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The Marais calls Paris’ swanky third and fourth arrondissements home. Filled with beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets, it is a neighborhood you could attempt to spend a lifetime discovering. Behind every hidden alley way and each corner lie hip brunch spots like L’Éclaire de Génie and chic boutiques like Cuisse de Grenouille. Hôtel du Petit Moulin in Paris, France can be found in the center of all the action, but we wouldn’t fault you for walking right past it.

Today a boulangerie sign still hangs above the front of the hotel, as it is a protected piece of French heritage. Originally the site of Paris’ first boulangerie (bakery), 29 Rue de Poitou was where writer Victor Hugo (of Les Misérables fame) would go to get his baguette.

In 2005, acclaimed French fashion designer Christian Lacroix added his own luxurious touch to the interior of this 17th-century building. Lacroix has turned it into the beautifully appointed boutique hotel it is today while leaving the boulangerie and its facade firmly in place.

“It brings to mind a dolls house, or those cross sections of buildings you might see in 20th-century encyclopedias, with very different atmospheres from one floor to the next.” ~Christian Lacroix

If you peek back into the history of the Marais, it was in the early 20th century that fabric production workshops started to spring up in this fashionable arrondissement. It makes sense then that this stylish four starred hotel would chose to have its 17 unique rooms designed by Lacroix, a couturier with a background in historical costume and high drama designs.

Each room has its own personality. Some are more playful and fun while others are darker and more sultry. Walking through the hotel halls is a bit like wandering the mind of a fashion genius. Every detail – from the stunning floral arrangements to the lacquered doors – has a dash of Lacroix to it.

Of the 17 rooms at Hôtel du Petit Moulin one is a junior suite, two are described as being comfort rooms, there are three superior rooms and 11 deluxe rooms.

“Each room had to tell the beginning of a story, a story to be completed by the travellers themselves” ~Christian Lacroix

Not only is the small compact hotel a beautiful place to stay, it’s also centrally located. The Picasso and Carnavalet museums, the Place des Vosges and the Opéra Bastille are all within a short walking distance of the Hôtel du Petit Moulin.

Hôtel du Petit Moulin also offers a number of fun add ons to its rooms that you might want to inquire about prior to check in.

Sweet Everythings at Hôtel du Petit Moulin in Paris

Guests Receive Artisan Sweets from Les Nicettes

There is a mouthwatering masterclass on chocolate making, a best of Paris’ underground shopping scene tour and even a baguettes and boulangeries baking class that aspiring Hugos might be interested in sniffing out.

Hôtel du Petit Moulin
Address: 29/31 Rue de Poitou
75003 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 42 74 10 10
Email: contact@hoteldupetitmoulin.com
Pricing (All in Euros): Rooms from around €185.00 and up depending on the room size, date and availability.