Although the building in which this apartment sits dates back to the turn of the nineteenth century, the interior is as contemporary as they come — save for the odd ceiling beam or two. Tall windows let in plenty of natural light and these open up to Juliet balconies from which you can watch Parisians go about their day-to-day business on Rue Saint-Denis, one of the city's oldest streets. Furnishings have been selected in instantly uplifting colours, while in contrast, the kitchen's large splashback has a sleek black finish — the same as one of the bathrooms. Rather fittingly for an address that feels so modern inside, the Centre Pompidou can be reached in six minutes' walk so you can see the latest art exhibitions. If your tastes are a little more traditional, the Louvre only takes a quarter of an hour to reach on foot.