Maison Colbert, Paris, France

The French author and feminist pioneer Simone de Beauvoir (1908-86) lived in this building, penning two landmark works, The Second Sex and The Mandarins.

You're minutes from the River Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral to the north, and the Panthéon and Luxembourg Gardens to the south.
By plane: flights from London or Manchester to Paris Charles De Gaulle take 1 hour 15 minutes and the hotel is 40-minutes' drive. skyscanner.net
By train: Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord takes 2 hours 20 minutes and the hotel is a 20-minute drive. thetrainline.com

Suited to fans of art, literature and history, visitors who want to tune into the cultured ambience of the Left Bank and Spanish-speakers. This charming boutique hotel couldn't be more central and is popular for weekend breaks. Some rooms have a sofa bed that could accommodate a child.

Guests have complimentary use of the Press Reader app which lets you download a wide range of newspapers and magazines.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Decorated with window boxes trailing ivy, the upper floor guest rooms that look down on to the courtyard are especially light and attractive. There is a dedicated guide available in English that tells you more about the Sorolla paintings used in every room.

Style, Singular, Singular Extra, Elena Sorolla Suite, Maria Sorolla Executive Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, coffee machine, TV, free Wi-Fi

A relaxed breakfast is served here that combines a basic buffet with à la carte dishes such as scrambled eggs and avocado on toast. You can fire up your breakfast with a complimentary glass of cava paired with delicious fresh croissants and pains au chocolat.

Café Clotilde: café, tea-room and cocktails, French cuisine. Dishes include toasted sandwiches, charcuterie and pastries. Open Wed-Sun for lunch.