We arrived in Paris on the 21st of June. It was the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. It was also the night of the Fête De La Musique. The Marais was a party. Trendy, fabulous, historic, but this evening in particular proved a most excellent choice for Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais. 

Who, among us hasn’t searched without success for a Paris hotel quintessentially French, one that perfect Paris hotel for a liason or just for a splendid reasonable stay until Father’s will grants the argent for the Plaza Athenee? We hit the jackpot when we found the chic Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais. It is cozy, at times quirky, and admirably affordable.

Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais’s location in the Marais was ideal for total immersion into a very Parisian atmosphere on such a night. We felt more like personal friends–not mere hotel guests–of a discerning and tres hospitable marquis who has agreed to be our charming host as he shares his collection of treasured antiques and comfortable townhouse.

A harpsichord from the 18th century resides in pride of place and directly in front of an 18th century working fireplace. A 1792 piano-forte is staged behind the host’s desk. An 18th century music box still plays. An antique card table is set near the front window as if waiting for a game to begin. Umbrella stands hold ivory tipped walking sticks. Fabrics in keeping with Madame de Pompadour, mistress, friend, and advisor of Louis XV are covering walls, halls, and even the elevator. We are reminded that she was a patroness of arts and that it was Monsieur Beaumarchais who wrote The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, and it is he who is the inspiration for this hotel carrying his name. Hence the musical touches.

Not your grand, imposing, or even smaller, cookie cutter hotel but a hotel de charme.  Passersbys, we suspect, would not even realize this was a hotel. Ah, Proustian memories of perfumed soirées at the Hotel Lambert with Baron Guy de Rothschild and wife, Marie-Hélène washed over us. We quickly settled in and went forth to explore and experience the Marais. Once out the front door, make a right turn to lunch at Place des Vosges, after perhaps a visit to the Musée Picasso. That is if you make it. The boutiques en route are fabulous, and we were distracted by the truffle shop just steps away, which was enticing passersby with truffles in every form, in every condiment. We left with more than a few jars, bottles, and potions. We were enticeable. Ah, but we digress with our thoughts of delectables and must share that turning left from “our special friend’s townhouse” and just steps away is the Rue de Rivoli. Stroll a bit et voila, you’re at Luxembourg Gardens, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Seine, and the Louvre.

There are six floors with 19 rooms. One room is on the ground floor. Not large. Madame de Pompadour would have had difficulty in her huge skirts and wigs and we were much relieved to be in a more practical mode. We recommend the front-facing rooms (15-17 square meters), as the rear-facing rooms are smaller (14 square meters). The most coveted rooms are on the sixth floor and enjoy the best views.

We loved the antiques beamed ceilings, luscious fabrics, fresh roses, and crystal chandeliers, more than your-run-of-the-mill “boutique hotels” but a tastefully-run hotel boudoir, a cheerful fantasy, if you will.

All this and so very reasonably priced, too. The room rates will enable you to save your euros for the neighboring boutiques. May we suggest truffles? Remember, right around the corner. Prices from $189 to $295. A special Romance Package includes a bottle of Champagne, Pierre Herme macarons, and a breakfast on your choice of day. Breakfast is served daily until 12:00. 

The Caron de Beaumarchais is a very special find—unique and unusual, a hideaway, romantic haven of peace and effortless style, full of fascinating details, all with a story to tell. This is an authentic Paris experience in a historic, elegant building of character with an unbeatable location. 

Hôtel Caron De Beaumarchais, 12, rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75004 Paris; +33 1 42 72 34 12, hotel@carondebeaumarchais.com, https://www.carondebeaumarchais.com/en/