Paris. Monsieur Aristide. The gem of Montmartre

There are endless possibilities for choosing a place to stay when arriving in Paris for a day, or two, or a week. I was in that position when I had to run in to Paris for just two days for meetings and lunches, and I so wished to be alone for the rest of the time. It was strange as this was actually the first time I had stayed in a hotel - during nine years of traveling there I stayed with friends. So, the decision had to be precise and very satisfying, and it was.

On a Thursday afternoon, I arrived by train from Lyon, changed to the metro, and went to Montmartre to settle in a hotel like no other. Located on 3 rue Aristide Bruant, the hotel welcomed me with its pale white facade, brown windows, and warming light. The doors opened, and I stepped into another world. A world that felt like an old friend waiting for me or at least had left me their house to enjoy for a few days. The music machine greeted me first, followed by sensual bohemian touch and a warm Bonjour by the hostess. My room (executive) was down the stairs through the yard. Although the air was damp and cold, the beauty of that yard filled with trees, bushes, tables, and chairs made it lighter and brighter. My room awaited me with its flea market and antique details, from chairs to books to phones. It was like I'd gone back to those bohemian days I had never experienced yet read about and dreamt how it would be.

I slept like a baby that night in the peace and quiet of always-awake Paris. It was as if I were in a city that was smaller scale and size, not in Paris, in the heart of Montmartre, where people take their life more seriously and joyfully, loudly and real. I could not hear any of that buzz outside the door just a few meters away, yet I knew that the moment I leave the hotel, it all would be there. And that's the beauty of it - to be there and yet feel like you’re not.

But the truth is that breakfasts tell you the most about the hotel. The moment I stepped into the dining room, I knew this hotel was meant for me to return to. After ordering my double espresso, I made my bowl of plain yogurt and homemade granola, cut a slice of bread, topped it with amazing butter and some local ham, and enjoyed every bite of it, finishing with a slice of Galette des Rois (because it was early January, it was there). After a heartwarming talk with the waiter, I left – already anticipating the next day's breakfast that would be as good as this day’s.

I left the next day, planning the next time we would be there again. I wanted to stay, to be inspired, to enjoy, and to feel the warm welcome of friends that invited me because even though it was only two days, it felt like I was at a friend's house where good music, food, art, and joie de vivre were the main things in life.

Address:
Monsieur Aristide
3 rue Aristide Bruant
75018
Paris
Instagram: @monsieuraristideparis