Our pick of hotels steeped in history

Paris hides its most beautiful rooms within its historic walls. Monasteries turned into contemporary havens, libraries transformed into luxurious suites – the city preserves its architectural heritage in a surprisingly vibrant way. Made in City has selected seven hotels that have breathed new life into historically rich locations, while avoiding the pitfalls of mere cosmetic renovation. Each tells a unique story, from the mysterious theft of the Mona Lisa to the secrets of the Place des Vosges. Photo: Maison Proust

Sinner

Le Marais

+ de 420 €

In the heart of the Marais, Sinner shakes up the luxury hotel scene with bold creativity. This former religious building now offers a contemporary retreat with 43 rooms, where designer Tristan Auer crafts a theatrical setting: dimly lit hallways, modern stained glass, and sumptuous velvet create a mysterious atmosphere. The highlight? A crypt turned into a concept store and a spa that resembles Roman baths. The establishment embraces its unique identity down to the finest details, from carefully selected vinyl to art scattered throughout the common spaces.

Domaine Reine Margot

Issy-les-Moulineaux

+ de 300 €

Domaine Reine Margot transforms an old monastery in Issy-les-Moulineaux into an exceptional destination. Architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte orchestrated the transformation, featuring a neo-Gothic chapel now housing a bar with 400 varieties of rum. The estate's garden supplies fresh produce directly to the restaurant kitchens, while the spa and pool offer stunning views of Paris. Just 20 minutes from the city center, this peaceful haven subtly blends the historical charm of the original buildings with cutting-edge contemporary amenities.

Saint-Marc

2nd arrondissement

+ de 315 €

Hotel Saint-Marc reimagines the spirit of the Roaring Twenties in an 18th-century building. The hotel charms with its daring design, featuring black and white marble, pink walls, and velvet. The private spa, with its cinematic pool reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s world, offers a unique experience. A standout feature: the honor bar with self-service and afternoon tea in the garden, accompanied by a jazzy ambiance that transports guests to 1920s Paris.

Maison Proust

Le Marais

+ de 500 €

Maison Proust brings the writer’s world to life in a boutique hotel in the Marais. Each of the 23 rooms, designed by Jacques Garcia, tells the story of a member of Marcel Proust’s circle. The hotel features ground-floor salons where you can enjoy delicate dishes with live music, and an oriental spa with a hammam invites relaxation. The highlight is a library safeguarding a signed first edition of ‘Swann's Way’. A complete literary experience just 30 minutes' walk from the Louvre.

Hôtel Da Vinci & Spa

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

+ de 200 €

Hotel Da Vinci captures the essence of the Florentine genius in its 24 rooms, inspired by the master's sketches. A unique underground spa features a starry ceiling above its private pool, creating a mysterious Renaissance ambiance. The hotel also harbors a mystery of its own: one of its rooms is said to have hidden the Mona Lisa during its theft in 1911. This boutique hotel blends its fascinating history with a strong ecological commitment, using renewable energy and responsible waste management.

Château Voltaire

1st arrondissement

+ de 480 €

Between the Opéra and the Tuileries stands Château Voltaire, spared from the demolitions of the Second Empire. This 5-star hotel with 32 rooms cultivates the atmosphere of a French home in a preserved building. Discover the dimly lit cocktail bar La Coquille d'Or, the brasserie L'Emil with its minimalist menu, the underground spa with a pool, and the terrace designed by Louis Benech. The uniquely designed room keys have become a signature detail of the establishment.