There is no end to the splendor of Paris. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, the Louvre…the list goes on and on. One place that we love to visit, and that may not get as much press as those other sites, is the Place des Vosges. One of the most amazing aspects of the Place des Vosges is that its symmetrical design – nine red brick & stone houses over arcades on all four sides – has remained unchanged since its construction in 1609 under Henri IV! Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful (and oldest!) squares in all of Europe and is a great spot to relax, have a croissant and people watch.
Sound cool? Sure it does. And, what better way to experience a fascinating, um, place like Place des Vosges than to stay right next door? We love the Hotel de la Bretonnerie not only because of its proximity to Place des Vosges, Centre Pompidou, La Bastille and Notre Dame, but also because of its cozy appeal.
Hotel de la Bretonnerie is a private hotel from the 17th century hidden in the center of Paris and has just 22 rooms and 7 suites, each uniquely decorated. Located in the Marais section of Paris, the hotel’s atmosphere makes you feel at home, whether it’s the exposed beams in the rooms, or the delightful flower gardens.
One of our favorite reasons to stay at Hotel de la Bretonnerie is the uniquely fabulous breakfast they serve in the basement with vaulted ceilings. It truly is a hidden gem in a city full of sparkling jewels.
A LITTLE EXTRA: Aside from the fact that Place des Vosges is over 400 years old(!), another fun little fact is that famous people like Cardinal Richelieu and Victor Hugo have lived there! In fact, Hugo’s old residence, 6 Place des Vosges – in now a museum of his works!
What is your favorite hotel in Paris?