On rare occasions, a silent hush descends over Rue de Picardie, an unusual lull for this vibrant artery in the heart of Le Marais. Normally alive with the hum of fashionable diners, lively cafés, and impeccably styled passersby, the street seems to hold its breath. Overlooking it all are the wrought-iron balconies of Maison Proust, a boutique hotel as discreet as it is omnipresent. Like a quiet sentinel, it surveys the street below, bearing witness to the neighbourhood’s unfolding stories, its countless happenings, and its ever-evolving spirit. Stepping into Maison Proust is like crossing a threshold into another time. Dim lighting and theatrical wallpaper envelop guests in the world of Marcel Proust, the celebrated writer whose life and legacy inspire every corner of the hotel. Its rooms are an homage to the icons of Proust’s era, each designed to evoke their essence. The first three floors pay tribute to the glittering personalities of Parisian high society, while the fourth floor celebrates the revolutionary Impressionists. The journey back in time owes much to the decor, conceived by the illustrious French designer Jacques Garcia. Every detail revels in opulence and drama, and pays homage to the Belle Époque, the gilded era immortalised in Marcel Proust’s writings. Lounges at Maison Proust evoke the grandeur of 19th-century Parisian aristocratic salons: the bar, sumptuous and sensual, a library graced with original works signed by Proust himself, and a serene winter garden invite guests to linger in spaces of blend literary reverence.
