London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Last year, the Hôtel du Petit Moulin decorated by Lacroix really made my eyes sparkle. Knowing that two other buildings had been sublimed by the artist, I just could not resist and booked a room in the Notre Dame.

On the Quais de Seine, the entrance is very discreet indeed. It is a lovely feeling to leave the touristic crowd to step in the elegant building, a little Parisian secret. Makes you feel very special.

A few steps up and you are immersed in the couturier‘s universe straight away. Brightly coloured, a puzzle of a thousand influences, superposition of eras and patterns, the floor inspired by canvassed flowers, a wonder room. In this lounge is also served breakfast – glimpses of Notre Dame in the distance, framed perfectly by the windows. Both a cocoon and an impressive room with its mural dedicated to the glory of this neighbourhood through time.

Ignore the tiny lift and use the stairs instead -  each step a different tint, as if you were walking up a rainbow. One at your floor, the carpet becomes more ethnic, vibrant oranges, illusions of embroidered sparkles. Each door represents a black and white engraving, standing out beautifully in this very graphic background.

The rooms are influenced by 6 themes -  angel, divine garden, Wise Men, court,  under the roofs and spouses. Mine is decorated along the latter. The atmosphere is softer in tone, more intimate. The main wall shows a medieval inspiration that fits Notre Dame so well, with a background of enlarged roses as in a delicate tapestry. On each side of the bed appear extracts of Lacroix’ famous carnets de collage where he would cut and paste any interesting picture he came accross, then reinventing his world. Rich velvet curtains finish to set the painting-like feeling.  The floor certainly is worth looking down too: see this light wood, very similar to the ski lodge one? Touch it -  ever so soft, yes, it is in fact an amazing carpet! Perfect illusion.

I find the morning really makes this room come alive. A particular softness of the light at dusk that I cannot quite explain. You wake up in this ever so comfy duvet, caressing the furry blanket, gazing at the exposed beams, turning to admire the illustrations that seem to be protecting you. It makes you feel like staying in bed all morning, drinking your Mariage Frères tea while reading a classic, a Victor Hugo maybe.

The bathroom is slightly boring in comparison -  white, simple. A gorgeous choice of Damana Neroli is on offer, though. The brand is only on the market for hotels – its summer citrus fragrance feels the whole place divinely.

The bonus, of course, one of the main reasons why you should stay here, is to be able to open your window and watch Notre Dame. All day long, all night long. Believe me, you can never tire of this. The never-stopping life in the neighbourhood, the sky filled by the cathedral, all lit up in the evening, the nuns going to mass early in the morning, tourists going to the flower and bird market, camera around their neck. Even on a dull day, leaden sky darkening the whole city, it remains slightly hypnotising. There is always a new detail to notice. One can spend hours there, just picturing the countless artists who have, in turn, immortalised the scene/Seine…

 Hôtel Notre-Dame
1 quai Saint Michel
75009 Paris

5 Responses to “Escape from London: Hôtel Notre-Dame, Paris”