RELAIS CHRISTINE Paris

City breaks can be exhausting; sometimes you need a little time out to recover between museum trips and shopping sprees. This former medieval abbey in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés on Paris’s Left Bank is on the doorstep of must-see sites such as NotreDame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay and The Louvre. It is also close to the antiques mecca that is the Marais district. When you want to escape the crowds, retreat to the beautifully designed courtyard where you can rest among tastefully trimmed topiary. For a really serene stay, book one of the suites that share a private garden and enjoy your morning coffee and croissant on your own sunny terrace, listening to the sounds of birdsong while you plan your next day of discovery.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE One of the hotel’s lounges; a swing seat in the elegant cobbled courtyard; the garden suites open straight on to the terrace – an ideal spot for morning coffee.