THE FACTS ABOUT HôTEL PARTICULIER MONTMARTRE

France Paris

There's currently a craze in Paris for luxury mini-hotels, but this one stands out for two reasons. First, the location: set in its own garden off a cobbled alley between prestigious avenue Junot and lively rue Lepic, the 19th-century stucco house (once owned by the Hermès family) is part of a hidden, intimate Paris that visitors often miss. Second, the five spacious suites (four junior, one deluxe), each designed by a contemporary artist. Owner and manager Morgane Rousseau used to curate exhibitions in a chateau near Lyon, so this is a high-cred selection, including Prix Marcel Duchamp-winner Philippe Mayaux. Living up to the hotel's arty ethos, the salon is furnished with modern design classics, an artist's video shot on the premises runs on the DVD player in your room when you arrive and there are classic movies and art books to borrow from the library downstairs. The hotel also has high standards of comfort. There is no restaurant, but a private chef can be arranged in advance. This is about as close to utter calm as you get in Paris. WHEN TO GO Spring or summer to benefit from the garden. ROOM TO BOOK Martine Aballéa's room for its sun-dappled foliage wallpaper or Olivier Saillard's for the Cubist bathroom. It's also possible to rent the whole hotel. 23 avenue Junot, 18th, Paris (00 33 1 53 41 81 40; www.hotel-particulier-montmartre.com). Junior suites (including Martine Aballéa's room and Oliver Saillard's room) 390 Euros; deluxe suite 590 Euros Find out more about Paris in our city guide