Since 1979, the Relais Christine has been one of the Left Bank’s best-kept secrets… A favourite address, jealously guarded by artists, Parisian lovers and all lovers of Paris who seek the friendly atmosphere of a family home with the refinement and attentive service of the very best luxury hotels.

Between the flower-lined courtyard and private garden, the house has been fully renovated in 2017. New rooms, a redesigned reception area and lounge, a more spacious spa… the Relais Christine is proud to show off all this and more. Revelling in its distinctive Saint-Germain romanticism, the hotel sets the stage for comfort and cocooning, inviting you to come inside and make yourself at home. A whole new idea of luxury …

A house and a neighbourhood at the heart of History

You will find the Relais Christine in a 17th-century townhouse built on the vestiges of the Saint-Denis College of the Grands-Augustins Abbey, founded in 1231 by Saint Louis. Particularly fond of the abbey, Saint Louis asked his advisor, the Abbot Mathieu Vendôme, to create this college to train the kingdom’s most prestigious abbots. Unfortunately, the Abbey’s glory days were relatively short-lived, as the college was sold in 1595 and torn down a few years later to make way for the Rue Christine.

Both the Rue Dauphine and the Rue Christine were completed in 1607 following the construction of the Pont Neuf by order of Henri IV, marking a major architectural shift for the neighbourhood. These two streets were named in honour of the royal children, the dauphin Gaston d’Orléans, future King Louis XIII, and the second daughter of Marie de Médicis and Henri IV, Christine de France, born in 1606. At the time, these streets were lined with “a great number of large and handsome houses, structured and arranged in such a way to be highly pleasing to the eye.” Today, one of these stately buildings, after hosting the National Society of Geography, is home to the Relais Christine.

The street front building was rebuilt in 1898 by the architect Debrie. This type of townhouse is a great standard of 17th and 18th-century Parisian architecture, the best-known examples being the French President’s home, the Palais de l’Elysée, and the Prime Minister’s Hôtel Matignon.

Owned by a French family since 1979, the Relais Christine is an oasis of calm in the centre of Paris. Steeped in history, it contains a paved courtyard reached by a covered passageway and, behind the house, a 150 m2 garden accessible only to the privileged few. Vestiges of the Saint-Denis College of the Grands-Augustins Abbey can be seen on the lower floor, now dedicated to well-being. The relaxation lounge features a magnificent circular column at the apex of its vaulted stone ceiling. An imposing fireplace, well and small adjoining cells lead one to believe these are the former kitchens of the Grands-Augustins Abbey.

… An inspiration, reinterpreted by the decorator Laura Gonzalez

The Relais Christine pays tribute to the site’s unique history by tweaking the traditional codes of luxury. This challenge was brilliantly met by decorator Laura Gonzalez who managed to safeguard its timeless soul while giving the old stones a new spin. This project – over two years of work– has drawn to a close with the new ground floor areas (reception, lounge), under the vaults with a remodelled spa, and up through the various floors with new rooms and corridors.

The Relais Christine reopens its doors onto a meticulously designed style imbued with a romanticism à la française, preserving all the classic codes (old furniture, patterns, wallpaper and fabric by iconic brands such as Pierre Frey, Hermès, Le Manach, Braquenié, etc.) enhanced and rejuvenated by the choice of contemporary materials such as brass and marble.

Each of the 48 splendidly unique rooms and suites projects a resolutely chic and intimate universe: antiques, cosy velvet, warm woodwork and noble materials, Toile de Jouy print in one room, canopy beds in another, Carrera marble bathrooms, and more. The welcoming rooms are infused with such warmth, that we are loath to leave them!

Laura Gonzalez has redesigned the ground floor reception and lounge areas with a savvy blend of historic character, intimate ambience and luxurious decoration. These charming and discreet spaces wrap guests in a mantle of comfort after a day of shopping and tourism or simply make a wonderful place to read by the fireside. At any hour of the day, guests are welcome to gather and relax with a cup of tea and a pick-me-up, a glass of wine or a Champagne aperitif!

Nestled beneath the 13th-century arches of its vaulted ceiling, our unique Spa now offers treatments by the Maison Guerlain with roomier booths, including one made for duo treatments. Ah, romance! It is everywhere at the Relais Christine…A little 5-star jewel, at the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

The stuff that dreams are made of…

A unique experience in the heart of the Latin quarter: bedroom and separate lounge with a large terrace on the garden, and two bathrooms. A taste of the countryside in the city!
All of our rooms & suites are air-conditioned and equipped with a mini-bar, coffee machine, safe and Bluetooth Marshall speakers.

The lounge – a place to relax

Our lounge, with its honesty bar, fireplaces and discreet seating, welcomes clients at all hours, from early birds to night owls, for a quiet moment, to share a drink, a cup of tea or a snack. A precious oasis of peace at the heart of the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

The Guerlain Spa – place to pamper yourself

Every day, the Spa welcomes guests to a world of energising and relaxing possibilities: a Jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room, as well as booths for exceptional treatments provided by the Maison Guerlain. Alone or as a twosome, guests can luxuriate in a refined setting, where ancient stones exude serenity far from the madding crowds.

The Maison Guerlain has been driven by an insatiable quest for beauty since 1928. Like the Relais Christine, it draws much of its inspiration from its rich history.

Formulated with the noblest natural materials and offering the most sensual textures, Guerlain treatments enjoy a peerless reputation: Orchidée Impériale, Abeille Royale, La Dédicace Guerlain– the signature treatment at the Relais Christine–, every treatment provides personalisation, luxury, emotion and sensuality.

The sumptuous and varied Spa menu offers head-to-toe facial and body care designed to meet the many needs of hotel guests as well as its external clientele.

5-star services in the unique atmosphere of a family home

Faithful to the spirit of the house since it opened in 1979, the Relais Christine continues to pride itself on its friendly teams available at all times. Every client is an honoured guest who receives attentive and personalised service. By offering discreet, elegant luxury, cherished traditions, the utmost in service and the philosophy of a guest house, the Relais Christine is, and forever shall be, unique.

Complimentary valet parking in our private garage Complimentary WiFi
Clefs d’Or Concierges 24/7
Complimentary rental of bicycles
Rental of a convertible Fiat 500 S at extra cost

W: Relais Christine