BY NICKY SUMMER: Relais Christine is tucked away along a tiny, quiet street in Saint Germain des Pres on the Left Bank, just moments walk from La Seine and set amongst all the beautiful ateliers of the area; Picasso’s former studio (above) is located around the corner on Rue Des Grand Augustins and there’s a classic arts cinema featuring vintage movies directly next door…
Entering the property through an archway guarded by two lion statues (above right) and into the ancient cobbled courtyard, guests of the boutique spa hotel immediately feel cosseted and enveloped in authentic Parisian style, old and new. An ‘Angelina’ trolley sets the scene for ice-cream or hot chocolate, there are bicycles to tour the city and a swing seat to perch on while reading the morning papers….
Inside the hotel, guests are met by charming staff and offered a complimentary health drink of the day (below). The lobby features a deep velvet love seat with crystal chandelier above; the lounge and dining areas have open fireplaces, games boards and luxury lifestyle books to flick through…
Relais Christine is set on the site of the Black Friars Abbey – built by St Louis way back in 1231 – that once dominated the entire area; the exclusive Guerlain spa (below) is located in what was the kitchen of the abbeys college…
Upstairs, the newly renovated suites are decorated with deep comfort and romance in mind – luxurious velvet upholstery, cushions and pillows galore, hand-painted wallpapers, a chaise longue, rain shower, bathroom toiletries by Diptyque and quaint leaded windows opening onto the courtyard which the bell chimes from the church of Saint Germain drift through…
Meals at Relais Christine are decadent – the breakfast buffet (below) features a huge array of fresh fruits, yoghurts, compotes, cereals, freshly made crepes and French cheeses…
GET THE RELAIS CHRISTINE VIBE
Classic furnishings, made to order: http://www.titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk
Hand-painted wallpapers, fabrics and murals:
Audio: http://www.marshall.com
Lighting:
http://www.johncullenlighting.com
Fabrics: http://www.shibumistyle.com
Fireplaces: http://www.chesneys.co.uk
Toiletries: http://www.diptiqueparis.com
Skincare: http://www.guerlain.com
Clocks: http://www.lapendulerie.com
Cushions: http://www.andrewmartin.co.uk
Coffee table books: http://www.assouline.com
Tableware: http://www.bonadea.com
Rugs: http://www.taniajohnsondesign.com
Monogramming: http://www.initiallylondon.com
Glassware and objet: http://www.thomasgoode.com
Passementerie: http://www.passementerie-verrier.com
White orchids and floral decor: http://www.rvhfloraldesign.com
Desserts and chocolates: http://www.angelina-paris.fr
Gardens/courtyard design: http://www.bartholomewlandscaping.com
The quaint shops, galleries and restaurants (above) in the immediate area to Relais Christine are perfect for browsing and unique gift shopping; close by – just across Pont Neuf – is the Louvre Museum, Rue de Rivoli and the recently opened Samaritaine Paris luxury store (below right)…
Set behind double gates with a private courtyard at it’s heart, Relais Christine is quiet, secure and romantic by night – the perfect place to cozy up for a chic Parisian weekend, any time of year…
RELAIS CHRISTINE: http://www.relais-christine.com