Just a stones throw away from the glorious Jardin du Luxembourg, this stylish boutique hotel successfully combines the old with the new in a subtle-but-charming way.

Situated in Montparnasse, Hôtel des Académies et des Arts boasts 20 well-sized rooms, each elegantly decorated in four contrasting styles and brought to life with personalized works from painter Jérôme Mesnager and sculptor Sophie de Watrigant. The pieces illuminate the hotel’s quaint-yet-classy reception area and tea-rooms (where you will also find a hand-picked selection of art books).

Once a magnet for artists such as Picasso, Gauguin and Man Ray (whose work was an influence for one of the four room themes), this area still maintains its cultural heritage with The Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and the famous Académie de la Grande Chaumière all within a hair’s width of the hotel.

Add to this one of the best breakfasts you’re ever likely to wake up to, a wellness center to ease the stress of hot-footing it through one of the most densely populated cities in Europe and the ultra friendly staff and the only surprise here is that Des Académies only has 3 stars.