Imagine a hotel stay where the atmosphere whispers stories of your favorite authors, where every corner is infused with their creative spirit. This is the magic of Hôtels Littéraires – four-star hotels dedicated to celebrating the literary giants of France.
A Collector’s Vision:
The mastermind behind this unique concept is Jacques Letertre, a passionate collector and bibliophile. Letertre dreamt of sharing his love for books with the world, offering a chance encounter with an author or a story during a trip to France. This vision birthed the Société des Hôtels Littéraires, a collection of hotels dedicated to renowned French authors.
Immerse Yourself in Literature:
Each Hôtel Littéraire is a gateway to the captivating universe of a beloved writer. It’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of reading, woven into the fabric of your stay. Whether it’s Paris, Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand, or Biarritz, these hotels provide a haven for bibliophiles and literary enthusiasts alike.
The First Chapter Begins:
The adventure began in 2013 with the opening of Hôtel Littéraire Le Swann, a tribute to the legendary Marcel Proust, in the heart of Paris. This venture was an instant success, paving the way for further literary destinations. The Gustave Flaubert Literary Hotel in Rouen, Alexandre Vialatte Literary Hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, Marcel Aymé Literary Hotel in Montmartre, and Arthur Rimbaud Literary Hotel in Paris followed, each paying homage to their namesake author. And in September 2021, the sixth jewel in the collection, the Jules Verne Literary Hotel, opened its doors in the enchanting coastal town of Biarritz.
A Celebration of Literary Heritage
Literary Decor:
Each hotel is meticulously designed to celebrate the chosen writer through diverse artistic mediums. The decoration reflects the author’s life and works, creating a captivating cultural journey for guests. It’s as if the pages of their books have come to life, inviting you to step into their world.
Personalized Stays:
Rooms are crafted with personalized touches and illustrations, immersing visitors in the author’s unique style. It’s a tailor-made experience designed to transport guests to the heart of the literary world.
A Literary Haven:
Multilingual libraries, brimming with over five hundred books, are available to readers, alongside first editions and exquisite art bindings displayed for all to admire. Each Hôtel Littéraire boasts dedicated exhibition spaces showcasing collections of manuscripts, artworks, and period objects related to the featured author. These exhibitions blend seamlessly with contemporary creations by local artists who reinterpret literary classics, offering a fresh perspective on literary heritage.
Beyond the Pages:
The hotels are more than just places to stay; they are vibrant cultural hubs. Literary evenings, award ceremonies, art exhibitions, and performances regularly grace their spaces, transforming them into vibrant cultural centers within their communities.
A Passion for Literature, a Commitment to Sustainability:
A Shared Passion:
The Société des Hôtels Littéraires was born from the shared desire to ignite a love for books and literature in people from all walks of life. It believes that culture is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, echoing UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda, which advocates for making culture accessible to everyone.
Embracing Societal Challenges:
Recognizing the importance of accessible culture, the Société des Hôtels Littéraires has dedicated its resources to a noble purpose: promoting French literature and making hotel stays literary adventures. They aim to expose a wider audience to the works of renowned French writers, opening doors to new artistic worlds and fostering sustainable tourism.
Concrete Actions:
Each hotel offers a tangible representation of the featured author’s life and work through its decor, furnishings, and exhibitions. They house multilingual libraries, original documents, and period and contemporary art objects, creating a captivating immersion. The hotels also actively promote the book trade, partnering with booksellers, associations of writers’ friends, publishing houses, libraries, and museums to preserve and celebrate literary heritage.
Cultural Champions:
Hôtels Littéraires stand as patrons of the arts, actively contributing to their communities. They offer free access to their research and reading spaces, collections, and public events, fostering cultural engagement and enriching the lives of those around them.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Innovation:
A Shared Mission:
The entire team at Hôtels Littéraires is united in their passion for literature and their commitment to sustainability. They actively participate in the social and cultural mission of the hotels, welcoming guests with open arms and sharing their love for literature. The decentralized structure of the hotels encourages local initiative and creative investment, fostering a culture of individual contribution and shared responsibility.
Pioneers of Ecological Transition:
Under the leadership of Alban Letertre, Managing Director, the Hôtels Littéraires have become pioneers in the ecological transition within the tourism industry. They have embraced sustainable practices, joining the Coq vert community, part of the BPI, a leading French public investment bank, and becoming Scout members to support other companies on their sustainability journey.
Green Key Certified:
All the hotels have proudly received the international Green Key label, a prestigious symbol of sustainable tourism practices. This certification reflects their commitment to:
- Offering sustainable products
- Implementing energy-saving measures
- Sourcing from local producers
- Reducing food waste
- Using eco-labeled products
A Montmartre Masterpiece:
In the heart of Montmartre, the Marcel Aymé Literary Hotel pays tribute to the iconic writer who called the district home for over forty years. Aymé’s works, such as “Les Contes du chat perché” and “La Traversée de Paris,” are filled with references to the streets and people of Montmartre. The iconic statue of Le Passe-muraille (The Walker through Walls), just a short distance from the hotel, seems to invite guests to embark on a magical journey through the enchanting world of Montmartre.
Discover the World of Hôtels Littéraires:
Hôtels Littéraires offer a unique opportunity to experience literature in a captivating new way. Each hotel is a literary sanctuary, a place to escape into the pages of your favorite authors and rediscover the joy of reading. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or simply curious about the world of words, the Hôtels Littéraires promise a truly unforgettable literary journey.
