“Managed by Sophie Aulnette since its opening in 1991.” Let’s explore Place du Relais. It might seem like any other square at first glance. But this location holds stories within its buildings. Our focus is drawn to a building now known as the Relais du Louvre.
The Relais du Louvre has a history that stretches back centuries. Construction of the building dates back to the 16th century. It has witnessed numerous historical periods. Think of Henri IV, Louis XIV, the Revolution, and the Belle Epoque. The Relais du Louvre has stood through them all.
Once, the Journal des Débats had its offices here. This newspaper was created during the Revolution in 1789. It became a widely circulated newspaper in 1830. It was discontinued in 1944. Famous figures wrote for it. Hector Berlioz, Victor Hugo, and Jules Verne published their articles in the Journal des Débats.
Until 1856, the ground floor housed the famous Café Momus. A watercolor by Shotter Boys shows the building with its gable. This gable was typical of pre-Renaissance buildings. The Café Momus was the setting for scenes in Henri Murger’s Scènes de la Vie de Bohème. This novel inspired Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Celebrities frequented the café. Chateaubriand, Nadar, Gustave Courbet, and Charles Baudelaire were among its patrons. According to writer Alfred Delveau, half a cup cost only five pennies. The café went bankrupt and closed in 1856. The Colin hardware store then occupied the space.
In 1856, the building narrowly avoided demolition. This demolition was linked to the enlargement of the Place du Louvre. A photograph by Édouard Baldus captures this moment. The 20th century brought major modernizations by Baron Haussmann.
The Relais du Louvre is relatively young compared to its building. Sophie Aulnette has managed it since its opening in 1991. Now, the hotel is celebrating its 34th anniversary. Place du Relais offers a glimpse into Parisian history. From famous cafes to influential newspapers, it has been a site of cultural significance. The Relais du Louvre continues to welcome visitors. It stands as a reminder of Paris’s rich past.