6 a.m. - Old Bordello

It’s just a generic building on a nothing-special street, but number 122 Rue de Provence was once a prime destination for royalty, film stars and politicians – or anyone looking for a little bit of loving. In the 1930s, this townhouse was one of Paris’ grandest bordellos and its rooms were designed to fulfil any man’s dream, from getting it on in Rome to being nailed to a cross. The place to be seen at night, its restaurant also attracted icons like Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin and Katharine Hepburn. Solicitors toil away behind the windows now, but for those with vivid imaginations you can picture what once went on behind the closed doors and shutters.

Old Bordello: 122 Rue de Provence, 75008. Métro: Havre-Caumartin