It was thrilling for me, as an avid reader about the French Revolution, to stay in historic lodgings where Robespierre had resided during the last three years of his life (17 July 1791 to 28 July 1794). While the Ecrin Robespierre has everything a twenty-first-century guest would expect in a comfortable modern apartment, the most recent renovation of the space has happily respected its historical character. The exposed wooden beams, the antique mirror and mantelpiece, and the portrait of the Revolutionary leader--all these details quietly reminded us that we were not just visiting the Paris of today but were engaging with the Paris of yesteryear. Not that we felt trapped in a museum. Far from it! After a busy day of sight-seeing and exhibition-viewing and theatre-going, we would come back to the calm of the Ecrin Robespierre and feel at home, in a safe haven, able to relax and enjoy a gourmet treat from nearby Fauchon or an eclair from Strohler. The location of the flat, so close to the Concorde station on Metro Line 1, could hardly be more convenient. The Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, the Comédie Française--not to mention the luxury shops in the First--were all within easy walking distance. Our hosts, Lucile and Arnaud, were very welcoming. When we first arrived, Arnaud kindly met us at the corner of Rue Saint-Florentin and Rue Saint-Honoré and guided us to the flat. He even carried my suitcase up the spiral staircase and adjusted the heat for us during a cold snap.