Lavie Maison: Equipped Studio, Chartrons

Twelve square metres, and every one of them considered. Morning light, a coffee machine already warm, the low hum of Chartrons waking up outside.

The studio keeps things tight and thoughtful: a proper double bed, a small kitchen with dishwasher and hob, fast Wi-Fi for the slow mornings. Pets welcome, if you mention them first.

Step out and you're minutes from rue Notre-Dame, where the antiquaires spill onto the pavement and the Marché des Chartrons takes over Sunday. Tram C at Camille Godard handles the rest of the city.

Best for a solo traveller or a couple who'd rather spend on oysters and a good bottle than square metres. You'll remember the quartier — and how quickly it started to feel like yours.

Step out and the rue Notre-Dame is already awake — antiquaires rolling up their metal shutters, a delivery van double-parked outside a natural wine cave, the smell of cannelés drifting from a bakery three doors down. The limestone façades still lean slightly, the way old wine-merchant houses do, and the tram bell rings faintly from the quais two streets over.

Sunday belongs to the marché des Chartrons, along the quai des Chartrons from 7h. Go for the oysters from Cap-Ferret, opened on the spot, eaten standing up with a plastic cup of Entre-deux-Mers while the Garonne moves behind you. It's the one ritual l'équipe will tell you not to miss.