Hôtel Particulier and Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre

After exploring the backstreets of Paris, near the Canal Saint Martin area, trying to avoid the majority of tourists, we headed to tourist central – the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre. Our plans had been to take in the incredible views and vibe of the area before heading to the Pigalle quartier of Paris for some cocktails.

However, on our way down from the Sacré-Cœur, Andrew spotted the very discreet entrance to this beautiful, tiny hotel. With only 5 suites, this once private home to the Hermes family, is now an exquisite boutique hotel with the largest hotel garden in Paris. Set back from the main street, the hotel, bar and restaurant with its beautiful terrace and gardens, provide an oasis of calm and serenity in the centre of this bustling area of Paris.

Montmartre

We hadn’t booked and I think we got the last seats in the bar. (Note to self – book next time.) A huge thank you to the wonderful concierge, who squeezed us in and entertaining us with his love for Liverpool Football Club (Andrew’s team) and tennis – he works at Roland Garrros, we live in Wimbledon!

Whilst I stuck to the delicious premier cru chablis they had on the menu, Andrew enjoyed 3 wonderful cocktails. All were fabulous, but his first one, the West Egg, was hands down his favourite. We also had a ‘jambon’ platter to nibble on as we enjoyed this incredible place on a warm and balmy Parisian evening.

This is definitely a place to be seen at, and attracts the great and the good from around the world – heck, even ‘Jacques Chirac pissed here!’ However, the friendly and welcoming staff seemed to make everybody, whoever they were, feel important.