Urban Explorer

Situated in the François Verdier neighbourhood of Toulouse, this apartment brings together a range of design influences to make for a space that's overflowing with character.

Bare wooden floors and exposed brickwork lend a raw, industrial feel to the interior, although this is matched with stark white walls, mid-century furnishings and an artwork selection that are more Scandi in style. Added to that, the kitchen and bathrooms are sleek and contemporary, too.

But enough about how it looks – is it comfy to stay in? We can answer a resounding yes. The open layout in the entry-level living area is bright and innately sociable, while there's more than enough space for home-cooking in the kitchen – not always guaranteed in city centre homes.

And when it comes to getting to know Toulouse better, you won't find many better locations than this. The Halle Aux Graines concert hall and Saint-Étienne Cathedral can almost be considered neighbours given how close they are to the front door, plus the nearby Grande Rond and Canal du Midi offer more scenic spots for a stroll.

Home truths:
*There's no lift in the building to reach this duplex apartment on the second floor
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*There is only one toilet here – the en-suites have sinks and showers only
*Our taller guests may need to watch their heads on the sloping beams in the second bedroom
*The François Verdier metro station is one minute's walk away