Hotel Le Placide ★★★★

You can almost hear the accordion players and visualise the cobbled streets as you imagine Saint Germain des Près. This bubbling hub of a neighbourhood harbours everything you need to experience a typical Parisian life whether you’re wandering along the musical market of Rue Mouffetard or spending an afternoon in the pretty Jardin du Luxembourg. There are cafés and flower shops galore at the crossroads of Carrefour de Buci. This historic neighbourhood has that irresistible Parisian ambience that you dream of!

And at the heart, is this calm and luxurious hotel, Le Placide, named after the tranquil surroundings it creates. Its façade, with white French shutters, blends in with the buildings along the street. Inside are friendly faces to greet you, not always what you will find in this infamous city, but here in Saint Germain des Près is where you will be most welcome. Inside the lobby is decorated with warm fabrics and a cosy fireplace.

What is really a luxury is the opportunity to stay in a Junior Suite so central to Paris. Rooms in Paris can be small but with Le Placide’s Junior Suite you are sure to have all the space you need for your stay. Your classically decorated suite has all the mod-cons such as wifi, LCD television and even a DVD player. Expect a large queen sized bed and a view of the streets below or the art deco Bon Marché shopping centre just nearby. The sleek and glossy bathroom is separated by a curtain to make the most of the space, so you have a living area, desk and wardrobe in your room.

So Le Placide seems to do space well, location excellently and here’s another one of its strengths; its delicious breakfasts. Essential to any city break is a breakfast that supplies you with energy throughout the day and that’s just what Le Placide provides, with, of course, a little Parisian boutique flair! The selection of morning treats are quality branded products such as sweet pastries from Dollayau, tasty fromage from Roland Barthélemy and expert teas from Mariage Frères. Now that’s a Parisian start to the day! Team this with fruits, juices, and of course the classic French baguette and there is really no way you can go wrong. The dining room is chic and simple with plenty of light to wake you up of a morning.

After a brilliant night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, all that’s left is to venture out. Thanks to the hotel’s great placement, classics like the Musée D’Orsay, Hotel des Invalides and Jardin du Luxembourg are only a 20 minute walk away. But, it is also well-placed for discovering new gems of Paris.

Whether you decide to stroll around the classic buildings that make up the Sorbonne University or visit the Rodin Museum, don’t forget to leave time for passing by an afternoon people watching in one of the classic Parisian cafés, black coffee and a croissant are compulsory of course!