The socialites of Paris during the Belle Époque had a fine old time. With plenty of cash in the bank and nothing so vulgar as an actual job to eat into their leisure time, much of it was spent at the theatre, the ballet, in restaurants and the indulgent “maison closes”. These pleasure houses in the Pigalle district were more than brothels by another name, boasting lavish interiors and the best of everything money could buy. Aesthetes and sensualists will be thrilled to find those opulent days are back, minus the high-class hourly “companions” we should probably add, at new hotel Maison Souquet.
A pair of red lamps on the façade of an understated property on rue de Bruxelles hints at the good times to be had inside, but it’s not until one steps through the discreet door that the world of sensuous pleasure fully reveals itself. Jacques Garcia has pulled out all the stops on the interior, from the extravagantly decorative lobby to the velveteen splendour of the champagne lounge, and up to the 20 sumptuous rooms and suites, it’s a different world from another time at Maison Souquet. Guests may also relax with a book in the conservatory or enjoy some time in the discreetly hidden spa and 10m pool, accessible only via a specially requested key. Let the good times roll…
Photography, Eric Antoine
