Hôtel Particulier.
Text by Nik Isbell.
While all of Paris is a stunning work of art and architecture, Montmartre is something special. This became immediately apparent from the reactions we received from local Parisians when we mentioned that we would be attending a wedding in Paris's northern 18th arrondissement. There was a radiance in the way they spoke of the area. Set high on a hill overlooking the city, it feels as though you have walked right out of the hustle and bustle of Paris and into another world. Uneven cobblestone streets lead you up a road lined with charming cafes and quaint restaurants. Trees and antique lamp posts decorate the sidewalks giving it the essence of an old European village. Every direction you turn is an Instagram-worthy shot. Reaching the top and looking back down at the city below truly takes your breath away. There are, admittedly, some tourist-heavy parts of Montmartre, seen in the long lines of people eager to see the Sacre Coeur Basilique. Though the beautiful landmark is worth a visit, it was not where we were heading.
Our destination was Montmartre's true hidden gem, the historical Hôtel Particulier Montmartre. Famous for once being the residence of the Hermés family, it has now become one of Paris's most private boutique hotels. With only five rooms and the largest hotel garden in the capital, it is an idyllic oasis, and celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Robert Downy Jr. have all taken advantage of its unique charm. Purchased and turned into a boutique hotel in 2007 by Morgane Rousseau, the property is now run by her son Oscar Comtet.
There is something magnetic about the place, a je ne sais quoi type essence. Its charm is a bit beyond the tongue, hard to fully name. It may be the beauty or history of the space, or simply how it made us feel as we walked through the black iron gate and into the front garden; like something special was about to unfold. The garden opens to a gorgeous white townhouse with paneled windows, white shutters, and personal balconies dressed up with fresh flowers. It is Parisian elegance at its best, and as we walked through the property, we tried to soak up every detail. The place is a ready-made dream for a wedding, fancy business luncheon, romantic weekend, or a cocktail with girlfriends (but maybe only your best girlfriends).
As guests of the wedding, our adventure started in the front garden, where flutes of champagne were served. We were then led to a beautiful lower area draped in luscious green vines and seated with red velvet chairs for the ceremony. Red velvet, we would come to learn, is a staple of the hotel's ambiance and style. After an intimate ceremony (so intimate the bride could detect which guest laughed during a cheeky part of the vows) we were taken to another beautiful area of the hotel, where hors d'oeuvres were served. Champagne flowed as we snapped photos, laughed, and chatted. The food from Le Grand Salon gourmet restaurant, led by chef David Ferreira did not disappoint. Gratefully satiated, we moved into the inside bar to dance off dinner with the bride. The bar, which exuded the sultry red velvet vibe, had been turned into a small dance floor fitted with a DJ booth in the corner. Dancing through the night was a sheer delight (moonwalk moves included), and we marveled at how this historical property seemed tailor-made to host effortlessly chic weddings.
