Paris, the city of romance, the city of beautiful architecture and where every girl hopes she will be swept off her feet (preferably at the foot of the Eiffel Tower).We continue to visit the city, and each time we do, we come across something a little more magical – be it a hidden-away bookshop or a quant café serving crepes till late hours of the night (Creperie de Cluny – you can thank us later!).
Recently, a whole pile of incredible boutique hotels have opened in the city, which makes it even more of a perfect mini-break destination, and thanks to the Eurostar, a very easy one too. One of the more unusual of these is Hotel du Petit Moulin, situated in the historic Marais district amongst some of the best art galleries and fashion boutiques. Hidden behind the façade of an old Boulangerie (apparently Paris’ first!) Petit Moulin is easy to miss, but once inside you are greeted by a warm and cosy reception with charming staff attending to every need.
The interiors are what set Petit Moulin apart from the other hotels in Paris, and as we are led up the winding wooden staircase, lined with black and white polka dot carpet, we are told that the whole hotel was designed by Christian Lacroix, the legendary French fashion designer. Each of the 17 rooms has its own character and design, with Lacroix hoping to create ‘a dolls house’ with ‘a very different atmosphere from one floor to the next’ we are told that some of the rooms are bright and daring others are more antiquated and rustic, but that we will fall in love whichever one we are in.
That room happens to be 202, a modestly sized deluxe room with an inviting double best covered in crisp white sheets and a fur throw. The first thing to grab your attention when you walk in is the far wall, a dramatic print of jewels and quite unlike anything you have ever seen. Next your eyes skim over the beautiful original beams across the ceiling and the pristine, modern bathroom complete with a double shower stocked with Codage bath products.
Once settled in, we were told we were very welcome to visit their sister hotel ‘Hotel Pavillon de la Reine’, located just up the road to use the spa facilities, or even rent bicycles to explore the city. On a chilly winter’s day, a jacuzzi seemed much more appealing, so we pottered through Le Marias (popping into several boutiques on the way) and prepared for our spa afternoon. Pavillon de la Reine is set back from a beautiful square ‘Place des Vosges’ in a handsome 17th century building covered in twinkling lights. Reception immediately showed us the way to the spa, handed us robes and slippers and told it would be all ours for the evening. The spa is small, but includes all the essentials, a giant jacuzzi, steam room, full list of treatments and gorgeous changing facilities – the perfect antidote for a chilly day in Paris! The addition of the spa was a great one, and we felt truly spoiled when we returned to our secret hideaway later that evening.
Dinner is not offered at the Petit Moulin, but staff are on hand to offer recommendations throughout the city, suitable for any budget. For those who return and fancy a nightcap, the hotel’s small breakfast room transforms into an intimate bar area, with a well-stocked honesty bar.
After a sound night’s sleep, a gentle tap on the door alerts us to breakfast and we were brought a huge tray full of pastries, bread and jams, cereal and all the coffee and tea we could ask for. Although there is the option to take breakfast downstairs in the breakfast room, we recommend making the most of being in such luxurious surroundings and lying in bed amongst the croissant crumbs, listening to Paris waking up.
Hotel du Petit Moulin is a completely unique option for those looking for a weekend break to Paris, from fashion-conscious girls’ weekend to a one-off romantic trip. We recommend booking the beautiful room 301, with walls covered in stars – total heaven.
Bookings can be made online here: www.hotelpetitmoulinparis.com by email: contact@hoteldupetitmoulin.com or by telephone on: +33 142741010
Hotel du Petit Moulin
29/31 Rue de Poitou
75003
Paris
