Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Verneuil

A short walk from the Museé d'Orsay and the Louvre, this intimate boutique hotel is on a quiet street in the heart of St-Germain. You can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet in the attractive vaulted stone cellar or, as a romantic alternative, have breakfast in bed while you decide whether to peruse the nearby galleries or walk along the Seine to Notre-Dame. Across the street at number 5 bis is the home of late songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, famous for his decadence, prolificacy, and clever wit. His heirs have been working on transforming the modest house into a museum scheduled to open soon. The graffiti-covered wall that protects the property seems out of place in this upscale neighborhood, but in reality, it adds a refreshing touch and is in keeping with the artistry that has always existed in the area.