Relais Christine

Relais Christine is a “hôtel particulier” built on the ruins of an ancient former monastery in the 16th century, today renowned for its privacy and hospitality. Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris’ Left Bank behind a pretty courtyard garden, full of vines, trees and beautiful blooms, for those wanting to explore Saint Germain des Prés and beyond, there are complimentary bicycles available with picnics on request. The Seine is close by, Notre Dame and Le Louvre, a 10-minute stroll away with the dazzling Royal Chapel of Saint Chapelle and the greenery of the Jardin du Luxembourg, just a little further afield. With 48 rooms and suites available, each enjoying a period feel with Carrara marble bathrooms, skillfully renovated by designer Laura Gonzalez, the essence is one of individual harmony and layered luxury with Gonzalez mixing velvets, chandeliers, wallpapers, sumptuous fabrics and antiques from different time periods to achieve the look she wanted. Some rooms boast canopy beds, others are duplexes or enjoy private terraces out onto the private garden beyond, still more are dressed in a typically French Toile de Jouy print but all have the feel of a comfortable, luxury Parisian apartment decorated by someone with exquisite taste. Expect Marshall Bluetooth speakers, Diptyque amenities and Nespresso machines and views over the gardens, quiet streets or the courtyard. Room sizes start at 19 square metres for the Cosy Room reaching up to 30 square metres for the duplexes and up to 64 square metres for the suites, adding that extra legroom. 

The thirteenth century vaulted depths beneath the hotel house the Spa Gherlain with two treatment rooms, a sauna, whirlpool and gym with cardio and strength equipment and free weights. There isn’t a restaurant on site but a large buffet breakfast is served in a pretty dining room or delivered to your door, including honey produced from their garden beehives. For lunch or dinner, menus from Le Christine, right next door, is perfect for casual modern French fare whilst Chez Fernand offers a bistro setting serving traditional favourites, just a couple of metres away from the property. Throughout the day, drinks, tea or snacks can be enjoyed within the property’s lounges. There is private valet parking in the hotel’s own garage, or if you prefer, rent their own convertible Fiat 500 S for a small fee.