Imagine a hotel that’s not just a place to sleep, but a portal into the world of your favorite authors. This is the unique concept behind the Hôtels Littéraires, a collection of four-star hotels dedicated to celebrating the lives and works of some of France’s most beloved writers.
Sharing the Passion for Books
The brainchild of collector and bibliophile Jacques Letertre, the Hôtels Littéraires are more than just hotels; they’re cultural hubs. Letertre, driven by a deep love for books, envisioned a way to share his passion with the world. “I created the Société des Hôtels Littéraires to share my love of books with thousands of visitors whom I do not know, but who I know are happy to find an author or a book by chance on a trip to Paris, Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand or Biarritz,” he explains.
Each hotel is a tribute to a specific author, inviting guests to immerse themselves in their literary universe. From the Marcel Proust-themed Le Swann in Paris to the Jules Verne-inspired hotel in Biarritz, each location offers a unique and personalized experience.
A World of Literary Delights
The hotels themselves are works of art, carefully curated to reflect the author’s style and themes. Rooms are personalized and illustrated to evoke the author’s world, while multilingual libraries offer hundreds of books for guests to explore. Beyond the books, visitors can also discover first editions, art bindings, and exhibits featuring manuscripts, artwork, and period objects related to the featured writer.
The hotels are also vibrant cultural centers, hosting literary evenings, prize-giving ceremonies, art exhibitions, and performances, making them truly integral parts of their respective communities.
Culture as a Driving Force
The Hôtels Littéraires are more than just a business venture; they are driven by a profound belief in the power of culture. Recognizing culture as a vital pillar of sustainable development, the company strives to make literature accessible to everyone, promoting a shared appreciation for the written word.
The hotels offer a unique way to engage with literature while traveling, transforming a hotel stay into an artistic journey through the life and works of a celebrated author.
A Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to their literary focus, the Hôtels Littéraires are deeply committed to environmental sustainability. They have adopted the Green Key label, a leading international certification for sustainable tourism, and actively promote eco-friendly practices in their operations.
A Legacy of Literary Immersion
From the elegant Le Swann to the Jules Verne-inspired hotel in Biarritz, each Hôtel Littéraire provides a unique opportunity to experience literature in a new way. They are more than just hotels – they are destinations for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an enriching cultural experience.
The Hôtels Littéraires are pioneers in making literature accessible and inspiring a new generation of readers. They represent a testament to the enduring power of words and the vital role that culture plays in our lives.
