Last Updated on August 11, 2022
Five star pied-à-terre in Bastille, Paris
Maison Bréguet is a five-star, 52-roomed hotel, a pied-à-terre in Bastille, situated in the hip 11th arrondissement. A deux pas from a metro station, and within walking distance of some of the city’s most coveted restaurants, the boutiques and museums of the nearby Marais, and a short walk from the atmospheric Canal du Saint Martin, visitors are spoilt for choice about which direction to turn in once leaving the front doors. With a spa and treatments on offer, a shaded terrace and comfortable rooms inside the home from home that is Maison Bréguet, one is in no rush to go out.
We emerged from the metro right into the thick of the famous Bastille market that takes place on Thursdays and Sundays. Checking in quickly to Maison Bréguet we lost no time in heading back into the fray of the market where the most stunning array of French produce is on sale, vendors shouting their wares, locals surveying the quality at each stall before making their purchases. Also on offer are stalls selling artefacts, homeware, jewellery, shoes and lots of clothing. I found a pair of linen trousers I had been seeking and many visitors were audibly delighted with the bargains they had secured. Even if you don’t want to buy anything you may well be tempted by a platter of oysters shucked to order or a couple of oursins (sea urchins) opened and served with a glass of cold white wine or champagne if you prefer. It is almost impossible to resist buying a few pieces of rotisserie chicken and a baguette, and then finding a spot to sit down to enjoy an impromptu al fresco lunch. Alternatively, there are umpteen cafes and restaurants should you wish to enjoy a different sort of meal.
Back at the hotel, we headed down to the basement spa which is beautifully decorated with blue mosaic tiles that shimmer and put me in mind of Morocco. The spa contains a small, heated pool lit with pink lights, a sauna and a steam room. Alongside is a small fitness room filled with all the equipment needed to work off a surfeit of pastries. The pool was lovely to relax in. Spa treatments can be ordered and take place in your room. I rather fancied a post-jetlag massage but realised that since I had only travelled half an hour on the metro I couldn’t really justify that one.
My fourth floor, Superior Room was the second size of four – standard, superior, deluxe and junior suites. This being Paris, the room is certainly bijoux but has everything one needs. A double bed was elegantly dressed with good quality linen and accent cushions. A large headboard takes up an entire wall. The spacious wardrobe had glass and wooden slatted doors, another cupboard housed a minibar and a complimentary Nespresso machine. A small kettle for visitors like myself who prefer tea would be a welcome addition. The lighting was contemporary and elegant as was a large brass framed mirror. A flat-screen TV is hanging across from the bed. Being in the eaves of the building, the room had small windows, placed high on the wall overlooking the neighbourhood rooftops. Blackout curtains ensured a good sleep. Some of the larger rooms have small balconies. There are interleading family rooms as well as an individual three-roomed house with a garden which is spacious and beautifully decorated.
The small bathroom, with attractive grey and white tiling, had a bath with a shower in it, the sides are very high so may not suit those with mobility challenges. Rooms with walk-in showers are available. Fluffy white towels, bathrobes and slippers are provided along with Replica toiletries by Maison Margiela.
The Maison Bréguet décor fits right in with the vibe of the neighbourhood. A palette of mint green, grey and pops of plum creates a chic backdrop and the walls are filled with large, striking artworks and many are wonderfully quirky. There are comfortable seating areas in the bar/lounge and a shaded internal courtyard with a living wall, trees and potted plants that creates a mini oasis.
As it was August, the bar and restaurant were closed for a few weeks but the restaurant was still serving breakfast for guests. I thought it was strange that a hotel restaurant should close for lunch, dinner and drinks until I realised that during these meals, the restaurant is largely used by businesses in the area rather than guests who tend to be out exploring during the day and might want to eat in one of the myriad restaurants in the area. A very difficult restaurant to secure a booking for, Septime, is a short walk away as are many well-known eateries. After enjoying an evening cocktail on the terrace (although the bar was closed, one of the staff showed great initiative and made us a spritz which was much appreciated) we headed off to explore the buzzing neighbourhood, had a terrific Japanese meal and returned happily to rest for the night.
Except during the month of August, a very popular Sunday brunch is served at Maison Bréguet and is worth booking if you are staying over a weekend. Otherwise, there is a daily breakfast which we enjoyed. A buffet included mini croissants, pain au chocolat and a variety of breads, lovely jams, and hazelnut spread. There were platters of charcuterie, cheese and smoked salmon, hardboiled eggs or to order – I had scrambled eggs while my husband enjoyed an omelette. Fruit juice, yoghurts, cereals and fresh fruit were also laid out. Tea and coffee were brought to the table. It was the best cup of tea I have had in Paris in weeks.
A good breakfast set us up for a three-hour walking tour of this fascinating area which, being very close to Place de la Bastille was a hotbed of revolutionary fervour in the 18th century but also has a rich history of waves of emigration over the centuries bringing craft and trade to the area. Although now continuing with a process of gentrification it is a most interesting area to explore as it presents a different side to Paris than those areas packed with museums and big hitter sights. However, the hotel is but a short walk away from the Marais for those who wish to explore this wonderful neighbourhood where museums, galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants lure locals and visitors alike.
Maison Bréguet provides an elegant, chic and quiet repose away from the madding crowd and is a peaceful place to return to after a day of sightseeing and exploring this buzzing city. The hotel staff are polite, friendly and helpful, speak excellent English and are keen to enable guests to enjoy Paris to the full.
8 Rue Bréguet 75011 Paris
