“A hidden oasis,” you might whisper to yourself as you stand before the unassuming facade of Villa Christine. You’d be right. Tucked away in the bustling heart of Paris, Villa Christine feels like a whisper of the French countryside. Imagine stepping from the lively streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, through these gates, and into a tranquil haven. This 17th-century townhouse, now a luxurious hotel, has quite the story to tell. Originally part of the Saint-Denis College of the Grands-Augustins Abbey, founded back in 1231, Villa Christine carries echoes of centuries past. In the 1600s, the street itself, Rue Christine, was named for Christine de France, daughter of King Henri IV. Descend to the lower floor, and you’ll find yourself among the vestiges of the old abbey. Today, this space houses the hotel’s spa – a sanctuary of wellbeing run in partnership with the renowned Guerlain. As you relax under the vaulted stone ceilings, imagine the monks who once walked these very halls. Their legacy lives on in the quiet charm of Villa Christine, a place where history and luxury intertwine to offer a truly unique Parisian escape.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.