A tranquil oasis in the heart of Paris may sound like an oxymoron, but there is one hotel that turns this contradiction into reality. The epitome of Parisian charm and luxury: Relais Christine, squirreled away amongst a beautiful courtyard in the vibrant Latin Quarter of the city.

This discreet, boutique five-star hotel is set within a 17th-century townhouse, sitting on the remains of a 13th-century abbey, and everything about its serene exclusivity, style and character was screaming at me to visit for myself. Whether you are visiting Paris for the first time or returning for another rendezvous with the city, I can attest that Relais Christine promises a stay that is as enchanting and unforgettable as the city of love itself.

Slipping away from the lively cafés, fashion boutiques and musical magic of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, we sneak into the hotel through the ivy-clad courtyard. Upon entering, we are enveloped into a perfect marriage of French design with contemporary furnishings, which feels like a Parisian countryside home-away-from-home. Paying tribute to the site’s unique history, the hotel tweaks the traditional codes of luxury through its design, which safeguards its timeless soul while giving the old stones a new lease of life. The classic codes are preserved through the furniture, patterns, wallpaper and fabrics, whilst imbued with contemporary materials such as brass and marble – creating a remarkable romanticism that infiltrates the hotel.

Boasting 48 splendidly unique rooms and suites, we stay within the junior deluxe suite, perfectly poised for two people. The opulent, elegant decor continues with plush carpets, chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling drapes, complemented with a plethora of velvet cushions and marble bathrooms. Classic colour palettes include touches of sage green, rose, hues of blue and, of course, gold. Statement embroidered walls encase the four-poster bed and perfectly concealed minibar, stocked with French sweets and wine. It’s hard not to adore the accessories – monogrammed towels, robes and pairs of snug slippers, alongside a range of Diptyque-perfumed essentials. But for me, the best part has to be the high ceilings and classic terrace windows that open onto a Juliet-style balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens.

Each room has an intimate ambience yet luxurious creativity, cocooning us in its charming warmth which was hard to leave! So hard in fact that we opted for breakfast in bed, which the hotel staff are only too happy to accommodate – an extra indulgence that will leave you scrumptiously satiated. From freshly baked pastries and baguettes, fruits and cereals, to meats, cheeses, salads and eggs (made to order), it’s far too easy to spend the full morning sampling everything on offer.

The rest of the hotel follows as a feast for the soul – the boudoir-style lounge offers an abundance of sofas and armchairs with an inviting intimacy. We spend ample time here chatting over coffee, croissants and games of chess, as well as enjoying the hotel’s ‘honesty’ bar – where guests are free to pour their drink (from Laurent-Perrier champagne to some of the highest quality spirits), writing down what they have to settle up at the end of the stay. Bookcases full of art books to browse, daily newspapers and a game (or three) of chess mean you can end up spending hours sinking into the serenity of every sofa.

With its unbeatable location, you can immediately access some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, and staff are only too happy to help organise whatever you need. With the hotel housing a Fiat 500S convertible (bookable at an extra cost) as well as complementary bikes, you have Paris accessible at your fingertips. We took the bikes out for a day of exploring the Seine, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the historic Sainte-Chapelle. With the beautiful Jardins de Luxembourg on your doorstep and another short ride to see the Iron Lady (Eiffel Tower) in all her glory, cycling along the streets of Paris, spotting the love notes on the doors throughout the city, it’s hard not to fall in love yourself.

The vibrant neighbourhood is dotted with charming bookstores, antique shops, and cafes, as well as many choices of restaurants, from traditional bistros to Michelin-star gastronomic offerings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the quintessential Parisian lifestyle.

The hotel also features a well-appointed Guerlain Spa, hidden in 13th-century vaults, the perfect serene space for relaxation after a day of exploring the city. There is a truly unique charm to indulging in a treatment, massage, Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, or even working up a sweat in the fitness room, in such a refined setting, far from the spirited streets nearby. Formulated with the noblest natural materials and offering the most sensual textures, Guerlain treatments enjoy a peerless reputation. So whichever treatment you choose, you can rest assured that both mind and body will be rejuvenated when you ascend back up to reality.

So is it worth a visit? Oui oui oui – It is clear to me now why most guests return time and time again here – aside from the romance of the hotel itself, service at Relais Christine really sets it apart from the rest – staff proudly assure a warm, authentic and highly personalised welcome which never falters throughout your stay. Attentive yet unobtrusive, they seamlessly ensure every need is met with impeccable attention to detail.

Paris’s best-kept secret is more than just a hotel; it’s a sanctuary of refined elegance and historical significance that promises an unforgettable experience for every discerning guest. So get in on the secret yourself!

Book here: Relais Christine
T: + 33 1 40 51 60 80
E: Information

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International