Pay a visit to the Museum of Romantic Life

The Museum of Romantic Life offers the perfect complement to a romantic getaway in Paris. Located in Pigalle, in the neighbourhood known as New Athens, the museum occupies a beautifully restored setting that is profoundly evocative of the romantic period. As we approach Valentine’s Day it seems very fitting that you should discover this often overlooked aspect of Parisian culture.

The story of the Musée de la Vie Romantique

The Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life) is housed in a hôtel particulier that was built in 1830. It was once the Paris home of the portraitist Ary Scheffer (1795 to 1858), a Dutch born artist and friend of French royalty. Scheffer often hosted salons at which the cream of Parisian literary, artistic and intellectual society attended, including Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt and the novelist George Sand, a nom de plume for a woman called Amantine Lucie Aurore Dupin.

The house remained in private hands until it became a museum in 1982. This was renovated in 1987, becoming the Musée de la Vie Romantique. The ground floor is devoted to George Sand, and here a number of mementoes of this influential literary figure are displayed, including furniture, jewellery and family portraits. The first floor is occupied by paintings, sculptures and various other art objects of the period, including those of Ary Sheffer. The whole museum paints a compelling portrait of a fascinating era of cultural development and, indeed, romance.

In addition to the permanent displays, two temporary exhibitions are organised each year at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, along with readings, concerts and activities for children.

It’s the New Year and time for a visit to Paris

Happy New Year from the Hotel Marais Bastille, where we hope to welcome you as a guest in 2015. Our central location in the City of Light means that we are ideally situated for exploring everything that Paris has to offer. And that is a considerable amount! For a long time this city has been one of the world’s major tourist destinations. If you stay with us we will be delighted to help you understand why this is so by giving you our tips and recommendations for enjoying the city. Until then, our blog will keep you up to speed.

Incredible bargains to be had in the Paris Winter Sales

No sooner do we launch ourselves into the New Year than it’s time for the Paris Winter Sales. You might think that with all the frantic activity prior to Christmas you’d had enough of shopping for a while. But think again as the twice yearly sales in Paris are a dedicated shopper’s paradise, with bargains galore and reductions of up to 50% or even more on a wide range of goods and fashion items. The sales run until February 17th, and as they go on the prices are reduced more and more, but if there’s something in particular that you want, don’t delay!

Valentine's Day in Paris, world capital of romance

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might want to give some thought to a special treat for that significant person in your life. What could say more about the way you feel than by taking them on a surprise trip to Paris? Here at the Hotel Marais Bastille we offer all the comforts and convenience you could wish for. So with accommodation taken care of, how about the two of you enjoying a romantic stroll through some of the most iconic neighbourhoods of the city? Paris is made for romance, and we have suggestions for walks that you will simply adore.

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Musée de la Vie romantique, Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, 16, rue Chaptal - Paris 9e Tél. : 0033 (0)1 55 31 95 67 Metro : Pigalle, lines 2,12

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Picture copyright holder: Tourist Office Paris - Photographer Amélie Dupont

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Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3 star Design hotel in the heart of Paris.