the Sourire Boutique Hôtel Particulier in the affluent 16th arrondissement; it’s within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro and River Seine. Choose from five individually decorated rooms, including Zen, with Asian-inspired decor, and Bohème, the Scandi-style, top-floor loft. At the end of the day, enjoy the views from the private rooftop terrace.

Offering a true Parisian experience, Paris Square is an elegant Haussmann-style apartment off the Champs-Elysées and steps away from the Arc de Triomphe. There are three bright, airy rooms and suites to choose from, with large windows and polished parquet wood floors. Owners Carine and Alexandre will serve you a complimentary in-room French breakfast every morning.

La Maison Gobert Bed and Breakfast lies in the trendy 11th arrondissement, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling terraces of Canal Saint-Martin. The main attraction of this district is the artistic vibe, as the area boasts impressive street art and exhibitions at every turn. Drawing inspiration from the creative splendour that surrounds the building, the B&B is spectacularly decorated inside. Its walls are adorned with elaborate floral prints and rustic garden scenes, but there’s a classy dimension, too, with the chandeliers, marble tops and elegant antique furniture. There’s also a green terrace outside where you can enjoy a croissant and coffee in true Parisian style.

The picturesque neighbourhood of Montmartre is one of the best places to stay in Paris. It’s bursting with artists fussing over their canvases and easels and has the legendary Sacré-Cœur dominating the skyline. Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is tucked away down a cobblestone alley in this famous district and is one of the most beautiful Parisian B&Bs. It sits within a private 900sqm (9,688sqft) garden, designed by the very man who revamped the Tuileries Gardens. There are five sumptuous suites to choose from, with each bedroom decorated by a different contemporary artist. Some say that it’s the most deluxe bed and breakfast in Paris.

La Maison Saint-Germain is a cosy B&B in the heart of the Latin Quarter on the legendary Rive Gauche (the Left Bank). Built inside a former hotel that dates back to the 16th century, there’s history etched into every inch of its walls. This place is particularly good for families, as many of the sofas turn into extra beds, helping keep the cost down. The top-floor Duplex Apartment has not one but two terraces where you can enjoy a meal while overlooking the quaint Parisian rooftops of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Maison Lepic is a comfortable B&B in the 18th arrondissement, boasting one of the most animated locations in Paris. As it’s a short walk from La Cigale concert hall and other major attractions, such as the Sacré-Cœur, Théâtre des Mathurins and Opéra Garnier, it’s a great base for a city break. There’s a relaxing garden, a terrace to soak up the sun and a cosy shared lounge. Not many people know that Maison Lepic was once home to one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. Between 1886 and 1889, it was the address of legendary Dutch impressionist Vincent van Gogh, who drew lots of inspiration from his time in Paris. It’s a must-stay for anyone who wants to follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh.

Some might say we’ve saved the quirkiest B&B in Paris for last – it’s definitely one of the most coveted. The bookstore Shakespeare & Co., established by Sylvia Beach in 1919, has been inviting “tumbleweeds” (bohemian poets and writers) to sleep in its rustic quarters for decades. It’s the perfect spot for the book-loving introvert to ponder. More than 30,000 aspiring artists have stayed in the bookstore in exchange for a few hours of work on the tills during the day. All you have to do is send the current owner an email, explaining why you’d like to stay, mentioning your passion for literature. There’s a resident cat mooching around in case you get lonely, often with the sound of someone playing the piano in the background. The bookstore hosts evening workshops, readings and author talks, which will keep you busy until late.