…. France’s ‘Iron Lady’, the Eiffel Tower – the symbol of romantic Paris. Definitely the dreamiest view of the tower is at night, especially from dusk when the tower lights up with thousands of glittering lights. The perfect place to propose to your loved one, Rod Stewart and Tom Cruise are amongst the millions who agree….

To find out more: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/index.html

….the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’, Champs Elysées. The Arc de Triumph stands triumphant at the top, delighting the shoppers who are busily going about their business.

To find out more: http://www.champselysees.org/

….Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest parts of Paris. A renowned haunt of the old intellectuals relishing in the cafes and jazz music. The ambience here has very little changed, and is a perfect place to enjoy an aperitif or a bite to eat. Try the ‘deux magots’ or ‘la Brasserie Lipp’ and then saunter on to the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter, a truly romantic hangout….

To find out more : http://www.saint-germain-paris.net/#

….one of the two natural islands of Paris, Île de la Cité. Here you can find Paris’ famous Notre Dame and Le Palais de Justice, and stand in the very centre of Paris where the medieval city was refounded….

Métro : Cité (line 4)

….or the second natural island of Paris, l’Ile Saint Louis which cannot be missed by those wishing to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a romantic meal. The perfect time to visit is in the evening, heading down rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Île which is lit up by the candle light from its many quaint restaurants. Don’t forget to stop and take a night cap at the Brasserie d’ Île St. Louis or treat yourself to one of Berthillon’s ice cream – renowned for their excellent quality and use of natural ingredients….

Métro : Cité (line 4)

To find out more: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/

.…the East of Paris, where you will find the enchanting Canal Saint-Martin. In the warmer months locals flock in droves to the banks of the canal to picnic and strum guitars. Cafés and quirky boutiques flank the water and iron footbridges. On Sundays, two streets running parallel to the canal are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists—perfect for renting a bike and seeing the city from a fresh angle. Another possibility is to take a tour of the canal by boat. Visitors of all ages should find something to love alongside the Canal Saint-Martin….

Métro : gare de l’est (lines 4, 5 and 7) or Jaurès (lines 5 and 2)

….or why not the charming Luxembourg gardens of the French Senat? Perhaps the perfect place to share a picnic with your loved one – pull your chairs together facing the majestic Médicis fountain and get lost in the regal surroundings….

To find out more: http://www.senat.fr/lng/en/palais.html

…. the Buttes Chaumont, one of the numerous Parisian parks but unique with its cliffs, bridges, and grotto which encloses a 20-meter high waterfall. Walk alongside the lake, and enjoy the several sorts of gardens. This truly romantic spot, seemingly isolated from the noise of Paris, is also a favourite setting for those wishing to elope….

Bus : lines 48, 60 stopping at Botzaris ; the line 48, 60, 75 stopping at Mairie du XIXe, or also the line 26 stopping at Botzaris-Butte Chaumont.

Métro : line 7, « Botzaris » or « Buttes Chaumont », also line 5, leaving at « Laumière » then continuing on foot down the avenue.

….the peace and tranquility at the other side of the city, in the Parc Monceau. Another great get-away from the hub of Paris and perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility….

Métro : Monceau (line 2). Summer hours : 7h-22h. Winter hours : 7h-20h

….or equally escape to the peace and harmony of the south side of Paris, in the gardens of the Parc Montsouris. Here you will find the English styled garden, expanding 15 hectares with its northeast portion covering an historic entrance to the Paris catacombs….

To find out more: http://www.parisinfo.com/sites-culturels/1281/montsouris-parc-

.…or travel East to the spawling parc le bois de Vincennes. Situated on the site of the14th-century fortified chateau, the Chateau de Vincennes, the Bois de Vincennes offers seemingly endless space to stroll, picnic, boat, and unwind. Despite its location on the city’s border, it is easily accessible and perfect for those romantics of all ages….

To find out more: http://www.boisdevincennes.com/site/index.php3

.…to the Western side of Paris, in order to enjoy the Bois de Boulogne, running all the way down the west side of the 16e. It was supposedly modelled on London’s Hyde Park – but is never the less a very French interpretation which offers endless possibilities. Why not take a romantic horse ride or take a boat out on the lake? Appreciate the flower displays or even try your luck at the race course? Whatever the decision there is plenty of choice for the family, and of course the romantics….

Métro : Porte Maillot (line 1), Porte Dauphine (line 2) or Porte d’Auteuil (line 10)

….to the metro stop Abbesses from where you will find the Sacré-cœur, in the heart of Montmartre. Here the winding uphill streets are crammed with artists, cafes and souvenir shops. Amazingly this is a part of Paris which seems completely disconnected to the rest of it, retaining much of it’s old village like status with the imposing Sacré-cœur looking down on the rest of the world. Walk up the Basilica’s flight of stairs and take in the view of the city. For those less energetic, take to a bench by the carousel lovingly portrayed in the film Amelie. Continue your film in Amelie’s café at 15 rue Lepic and then find the door to Van Gogh’s house at number 54. Why not even attend one of the alternative wedding ceremonies taking place, where one vows ‘not to marry the other’ but in doing so vows to remain fiancées for the rest of their lives….

To find out more : http://www.lepic-abbesses.com/article.php3?id_article=505

http://www.lepic-abbesses.com/

Métro : Abbesses (line 12)

….to the district of Le Marais. Once a mere swampland, the Marais (meaning swamp) is now one of the most sumptuous and surprising quarters of Paris, expanding from the Bastille area right up to l’Hôtel de Ville. It is also one of the few areas which has preserved the narrow streets and architectural styles of Medieval and Renaissance-era Paris. Its dramatic residences, artisan’s boutiques, galleries, lavish squares, and its mix of culture are worth reserving at least a half-day of exploration for….

To find out more : http://www.parislemarais.com/

….to the breath-taking place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris also located in le Marais. This is a favourite place of many of Paris’ visitors, thanks to its beautiful and refreshing garden….

Métro : Bastille (lines 5,1 and 8 )

….Or take a seat at the The Palais Garnier, also named the Opéra de Paris and described as the ‘great theatre of the world’. This truly spectacular building has been impressing the public since its inauguration in 1875 and is still host to the most amazing spectacles today. Whether just visiting the monument or enjoying one its fine shows, it is sure to leave a long lasting impression….

To find out more : http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/

….Stand in awe in front of the renowned sculpture ‘The Kiss’ by Rodin. The Musée Rodin holds an exceptional collection of his works, including bronze castings, plaster studies, drawings, prints, letters, and books. There is also, notably, a stunning exhibition by Henri Moore set to commence in October 2010. Not to be missed by those who are lovers of the arts…..

To find out more : http://www.musee-rodin.fr/accueil.htm

….the unmissable Louvre, standing between la Place du Palais Royal and le jardin des Tuileries. Explore the immense museum, but be warned this could often take days, there really is an immense collection of works. If time is precious, simply enjoy a café on the terrasse du Marly or relax on the grass in the impressive grounds, and for those wishing to purchase their own pieces of art there is a good collection of antiques an art objects to purchase below the museum….

Métro : Palais Royal (lines 7, 1)

…the delightful musée de la Vie romantique. This museum is particularly precious for its rose garden, a little piece of paradise tucked away from the busy streets of Paris. It is also perfect place to sip a cup of tea whilst reading your favorite novel or writing postcards to your friends. Home of the portraitist Ary Scheffer, this 19th-century hôtel particulier—Hôtel Scheffer-Renan—saw a lot of famous artists such as Delacroix, Géricault, George Sand, Chopin, Rossini, Dickens… It is today a museum dedicated to the works of the painter Ary Scheffer himself as well as the ones of neighbor and friend George Sand. Take advantage also of the charming restaurant, not very well known but promises an idyllic evening in its luxurious surroundings.

To find out more : http://www.paris.fr/portail/loisirs/Portal.lut?page_id=5851

…to the offskirts of the Boulevard Haussmann. Take the time to enjoy artistic journey through the heart of the Italian Renaissance, enjoy the 18th century French masterpieces and the works by the Flemish masters. Discover such treasures in an authentic mansion that is just a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysées. A perfect break from the shopping frenzy, this is the musée Jacquemart-André – a must for anyone passionate about art and architecture (and tired of the shops!)….

To find out more : http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/jacquemart/

…..to the surrounding area of the Parc Monceau and delight in the treasures at the musée de Nissim de Camondo of the decorative arts. The pre-World War I town house was donated to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs by Comte Moïse de Camondo in memory of his son, Nissim, a French aviator killed in combat during World War I. The museum is like the home of an aristocrat — rich with needlepoint chairs, tapestries (many from Beauvais or Aubusson), antiques, paintings, bas-reliefs, silver, Chinese vases, crystal chandeliers, Sèvres porcelain, Savonnerie carpets, and even an Houdon bust.

To find out more : http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/francais/nissim-de-camondo/

Those places out of the ordinary:

….at south of the former city gate, the « Barrière d’Enfer » (the barrier of hell), and at today’s Place Denfert-Rochereau is the Catacombs. Perhaps not one of Paris’ most romantic places, but undeniably emotive and equally eerie – said to be one of the 10 most haunted places in the city. Take a walk through the dark passages of the catacombs which will take you past the remains of millions of Parisians, carefully stacked skull-upon-skull, and labeled by their year of burial. Not the most appealing of outings for some but it certainly gives rise to the curiosities and emotions – for you to judge!

To find out more: http://www.catacombes-de-paris.fr/

…… the most famous cemeteries in the world, Père Lachaise. Here lies James de Rothschild, Colette, Edith Piaf and of course Jim Morrison. Again perhaps not the set in the most romantic context however you will be impressed by the tomb of Oscar Wilde, covered in lipstick kisses and adorned with love letters. An alternative romantic stroll……

To find out more : http://www.pere-lachaise.com/

And then visit:

Le Pont des Arts with its lover’s padlocks and art exhibitions

Le Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in Paris and the setting for the French film ‘Lovers on the Bridge’

Others suggestions :

For those great romantics, several sites lend themselve to the most impressive weddings, opposite the Tower Eiffel or at the top of the Mound Montmartre, it’s your choice!

To find out more: www.be-my-love-in-paris.com

L’œnologie en histoire is a project put together by certain wine experts who wish to share their passion for France’s greatest produce.

To find out more: http://www.museeduvinparis.com/francais/

A last flavoursome idea comes in the form of cheese tasting. Why not spend a day tasting some of France’s 400 types of cheese and famous wines. It would be rude not to, ‘when in Rome’ – or Paris….

To find out more: www.mygenieinparis.com/en/r/7/gourmet_paris__off_the_beaten_tracks.html?lang=en

Unmissable views:

Le Jules Verne, the restaurant situated some 125 meters above the ground at top of the Tower Eiffel, offers unrestricted views of the four corners of Paris… Think about to reserve in advance!

To find out more: http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/

Le Ciel de Paris, situated to the 56th floor of the Tower Montparnasse, offers the experience to dine and enjoy a view as equally impressive. Once again, don’t forget to reserve!

To find out more: http://www.cieldeparis.com/

The Hotel Britannique has also been named a favourite romantic place by its many couples who have chosen to spend their honey moon there. Only a few minutes from the Tour Saint Jacques, the Avenue Victoria seems like she too can win over the hearts .

Feel at ease to share with us your experiences of romantic Paris and even help us discover new ones….

« Hotel Britannique Paris », a romantic 3 star Hotel in Paris.

www.latourdargent.com

2 – LE MEURICE, Paris 1st, walking distance from the hotel, frame from the 19th century, very very smart, 3 forks awarded and 3 Michelin stars , best rate, top level, divine food in a divine place. Around 250€/each.

www.meuricehotel.fr/hotel-paris

3 – LE JULES VERNE, Paris 7th, 15 mn cab ride from the Hotel, frame from the 19th century, view from the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower, unique atmosphere, unforgettable. 2 forks awarded and 1 Michelin star. Around 200€.

www.lejulesverne-paris.com

4 – LADUREE, Paris 8th, 15mn cab ride from the Hotel, frame from the 19th century, avenue des Champs Elysees, very delightful, private rooms, excellent pastries. Around 60€.

www.laduree.fr

5 – LE PIED DE COCHON, walking distance, Les Halles, chic brewery, 24/24, best quality sea food. Around 50 €.

www.pieddecochon.com

« Hotel Britannique Paris », a romantic 3 star Hotel in Paris.

The Hotel Britannique is born, right in the heart of the 1st area of Paris. The Hotel is situated some 100 meters from the oldest square of the right bank, 20 Avenue Victoria.

During the middle of the 19th Century, under the reign of Napoléon the III, the Baron Haussmann was hired to modernize Paris streets. Haussmann began his campaign ‘Paris embellished, Paris enlarged, Paris sanitised’ by clearing away any confusing city path, making way for domineering and uniformed straight roads. X marked the spot at Les Halles, just 400 meters from the hotel which he believed to be the ‘belly of Paris’ and endeavored to design the rest of his new city around it.

In 1854, the Avenue Victoria had seen its early days under the title of ‘Boulevard de l’Hôtel de Ville’. This would be replaced one year later by ‘Avenue Victoria’, in honor of the British Queen’s visit to the town Hall of Paris on the 23rd August, 1855. Queen Victoria had been the distinguished guest of Napoléon III at the 1855 Paris Universal Exhibition. This moment marked the beginning of the cordial agreement between the two Empires.

It is at Number 20 of this avenue of scarcely finished buildings that the Perret-Baxter family chose to establish the Hotel Britannique.

« Presented to Monsieur et Madame Perret, Hotel Britannique Paris, by a few Scarborough friends, for their kind attention during a visit to Paris ».

1870

The fall of the Second Empire – Napoléon III is denounced and the Prussians occupied Paris

1871

The Paris Commune, an attempt of proletarian revolution. Massacre of the Communards by the Versaillais. Paris burning in may.

Rivoli Street situated some 100 meters from the Hotel Britannique

1879

The construction of the first telephone network begins

1886

The celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of Independence in the United States of America.

« Liberty enlightening the world », better known as the Statue of Liberty, was offered to the States by France in 1886, as a sign of friendship to celebrate the declaration of American independence. The inauguration of the statue was celebrated on October 28th 1886 in the presence of the president of the United States, Grover Cleveland. The idea came from the French legal expert and professor, Edward of Laboulaye in 1865, under Napoléon III: « I will fight for liberty, I will call for the free people. I will try to glorify the republic over this country, and I will continue until that day arrives in my country ». The gift of the Statue of Liberty to a Republic, located on the other side of the Atlantic, played an important role in the fight for the maintenance of the IIIrd Republic.

The Statue of Liberty would go on to become a national symbol for the United States, representing the liberty and emancipation of man with regards to oppression.

1887

The building of the Eiffel Tower commences

1889

The celebration of the centennial of the 1789 French Revolution. Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower.

The french citizens living in USA reciprocates the offer of friendship by donating a representation of the Statue of Liberty. The statue was also given to the French at this moment in history in order to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. One can read on the plaque « 5th JULY 1776 – 14th JULY 1789″. It was inaugurated by the President Carnot on July the 4th 1892, 6 years after the donation of the « New York » Statue of Liberty. In 1937, during the Universal Exhibition, Bartholdi’s wish was finally granted and the positioning of the French statue was changed in order to face towards New York.

1894

The Sorbonne holds the « Congress for the restoration of the Olympic Games »

1898

A census is taken counting some 94 255 bicycles and 89 automobiles in Paris

1900

The Universal Exhibition and the Olympic Games at Paris. The first metro line appears (Vincennes – Porte Maillot). This is also the beginning of the period of progress named ‘La Belle Epoque’

1910

The great flood of Paris. Somewhat slightly elevated, the area surrounding the Hotel Britannique is left surprisingly untouched despite its close proximity to the Seine

1914

The beginning of the First World War and the end of the ‘Belle Epoque’. The Hotel Britannique opens its doors to the American-English Quakers, providing mutual aid for those in need

A part of the Hotel Britannique, dedicated to the Quakers

1920

The Christian Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers, establishes its first official french headquarters in Paris at the Hotel Brtitannique. The lasting documentation of this period tells us that the Perret-Baxters had great sympathy for the friend’s plight which was reciprocated with a commemorative plaque, still standing in the hotel lobby today.

« This Hotel, during the great war of 1914 – 1918, housed the Quaker mission of the Friends Society and gave aid to the population and reconstructed regions touched by the war. During the years 1914 – 1920 more than a million volunteers, English and American and both women and men, took part in this cause and passed through the hotel. The red and black star, the sign of the mission, was first seen in 1870-1871 by the members of a similar mission sent to France by the Quakers in order to help the victims of this war ».

The movement founded by the descendants of the Anglican Church during the 17th Century is documented in Voltaire’s ‘Philosophical Letters’, published in 1734 :

‘I believed that the doctrine and the history of such extra-ordinary people were worthy of curiosity. To find out about them, I visited one the most eminent Quakers in England (Andrew Pitt, a linen draper from Hampstead) who had been in commerce for thirty years, but had decided to limit his wealth and wants, and had retired to the countryside close to London. I went to seek him out in his retreat which was a small house, well-built and clean and without ornaments.
The Quaker was a fresh-faced old man who had never been ill, because he had never known passions or intemperance. I have never seen in my life a nobler or more engaging countenance than his. He was dressed, like all those of his religion, in a plain coat without pleats in the sides or buttons on either the pockets or the sleeves. He was wearing a large hat, with turned down brim, like our clergy. He received me with his hat on his head, and came towards me without the slightest inclination of his body, but there was more politeness in the open, humane expression on his face than in the custom of drawing one leg behind the other, and carrying the head-covering in one’s hand.’

“Our apparel is also somewhat different from that of others that it may be a perpetual warning to us not to imitate them. Others wear the badges and marks of their several dignities, and we those of Christian humility. We fly from all assemblies of pleasure, from diversions of every kind, and from places where gaming is practised; and, indeed, our case would be very deplorable, should we fill with such levities as those I have mentioned the heart which ought to be the habitation of God ».

« We never swear an oath, not even in a court of law. We think that the name of God ought not to be prostituted in the miserable squabbles of men. When we are obliged to appear before a magistrate on someone else’s account (for law suits are unknown amongst Friends) we affirm the truth by a « yes » or a « no ». The judges believe us on our simple word, whilst so many other Christians perjure themselves upon the Gospels »……

« And when, after a victory is gained, the whole city of London is illuminated; when the sky is in a blaze with fireworks, and a noise is heard in the air, of thanksgivings, of bells, of organs, and of the cannon, we groan in silence, and are deeply affected with sadness of spirit and brokenness of heart, for the sad havoc which is the occasion of those public rejoicings. »

Opposing the war, the Religious Society of Friends offered their generous services to the hospitals during the World War I, believing that God is charitable and man must be also.

1918

The end of the war. After the end of the conflict, a generation dreaming of a new world proclaims ‘never again’

1920

The beginning of the ‘Années Folles’. The utopian ideals of the 19th Century gave way to individualism and extravagance. It’s during this period that Paris saw the emergence of art movements such as Surrealism, Dada and Art Deco. It is also at this time that the American writer Henry Miller would call the crossroads of Vavin-Raspail-Montparnasse « the navel of the world »

1924

The Olympic Games

1927

Charles Lindbergh receives a hero’s welcome after traversing the North Atlantic

1928

The Inauguration of the tennis stadium Rolland-Garros

1931

The first television show

1937

Universal Exhibition

1940

3rd of June, the Nazis bombard Paris: 250 deaths

1943

3rd of September, Allied bombardment: 400 deaths

1944

21st of April, Allied bombardment: 600 deaths. 19th of August, the liberation of Paris

Luckily Hotel Britannique’s treasure escapes the Nazi’s robbery!

During the four years of Nazi occupation, the owner of the Hotel Britannique – a descendent of the family Perret-Baxter, founders of the Hotel, had taken care to bury his valuable treasure in the ground of the hotel’s vaulted cellars. And what a treasure ! Dozens of bottles of vintage Sauternes wines aged from the beginning of the century and bottles of Bourgogne, dating from the 20s. To celebrate the liberation of Paris (and the bottle’s liberation from the ground) certain were opened and, undoubtedly, greatly appreciated. However a great number were preserved even into the 80s. The current owner of the hotel remembers to have had the great honour to taste, in 1983, a bottle of Vosnes-Romanée aged 60 years. That is an experience that one never forgets.

1947

The first fashion show (Christian Dior)

1968

The revolution of spirits tumbles Paris.

1977

8th December, the opening of the metro/train station RER Chatelet-Les Halles, the most important metro stop in the world. It is also the closest station to the Hotel.

1978

The Hotel Britannique changes hands from the Perret-Baxter family. The British born Miss Louise Claude Baxter, born the 17th May 1926, passes the Hotel over to the family Danjou. Of French nationality the Danjous originate not from Great Britain, but Brittany.

1980

The hotel closes for six months for important renovation works. A lift is installed, the bathrooms are added, each floor is rearranged and the decoration is renewed.

1985

The Hotel Britannique receives its 3rd star

2000

The hotel enters the very selective club of quality hotels selected by the Hotels with Charm Guide

2010

The Hotel Britannique is placed the 37th greatest hotel out of the 1841 hotels in Paris by Tripadvisor. A great 150th birthday present, Champagne!

« Hotel Britannique Paris », a romantic 3 star Hotel in Paris.

Love comes above all, always…

Let us know your special occasion and it will be our pleasure to welcome you with this in mind, and with a little surprise.

« Hotel Britannique Paris », a romantic 3 star Hotel in Paris.