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13 rue des Beaux Arts - 75006
         
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Line 4 / St Germain des Prés
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Line B / Saint Michel Notre Dame |
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In the 16th century in the area of St. Germain-des-Prés there
were the Pré aux Clercs, Queen Margot's palace and the abbey of St.
Germain-des-Prés. On the rue des Beaux-Arts in the heart of St. Germain-des-Prés
there was also a large park that, in the beginning of the 19th century, was
given by the Rochefoucault-Liancourt family to the abbey. It was on this site
above magnificent cellars that a 'un pavillon d'amour' was built. This 6 storey
period building will become an exquisite maison 'Directoire' offering
accommodation in Paris's famous left bank and is today well known as "L'Hôtel".
With the Ecole des Beaux-arts, art dealers and galleries within such easy reach,
you can hardly remain unmoved by the literary and artistic atmosphere of this
area.
The fashionable interior designer Jacques Garcia has recently refurbished
L'Hôtel from top to bottom. He has modernised one of the capital's legendary
hotels whilst retaining all of its original attributes - 'une maison de charme',
intimate and discrete. Each of the rooms has its own unique character. Behind
each number hides a name, a memory, and a tribute to the period. For example,
room 16 has been redecorated in the Victorian style and is where Oscar Wilde
spent his last days. Room 36 was Mistinguett's favourite and is a time-travel
back to the Art Deco period. Or there is Apartment 62 - the Cardinal, a terraced
apartment with impressive views overlooking the roofs and belfry of St.
Germain-des-Prés.
The magnificent ram's head in the entrance of the hotel lends
its name to the restaurant. You reach your table by passing under a central
glass roof that interestingly creates a relaxing and private atmosphere. Seated
at your table you can appreciate the view onto the patio and its 1830 Nicolas
Ledoux fountain. Then, at the sight of the menu you will have no choice but to
think of one of Oscar Wilde's famous remarks: "One can resist anything but
temptation"!
Following in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Jorge Luis Borges and many other
celebrities who have stayed at L'Hôtel, you will enjoy the cocktails named after
them: 'Cardinal', 'Oscar Wilde', 'Mistinguett'.
The piano bar, three nights a week, contributes to your relaxation and
well-being.
Created within the old vaults of the hotel and in the spirit
of a Roman bath, you can find tranquillity and peace of mind in the hammam and
perpetual wave swimming pool. Cooling off in the adjoining rotunda completes the
relaxing experience. |