Maison Bohème: painter-inspired apartments in a hotel perched on Montmartre Hill

Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, on the famous Place du Tertre, the Maison Bohème hotel residence lets you experience the authentic Butte, comfortably installed in rooms or suites inspired by Impressionist painters.

Montmartre is home to the Sacré-Coeur, the Je t'aime wall, the Maison Rose and the Cabaret au Lapin Agile, all of which have made the district famous and attract tourists from all over the world. So much so, in fact, that we sometimes lose sight of the authentic Montmartre, the one for artists and lovers, the one that thrills the Butte's regulars. But on the famous Place du Tertre, behind the unmissable brasserie de la Bohème Montmartre, lies a confidential hotel, far from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, that seems to be reviving the art of living of yesteryear.

Almost the highest hotel residence in Paris, located just a stone's throw from the Basilica, this establishment was once a pair of private two-storey houses dating from 1894, where Dolorès Chaplin once stayed. The architectural firm Plégat & Joubin has given the place its retro touch, but all the modern, almost luxurious comforts are to be found here. With a view of Montmartre or the Sacré-Coeur, each of the 15 rooms, suites or apartments is tastefully decorated in a warm atmosphere with designer furnishings.

A small historic cocoon for one or more nights, from 2 to 8 people depending on the air-conditioned rooms in this luxury apartment hotel, where you'll feel right at home. From Monet to Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Picasso or Modigliani, you'll be immersed in the spirit of each Impressionist painter who inspired the colorful, lively accommodations. It's the perfect way to discover the district without the tourists, at nightfall or sunrise, alone in the world, before returning to your cosy human-sized nest, next to the traditional brasserie where many of these artists met in the last century.

Just a stone's throw from caricaturists and street artists, you go to the brasserie counter to collect your room key. Handy for late arrivals, since the establishment is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., without disturbing your rest. Enter through a small, secure door on the right, and you'll discover walls of variegated wallpaper and a small, flower-filled patio, so calm that it doesn't feel like you're in the heart of the capital.

We've inherited the Caillebotte Suite, a 70m2 duplex with two beautiful, cozy vintage bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and all the amenities you need for a carefree stay. Comfort worthy of a Michelin-starred hotel, which doesn't make it affordable for everyone. After a good night's sleep on a soft mattress, we open the curtains on a piece of Sacré-Cœur to get the day off to a good start, before heading down to the brasserie for breakfast. After all, what's Paris without a croissant in the morning?