There’s something magical about stumbling upon a place in Paris that feels like a secret. A quiet refuge in the middle of a buzzing, historic neighbourhood. Hôtel des Saints Pères is exactly that.
I last stayed in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood a couple of years ago, in a hotel just around the corner from the Hôtel des Saints Pères. I must have walked up and down rue des Saints-Pères countless times, yet somehow, I had missed this hidden gem. Its charming façade blending in with the many arched doorways that define Parisian architecture; naturally, the best moments in Paris often come from unexpected discoveries.
Walking to the hotel and passing by the famous chocolatier, Debauve & Gallais, itself centuries old, I knew exactly where I was. Just minutes from the iconic Boulevard Saint-Germain, this hotel enjoys one of the most enviable locations in the city.
The legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés boulevard is lined with elegant Haussmann buildings, historic cafés, chic boutiques, and leafy trees which perfectly captures the spirit of Paris at its most intellectual and effortlessly stylish. With Ralph’s Café and the Ralph Lauren flagship, Brasserie Lipp and the Café de Flore just a short stroll away, the setting is both timeless and fashionable and a true Left Bank classic.
A Brief History
Originally built in 1658 by Louis XIV’s own architect, Daniel Gittard, this elegant townhouse started life as a private residence. Today, it’s a charming boutique hotel with a classical façade that stands out gently among the bustle of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The Hôtel des Saints Pères holds a remarkable piece of Parisian history within its walls. Built in 1658 by Daniel Gittard, architect to Louis XIV, the building originally served as Gittard’s private residence. In fact, the room now known as Room 100 was once his very own. Later, in 1666, a royal advisor named Pierre Abraham, who lived on the same floor, commissioned a stunning fresco titled The Good Omen Crowned by Virtue and Intelligence. This 8 x 5 metre masterpiece, painted by artists from the School of Versailles, was hidden behind a false ceiling for centuries before being rediscovered during restoration works in the 1980s. Today, it’s been fully restored and is available to guests, offering the rare opportunity to sleep beneath a remarkable piece of 17th century artistry in the very room that once belonged to Louis XIV’s architect. It’s exactly the sort of unique experience that has put Room 100 at the top of my wish list for my next stay.
Yet, the charm of Room 100 and the other hotel rooms is just the beginning . Throughout the hotel, sculpted pediments, exposed wooden beams, statues, and even a ceiling fresco painted for Louis XIV’s butler, every detail whispers stories of the past. The bedrooms are decorated with original 17th- and 18th-century paintings and engravings, making each room feel like your own little gallery. Many open onto a peaceful patio where you can unwind with a book or a glass of wine and take in the quiet, a rare in central Paris. Over the years, it’s been a favourite of artists and creatives such as English philosopher and Attorney General, Francis Bacon, singer Juliette Gréco and Austrian pianist, Alfred Brendel. While I’m not familiar with all the hotel’s illustrious former guests, one name that definitely stands out is iconic fashion designer, Tom Ford. There’s a timeless, artistic spirit to the place that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
First Impressions
I loved the cosy, welcoming atmosphere of the hotel. Its muted tones create an air of understated elegance, especially in the intimate lounge just left of the lobby, complete with a stylish mini bar. Reception lies further along the corridor, where friendly Parisian staff greet you with genuine warmth. At the far end, a charming little courtyard invites you to linger over an afternoon apéritif or coffee, ideal in the sunnier spring and summer months. To the right, you’ll find the small and inviting breakfast room. It’s a boutique hotel full of charm and gracious hospitality, and the rooms are just as delightful.
The Hotel
The hotel has 38 individually styled rooms and suites combining Parisian charm, elegance and modern comforts – the little things that are so important in any room category.
Cozy Rooms – These rooms are perfect for the solo traveller. They’ve got all the essentials but on a smaller scale, and more importantly, they don’t scrimp on comfort and style. These cosy rooms are ideal for a short stay.
Classic Rooms – Classic rooms are comfortable and quiet, they overlook the courtyard or patio. I stayed in the Classic Room and it offered everything I needed for a comfortable two night stay.
Superior and Deluxe Rooms – slightly larger rooms with the same refined décor and more seating area.
Junior Suites & Suites – Spacious rooms, with separate seating area. In the Junior Suite category, there are two styles available, Duplex Junior Suites and Signature Junior Suites with distinctive features such as exposed beams or a 17th century fresco. Standard Suites are slightly smaller while some have their own balcony.
The lovely thing about the Duplex is the bathroom, it’s tucked away up a spiral staircase opening onto a bright space with spacious bathtub. It must feel like you’re almost touching the rooftops, an intimate and utterly charming space which I really want to experience next time I stay at the Hôtel des Saints Pères.
The Classic Bedroom – this was my beautifully styled bedroom.
Hotel Facilities
Welcome to breakfast, served daily from 7:00 to 11:00am in the intimate charm of the small, cosy breakfast area. The French art of living awakens with every bite.
Each morning beneath the beautiful glass roof, you can enjoy a spread of local delights such as French Vienoisserie and crunchy French bread which is the best in the world in my opinion. Fresh juices, artisanal jams, a cheese and charcuterie platter. As well as muesli, fromage blanc, seeds & nuts, flavoured and plain yoghurts and gluten free options plus a small cooked option such as scrambled eggs and bacon hidden beneath silver cloches. If you’re seeking a bit of privacy or short on time, you can have breakfast in the comfort of your room.
The hotel has an elegantly styled lounge which feels warm and welcoming with comfy plush seats, soft muted tones and brightened by pops of colour, and a small cozy bar. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or apéritif or perhaps an afternoon coffee or tea while taking a quiet half hour to savour some peace and tranquillity with a book, a favourite pastime of mine. In the summer months, the sweet courtyard is open where you can enjoy the same pleasures.
The hotel provides a concierge service to help plan restaurants, sightseeing or transport. Plus, 24-hour reception and luggage storage which I always find useful. Babysitting (surcharge) and private airport/train transfers is also available, and of course, laundry and dry-cleaning services. The hotel is very happy to order a taxi for city travel if needed. Uber is widely available in Paris.
My Stay
I travelled to Paris in February which is my favourite time of the year to visit the city. Paris in late January or February is magical, there’s a stillness to the city which I adore. Haunting, eerie, mysterious especially around the islands of Paris, near the Seine, the medieval moody feel around my favourite neighbourhood, the Marais.
I chose the Saint-Germain-des-Prés as my base as I’m currently researching the neighbourhood uncovering hidden gems, favourite local eateries and lesser known things to do and visit in preparation for upcoming posts and guides.
Welcome to the whimsical world of Marin Montagut, one of the most beautiful independent boutique shops in the Latin Qtr.
The Hôtel des Saints Pères is the ideal hotel in the perfect location, a hotel that will sit proudly on my list of favourite places to stay in the area. The moment I arrived, I felt completely at home. There’s something instantly reassuring about a hotel that manages to feel both elegant and deeply comfortable, where the welcome is genuine and the atmosphere invites you to slow down, settle in, I knew I had chosen well.
Another beautiful corner of the hotel.
After the check-in formalities were done, I was shown to my room. Before I could even put my bags properly down, I began to film and photograph my beautiful surroundings. I do this with every hotel I visit, making sure I capture the ambience in every still and video I take. Everything is perfect that way, nothing is out of place and I know I have made the most of my precious time, there’s so much of the neighbourhood I want to explore.
The room immediately felt calm, comfortable and thoughtfully put together overlooking the courtyard.
The bed was dressed in crisp white linens with a paisley throw in deep blue and soft taupe tones laid neatly across the end, adding warmth and character. A navy velvet headboard framed the bed, while simple bedside tables and soft lighting kept the space feeling balanced and relaxed. The wooden floor added a natural touch and made the room feel light and uncluttered. There was also a charming old-fashioned writing desk, which I always appreciate in a hotel, and it quickly became my little spot to sit with a cup of tea and jot down a few notes from the day. Above the bed hung a classical-style painting which gave the room a subtle artistic feel.
The bathroom continued the same understated style, with a clean double vanity and a mosaic tiled wall behind the mirror that caught the light softly. It felt modern, practical and very well kept, exactly what you hope for in a boutique hotel stay.
Breakfast at the Hôtel des Saints Pères is casual but really inviting. Each morning, the aroma of freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolate fills the air, perfectly paired with rich, smooth coffee or traditional English Tea, just how I like to have breakfast in the morning. The selection is simple yet thoughtfully curated, with seasonal fruits, yogurt, and artisanal bread, it’s simple yet indulgent.
After breakfast, the day was mine to explore, taking in all that the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood has to offer. From its charming streets and boutique shops to its café’s, the iconic Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, you’re within walking distance to the Église Saint-Sulpice church, the Eugéne Delacroix Museum, hidden within the prettiest small square in Paris, the Place de Furstenberg.
Museum Delacroix
Further along boulevard Saint-Germain is a charming cobbled passage full of restaurants and artisan shops and one of my favourites, the Cour du Commerce Saint-André. One of the oldest restaurants in Paris is located here, Le Procope, it really is a lovely place to eat but make sure you book ahead. Why not wonder down to the Jardin du Luxembourg, it’s only a 15 minute walk away and the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely picnic and embrace that oh-so-Parisian way of life.
Medici Fountain at the Jardin du Luxembourg
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood really is one of the loveliest places to visit in Paris. You’re surrounded by culture, fashion, and that wonderful Parisian way of life. And while the hotel embraces its heritage, it also keeps up with the times, This is the kind of place where past and present blend beautifully where the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood proves time and time again that it really is one of the loveliest places to visit in Paris. You’re surrounded by culture and fashion where past and present blend beautifully, a place steeped in literary tradition. If you’re looking for a stay that’s full of soul, history, and quiet charm in the heart of Paris, Hôtel des Saints Pères might just steal your heart.
Hôtel des Saints Pères is part of the Esprit de France collection, a group of carefully curated boutique hotels across Paris and the rest of France. Esprit de France captures the country’s charm and heritage combining timeless elegance and beautiful details making each stay memorable while offering guests a truly unique experience.
Hôtel des Saints Pères
65 rue des Saints-Pères
75006 Paris
+33 1 45 44 50 00
https://www.esprit-de-france.com/en/hotels/hotel-des-saints-peres
https://www.esprit-de-france.com/en/contact
My first night was kindly provided as an invited stay , but all views and images remain my own.
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