Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles

A family-run hotel with 51 rooms spread through a pretty trio of pastel-painted houses surrounding a large garden, this extremely popular hotel seems much more pastoral than Parisian. Bedrooms are individually decorated in muted toile de Jouy or floral prints, and all have shower or bath (but no tv). Very quiet, delightful service, and extremely hard to get into, so book well in advance.

75 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 75005. Tel: 01 43 26 79 23. www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com