A weekend of vintage chic at small hotel in Senlis near Paris

It’s hard to say, is it not, what draws us to one particular place to stay over another, but often it’s just the hints you get from the signage, the colour scheme, or maybe just the inviting lighting drawing you in. Here at La Bohème, it’s all of these things plus the on-trend contemporary-meets-period elegance you detect from the moment you clap eyes on the chic exterior in the centre of medieval Senlis.

La Bohème is one of many beautiful boutiquey windows in this little town of narrow medieval streets on the outskirts of Paris, somewhere you could be forgiven for thinking you were on the set of a historic drama amid elegant white-stone townhouses and the fountain on the square outside.

Once inside the small hotel in Senlis, you’ll be so delighted that you made it your choice. Take the bedroom for example, quiet, spacious, a lovely view over the Senlis rooftops, and the very definition of understated luxury with velvets, tropical wallpaper, and one or two pieces of classic vintage furniture carefully curated from local brocantes. (It’ll come as no surprise to discover that owner Caroline worked in interior design before she took on the renovation of La Boheme!) After a long drive - or a day in Paris, if that’s where you’ve been exploring - what could be more inviting that relaxing on the big luxurious bed or lying back in this perfect bathroom? You’ll be glad too that you’re having dinner right here in the bistro under the same roof…

With all La Boheme’s cuisine made in house, this is your chance to indulge in really high-quality and tasty dishes. Expect all fresh and seasonal ingredients, with dishes dependent on what’s currently inspiring inventive chef – be that eggs parfait with crispy bacon, scallops with citrussy yuzu, pear entremets, or chestnut cream. The surroundings make the dining experience all the more pleasurable (spot the period features such as parquet flooring, coving and fireplace), or you could opt to eat outside if you prefer, on the lovely summer terrace.

You’ll be itching to get straight back down there for breakfast next morning, where the same commitment to quality applies - whether that’s the croissants sourced from Senlis’ very best boulangerie, or the Malongo fairtrade coffee, the orange juice, the yoghurts, or the compote. Then, will you be off to look around Senlis’ cathedral and museum - or all those gorgeous gift, foodie, clothing, and interiors boutiques? Maybe you've spotted that Chantilly is really close by, famous for its James Bond chateau, its lace, its horses, and its cream. Romantic Paris is so easy to get to too; just take the fast train from Chantilly.