“Hotel du Levant” a name whispered with a certain Parisian charm. It stands at 18 rue de la Harpe. This is where our story begins. Today we explore the Hotel du Levant and the fascinating history woven into the very fabric of Rue de la Harpe.
Let’s step back in time. The 16th century saw Rue de la Harpe split into two distinct roads. There was the Rue Saint Cosme and the Rue de la Vieille-Bouclerie. It wasn’t until the mid-17th century that they unified. They became what we now know as Rue de la Harpe.
In the 19th century, Rue de la Harpe stretched from Rue Saint-Séverin to Place Saint-Michel. It was a vital artery in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. This street witnessed the June 1848 insurrection. Before Haussmann’s grand redesign, it was a major thoroughfare on the Left Bank. It connected key locations. These included the Baths of Cluny, the Collège de Dainville, and the Église Saint-Côme.
Now, let’s focus on number 18. This building became the home of the Hotel du Levant in 1920. The Calsat Abonnat family purchased it. Four generations of the Calsat family have passionately run the hotel since. They cherish history and family values.
During the Liberation of Paris on August 19, 1944, the Hotel du Levant played a crucial role. It served as the Command Post for the 12th American Infantry Regiment. This regiment was known as “Cargo Red”.
Through renovations, the Hotel du Levant has maintained its authentic Parisian charm. In 2019, the hotel added an awning reminiscent of the 1920s. Pouenat, one of Paris’s oldest ironworkers, handcrafted this wrought iron and glass masterpiece.
The Hotel du Levant sits in the heart of the Latin Quarter. It’s near the Sorbonne. The Sorbonne is a famous student district founded in the 13th century. Nearby, you’ll find cultural institutions. These include the Sainte-Geneviève library, the Collège de France, and the Musée de Cluny. The Arènes de Lutèce and the Jardins du Luxembourg are also close.
The Sorbonne itself is a historic landmark. Robert de Sorbon founded it in the 13th century. Its chapel, amphitheater, and façade are classified as historic monuments. The Sorbonne was a center of student protest in May 1968. Today, it hosts cultural and scientific events.
The Musée de Cluny is in a mansion near the Roman thermal baths. It houses medieval art, coins, and tapestries. Its gardens run along Saint Germain Boulevard. The Gallo-Roman thermal baths date back to the 1st century.
The Jardin du Luxembourg was created in the 17th century by Marie de Medicis. It is a haven of freshness. It features fountains, flowerbeds, and sculptures. It is also home to the French Senate.
Staying at the Hotel du Levant means experiencing the historic heart of Paris. It bridges antiquity and the present day. The hotel sits on Rue de la Harpe. This busy street has many restaurants. It is lively well into the night. Some find the area charming with students and professors around. Others appreciate its central location and the friendly staff of Hotel du Levant.