The Left Bank siren call has never left me. I have lived there first as a teenager and later returning as a young college exchange student; I used to walk by and peer into the gates of this hotel garden, curious as to its history and imagining its residents. I was happy to have a chance to visit the hotel for my last night in Paris recently, to uncover its mysteries. The ‘Relais Christine’ was built on the top of a medieval foundation of stone in the 1600s. I have always wanted to know its secrets and so I learned that the Relais Christine was a 16th-century residence that was built on the ruins of the Austin Friars monastery, founded in 1231 by Saint Louis. With its unique garden “carriage” entrance, and central courtyard you are truly taking a step back in time. This kind of plan was often used for hotels during the 17th and 18th centuries and only a few of these properties exist today, such as the Hotel Jussieu on the Quai Bourbon, now a private residence and a few others in Paris built in this same period.
When you enter the lobby you are greeted by a friendly front desk and a host of familiar faces that stare at you from the collection of paintings on the walls; each character and face seem familiar because they are; these famous faces reside in museums in Paris, at Versailles, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence by artists such as Vigee-Le Brun, Ingres or Rouget. The effect is charming and welcomes you immediately into the historic mood of the hotel. The lobby is a study in subtle chic with tobacco walls and “comfortable” designer furniture that focuses around a cozy fireplace and bar area. The breakfast room is below the lobby and is constructed from the original medieval kitchen that has been outfitted like an elegant breakfast room with upholstered 17th century chairs.
My well appointed guest room was a junior suite. It had delightful casement windows that opened so you could look out on the rooftops of Paris. The petite divan, antique desk and huge flat screen tv were placed in the sitting room while the master bath area had a windowed wall that separated it from the bedroom area with chic little blinds for privacy and an elegant marble tub with brass fittings. In a 4 star hotel you come to expect the 400 thread count sheets and European bedding, but the French silk window treatments, and fine quality upholstry on the unique antique furnishings is the mark of a boutique luxury hotel that is very Parisian. The other star of this hotel is its location; parts of this area in Paris are well trodden by tourists from all over the world making the neighborhoods quite noisy at night with nearby bars and restaurants. But the Rue Christine, is very quiet, situated inbetween the other more well traveled streets. You are truly secluded behind the walls of this private enclave; I had my first good night sleep in Paris as my room was ultra quiet. A warm sparkling fire greets you in the upper lobby in late afternoon and evening so you can have a quiet glass of wine or read a book there. The hotel staff is very friendly and anticpates your needs. Families or small groups can easily stay here as the overall spirit of the hotel is not too formal, but chic and comfortable with an air of quiet luxury.
The features of the hotel include a gym, and spa area as well. On my next visit I will be sure to book a spa appointment to experience the CARITA products, which are featured there. Breafast was delicious, I had fresh squeezed orange juice, croissant, hot chocolate and fruit.
Parfait!
For Further Information:www.relais-christine.com
Vigee Le Brun -French 18th/19th Century Portrait Painter
Vigee Le Brun – French 18/19th Century Portrait Painter
