Behind 65 rue des Saints Pères hides a place steeped in history. The Hôtel des Saints Pères, located near the Bon Marché, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, the Café de Flore and designer boutiques, offers a confidential atmosphere cut off from the world and time. Past the beautiful facade, built in 1658 by Daniel Gittard, architect of the Sun King, the Hôtel des Saints Pères is organized around a central patio with trees, giving a source of natural light to most of the hotel's rooms. Former Daniel Gittard's mansion, the building, now extended by two wings, has 38 rooms and suites with a confidential atmosphere, served over 4 floors. Each of them has its own identity, conferred by period paintings, drawings or engravings (104th and 303th century). In room XNUMX, “La petite fille au serin” alone refreshes the atmosphere with its softness. Room XNUMX is placed under the eye of “Marie-Thérèse of Austria”, portrait of a woman of character. Cybèle Paluel-Marmont is the designer of this chain of charming hotels which has seven establishments in the capital. She scrupulously ensures respect for the heritage and the conservation of the spirit of the place. All the decorative elements - furniture, lighting, paintings are regularly purchased at auctions. Among the fifty or so remarkable pieces, it is necessary to note the presence of the painting “Scène de Basse-Cour” by the Dutch School (XNUMXth century), a remarkable portrait of Natoire (XNUMXth century), but also more contemporary works such as like the sculpture “Adam and Eve” by Georges Jeanclos or the bronze “Owl” by Roseline Granet.

Sublime fresco

But the best kept secret of the Hôtel des Saints Pères is undoubtedly to be found behind door number 100. The fresco room indeed contains an exceptional work: a sublime wall fresco in perfect condition dominating the room. of more than 40 m², commissioned by Pierre Abraham, lord of Charange - adviser, ordinary butler of King Louis XIV and tenant of the 1st floor of the mansion in 1666. Allegory of virtue crowning the auspicious and the intelligence, this 8 x 5 m fresco, the author of which is still unknown until now, was discovered under a false ceiling during renovations to the hotel, which took place in the 80s. Framed by arches decorated with floral motifs, this unique piece long attributed to the School of Versailles, offers its spectators a night the privilege of falling asleep under a work of art. For its first participation in European Heritage Days, Esprit de France and the Hôtel des Saints Pères wished to entrust the presentation of places and works to a lecturer from the prestigious Ecole du Louvre. The opportunity to live with passion the preserved history of this extraordinary building and to take a walk through the main points of artistic and architectural interests of the hotel to finish with the sublime fresco.

The visits will take place on Saturday September 20 at 12 p.m., 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. and Sunday September 21 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 14 p.m. They will last approximately 30 minutes.

Reservation at contact@pritdefrance.com

Hotel of the Holy Fathers
65, rue des Saints-Peres
75006 Paris
Director: Françoise Salmon
Tel: +01 45 44 50 00
www.paris-hotel-saints-peres.com

Find out more about Esprit de France

Hotels that have been inspired by the “spirit of the place” for over 25 years

For more than 25 years, Esprit de France has maintained, renovated or created, with passion, in these 38 prestigious establishments scattered throughout France, a space that perpetuates "the spirit of the place", an atmosphere that brings it to life. These hotels have in common a location of choice by their historical and cultural setting, buildings renovated in respect of their history, high-end service in a family setting and comfortable sized rooms.

List of hotels of the "Esprit de France" group in Paris

- Brighton Hotel
- Mansart Hotel
- Place du Louvre hotel
- Hotel parc Saint-Severin
- Hotel d'Orsay
- Hotel Aiglon

More than 31 establishments throughout France