Le Swann, the literary hotel dedicated to Marcel Proust, next to Gare Saint-Lazare

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Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Published on May 17th, 2024 at 05:04 p.m.
We're off in search of lost time at the superb Swann literary hotel, near Gare Saint-Lazare. A place dedicated to Marcel Proust, the brand's first literary hotel!

In 2013, collector and bibliophile Jacques Letertre had the idea of creating a hotel, dedicated to his favorite writer, to share his passion for literature with visitors from all over the world, for a night or two, immersed in the authors' world. And the first to do so was Marcel Proust, with theHôtel Littéraire Le Swann, nestled near the Gare Saint-Lazare! A resounding success, leading to further openings in Paris, Biarritz and Rouen.

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In the heart of a typical Haussmann building, the hotel's 80 rooms are tastefully decorated, more sober than Marcel Aymé's, in keeping with the writer's work. This is reflected in artistic creations such as photographs inspired by Le Temps retrouvé above the headboards, an excerpt from one of the writer's letters in the bathroom, and Japanese paper chandeliers in the shape of an open book.

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On your bedside table, you'll find a book by Marcel Proust, corresponding to the character who gives his name to the room, enough for a good read, to plunge you into La Recherche du temps perdu or Du côté de chez Swann, precisely. On the upper floors, the rooms feature spacious wrought-iron balconies overlooking the lively Plaine Monceau district. For added peace and quiet, the family-friendly Junior Suite overlooks the hotel's inner courtyard.

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Whether you're looking to relax or telecommute, the hotel bar offers a Belle Époque ambience that encourages creativity, right next to the large library where you can borrow Proust's remarkable writings in any language for the duration of your stay. In fact, it's like stepping back in time to the 19th century, as the hotel gives the impression of being in the midst of the literary salons of the time, with its hushed, elegant atmosphere and carefully-crafted furnishings.

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It's also an opportunity to enjoy a few sweet treats, such as those served at the unmissable breakfast, with Proust's famous madeleines and coffee from Céleste Albaret, his housekeeper. You can also enjoy them in the superb room with its bright Art Deco glass roof!

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And, as in all the brand's hotels, there's an exhibition area where you can expand your knowledge of Marcel Proust, thanks to a host of books, documents and collectables, including haute couture pieces, first editions often on loan from museums, manuscripts or drafts, period photographs, and most surprising of all, a huge text to be deciphered with a magnifying glass!

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From June 2024, a Japanese spa will be available in the hotel for a timeless relaxation break, featuring infratherapy, infrared rays beneficial to the body, a balneotherapy bathtub, a fitness area and a tisanerie to prolong the experience with a cup of tea or a sweet treat.

This wellness area, named Suichuka in reference to the Japanese game of blooming paper flowers in water, so dear to Proust, is nestled in the heart of the hotel, in a natural and exotic setting, laid out like a Japanese Zen garden.

A 100% Parisian experience in the heart of literature!

Hotel littéraire Marcel Aymé - IMG 8774Hotel littéraire Marcel Aymé - IMG 8774Hotel littéraire Marcel Aymé - IMG 8774Hotel littéraire Marcel Aymé - IMG 8774 Marcel Aymé, a literary hotel in the footsteps of the writer, in the heart of Montmartre
On the Butte Montmartre, enjoy an unforgettable literary stay in a 4-star hotel with Parisian charm, following in the footsteps of writer Marcel Aymé, who lived in the neighborhood and left his mark with his famous Passe-muraille! [Read more]

Practical information

Location

11 Rue de Constantinople
75008 Paris 8

Prices
A partir de : €225

Official website
www.hotel-leswann.com

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