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Ah, Le Marais! To many, the pulse of hip Paris beats from the 3rd and 4th arrondisement. Its cute shops, gorgeous restaurants and grand museums occupy buildings steeped in the district’s royal history. Yet the area still retains a creative vibrancy, with landmarks like the Centre Pompidou a testament to its modern artistic leanings. And in this most interesting of districts lies the template for all residential squares in Europe – the Place Des Vosges (formerly the Place Royale) built by Henri IV in the early 17th century.
And it is in this most beautiful of places that a true jewel is found – the Pavillon de la Reine. Set back from the façade of buildings surrounding the square, this elegant, discreet hotel is housed in a grand residence with 54 rooms and suites.
Each room has an individually designed, contemporary Parisian feel to it, and some face the hotel’s wonderful gardens. There are two sumptuous salons flanking the entrance, which serve breakfast and tea and become “honesty” bars in the evening. And for health and beauty, there is a Carita spa, a fitness room and steam baths on the lower levels of the Pavillon. Service here is beyond exemplary, with every guest being politely addressed by name, and the concierge is impressively efficient.
Also, WiFi is complimentary – this being increasingly available but by no means common in Paris. The overall effect is akin to staying with extremely wealthy, accommodating friends with impeccable taste and manners. The feeling of contentment, of being so well taken care of, makes the inevitable Gare Du Nord/Charles De Gaulle Airport frenzy seem to waft past you when you finally leave the city. “People from around Paris come here just to escape the city sometimes”, explained Aurélie, my concierge. And we can’t think of a better place in Paris to do this.
by Nicola Kavanagh