Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine, Paris

Location

 A Small Luxury Hotel of the World and renovated 17th century haven in the heart of Le Marais, Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine couldn’t be better positioned for a romantic weekend away. Set just off the grassy Place des Vosges it offers ample opportunity for a picnic. Pick up cheese, bread and other delicacies from the nearby Marche de Enfants Rouge. You won’t be short of restaurants either with some of the best in the city on your doorstep (scroll down to food and drink for more). 

Also within walking distance and far more pleasurable a visit than the hustle and bustle of the Louvre is the Musée National Picasso where you can find work spanning the lifetime of Pablo Picasso. Do have a look at what is on at the Atelier des Lumières too as they have some spectacular exhibitions. I still reminisce about a Klimt show I saw. The shopping is excellent in Le Marais with many French staple fashion brands as well as good independent boutiques. My advice is to make the time to wander as you’re sure to find a gem.

 The rooms

The rooms are spacious at Le Pavillon de la Reine with discreet finishes and chic design. If you can be sure to ask for one overlooking the hotel courtyard – a thing of beauty. It’s worth noting the magnificence of the hotel’s entrance adorned head to toe with ivy. If time allows do make the time to have a drink or two in the courtyard. Rarely does one get to experience such a peaceful outside space in the centre of Paris.

Bathrooms come as you’d expect, with fluffy white robes and slippers. Products are from the French perfumers and skin experts CODAGE, packaged in sleek well branded bottles. Downstairs the bar and lounge have the feeling of a private library. Low lit with warm tones, open fireplaces enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and even a glass of champagne from the honesty bar.  

The hotel also has its own petit spa and on the lower ground floor you’ll find a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi – the perfect anecdote to end a day walking the streets of Paris. Jars of plump juicy apricots, salted almonds and trail mix are there should you feel at all peckish.

The Food

 Start the day with a good breakfast at the hotel which comes complete with miniature croissants and viennoiserie as well as pancakes, fresh baguette, eggs, and a very good selection of continental cheeses. The hotel team are wonderfully attentive and will adjust anything to your needs. They also make an excellent almond cappuccino.

I’m of the belief that when in Paris one should eat as much as one can and for that Le Pavillon de le Reine is perfectly placed. Favourites of mine are Septime, Carbon, Les Fulgurances, each serving elegant small menus celebrating seasonal produce with both traditional and modern techniques. Café de l’Industrie (a recent discovery of mine) is perfect if you are in the mood for good simple French cooking. Expect the likes of asparagus with hollandaise, classic quiches and a very good tarte tatin. If you’ve room for more pastry don’t miss the pain au chocolate at French Bastards bakery – new to the neighborhood and taking it by storm.

Book Hotel Pavillon de la Reine here.