Paris Hotel Guide: Maison Favart

Feature

| Sufiyeh Hadian

Paris Hotel Guide: Maison Favart

A secret neo-classical bolthole in the heart of Paris.

Just when you thought Paris couldn’t be more of a romantic place, we found La Maison Favart. Owing its name to a famous couple who established the renown of the Opéra-Comique: Charles-Simon and Justine Favart. The story begins as if they were destined to be lovers: he a writer and librettist, she an actress and dancer. While their love affair was a modern one, they were often separated by life but always united by the Opéra-Comique, the Favarts were true accomplices to the glorious Century of Enlightenment.

The Opéra-Comic dominates the place Boieldieu, and it was there that Favart and his charming wife achieved their success. Shielded from the mad life of the nearby Grands Boulevards, this very street is a paradise of calm and relaxation. Whilst inside, La Maison Favart has designed an area wholly devoted to bodily and spiritual well-being; a jacuzzi, fitness room and sauna offer an intimate break and a moment of complete relaxation in a carefully-guarded secret alcove. Guests can also find a breakfast room (where the breakfast buffet is a delicious mix of continental and a la carte eggs), an honesty bar and a library-lounge, which offer calm and cosy spaces.

This upscale, 39-room boutique hotel offers surprisingly competitive rates for the level of luxury. The decor blends influences of the 18th century theatre with contemporary updates to Versailles-inspired interiors. Rooms are chic and sport colourful Toile de Jouy and electric bluefabrics, while the white marble bathroom was an utter delight with well-lit mirrors, a rainforest shower and Maison Favart’s own brand of beautifully fragranced toiletries – I couldn’t get enough. The classic room we had the pleasure of staying in was modestly sized, as is common in Paris, but well-appointed with amenities such as iPod docks, bathrobes, towel warmers, and flat-screen TVs with free movies.

We were made to feel extremely welcome by the ever-attentive concierge, who are available 24-7, and it was hard not to fall in love with this boutique hotel and its history; a true gem in the heart of Paris. We challenge you not to be enamoured and be spirited away to the glorious Century of Enlightenment.