Hotel La Lanterne

The historic Quartier Latin on the Left Bank of Paris is one of our favourite areas in the French capital. There you'll find La Lanterne, an independent boutique hotel; the epitome of Parisian chic. 

The stylish property is well-positioned for exploring the buzzing, artisan neighbourhood; walking distance from a host of cafés and restaurants. And it's home to a courtyard garden for relaxing with a cool drink after a day of pavement pounding.

Note: the pool is currently being refurbished and will be closed until July 22nd, 2020.

For breakfast, dive into the buffet and enjoy a selection of pastries, crusty bread, eggs, bacon, and cold meats. Plus a choice of Mariage Frères teas and freshly made coffee.

Pierre Dubois and Aimé Cecil from the design company Les Héritiers decorated La Lanterne with passion and finesse. Their unmistakably French style can be seen and felt throughout the hotel with the use of Parisian antiques and unusual design pieces. The rooms and the suites are comfortable, modern and elegant, with thick carpets, tones of grey, and splashes of colour here and then on cushions and carpets. Lanterns hang on each side of the bed, softly illuminating each space and complementing photography by Nicolas Sénégas – his striking black and white images showcase the city lit by lamplight.

All rooms are non-smoking.

Centrally located in the 5th arrondissement, La Lanterne is just an 8 minute stroll from Notre Dame Cathedral – head over the Seine at Pont de l'Archevêché – and under 5 minutes to the Pantheon in the opposite direction. Wander westwards along the banks of the river, cross over at Pont des Arts, and reach La Louvre in under half an hour (or jump on the metro for a quicker journey). From there, the glam shops of the Champs-Élysées are easily reachable, ending at the Arc de Triomphe.

It's unlikely, but if you are stuck for ideas, the helpful staff at the can book you a show, museum or restaurant.

And if you fancy some r&r back at the hotel, it boasts an underground spa with an indoor pool and a hammam. Another of Nicolas Sénégas's impressive pieces can be found decorating the walls: a view of Pont Alexandre III.

Métro: Maubert-Mutualité station, line 10. (3 minutes' walk).

RER B and RER C: Station Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (8 minutes' walk) where there are direct lines to Charles de Gaulle airport and Villepinte exhibition centre.

From Gare du Nord: RER B to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.

Charles de Gaulle: 40 minutes by train (RER B) or 45-60 minutes by taxi.

Orly: 50 minutes by train / metro or 45 minutes by taxi.

Free Wi-fi is available.