Place de la Bastille commemorates the spot where Bastille prison stood until it was stormed during the French Revolution. Today, it remains a widely visited Parisian landmark – Culture Trip has picked the five best hotels in the heart of this historic area.
Admire the sleek design of Hôtel l'Antoine
Boutique Hotel
Hôtel l'antoine | Courtesy of Hôtel l'antoine / Hotels.com
The interiors of Hôtel L’Antoine, which is situated just a six-minute walk from Place de la Bastille, have been designed by Christian Lacroix, one of the most respected French fashion designers. The decor is funky to say the least, with dazzling mosaic tiles brightening up the bathrooms, gold-framed artwork adorning the walls and fancy wooden swirling staircases. Hôtel l’Antoine also offers a wide range of wellness services and has a sauna, spa and cold shower in addition to a well-equipped gym. The hotel is constructed on the remains of a 17th-century convent, and artisan woodwork, period furniture and recycled vintage fabrics evoke its long history.
Le Pavillon de la Reine is housed in an ivy-covered 17th-century mansion near the bustle of the Place des Vosges. The building was commissioned by King Henry IV of France and completed in 1612, and is situated a short distance from Place de la Bastille. The spa treatments at this hotel are spectacular – guests can enjoy a long soak in the jacuzzi or steam bath – while the small gym is ideal for a more active break. Soft pebble flooring and gentle lighting contribute to the relaxed ambiance. The historical setting has been retained across the interior of its 56 individually designed bedrooms and suites – notice antique furnishings and exposed wood beams between the ornate mirrors and oil paintings.
Located just 500m from Place de la Bastille, Maison Breguet is a stunning five-star hotel with an impressive range of accommodation on offer. Among its 53 options, guests can choose to rent one of two snug cabins on the rooftop, which boast unrivalled views of the Bastille, or go for a room with a quaint outside patio, perfect for soaking up the summer rays. You can even plump for an individual house complete with three rooms, a garden and its own entrance for the ultimate feeling of privacy. Whichever you go for, each bedroom is equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite and soundproofing for a perfect night’s sleep. Other facilities include a wellness centre – indulge in one of the hotel’s signature massages or flex your muscles at the state-of-the-art fitness centre.
La Maison Gobert offers an unexpected taste of Parisian class and sophistication in the lively Canal Saint-Martin district of the 11th arrondissement. The interior design features vibrant colours, with purple velvet sofas and floral patterns at every turn. Expect quaint floral teacups and saucers; whole walls adorned with breathtaking floral prints and rustic garden scenes; as well as real flowers sprucing up the rooms themselves. The furnishing are also palatial, with chandeliers, opulent fireplaces, marble tops and elegant antique furniture. The Deluxe Queen Room is a particularly delightful treat with its garden view, nature-inspired wallpaper and ornamental relics.
The Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte, or JoBo to those in the know, is a glamorous four-star hotel located near Place de la Bastille. The interior design of its 24 rooms and lounges draws inspiration from the post-French Revolution Directoire style. A highlight are the carpets, which were specially designed by Bambi Sloan, based on historic archives of French textile manufacturer, Le Manach. Elsewhere, the walls and ceilings are swathed in prints of roses, birds and black swans, while the bathrooms are tiled with Marquina and Carrara marble mosaic.
