Some of the capital’s most discreet treasures seem frozen in time. Such is the case of Hôtel Chopin, a special address nestled at the end of the Passage Jouffroy, in the 9th arrondissement. Behind its flowery façade and elegant sign, this hotel steeped in history hides a well-kept secret: inaugurated in 1846, it is quite simply the oldest hotel still in operation in Paris.
The oldest hotel in Paris hides in the heart of a covered passageway
At the time, covered passageways were Parisians’ favorite places to stroll. There were almost 150 of them, veritable shopping galleries bathed in light. It was in the midst of this bustle that the Hôtel des Familles was born, designed to welcome travelers who came to enjoy the Paris of the Grands Boulevards. What makes it special? Since its opening, it has never closed for a single day. In fact, the hotel has no lock on its front door, a symbol of continuous hospitality for over 62,000 days.
Under its period glass roof, the Passage Jouffroy retains all its splendor: antique boutiques, bookshops, tearooms and retro shop windows provide an almost cinematic backdrop. It’s in this hushed atmosphere that the Hôtel Chopin continues its history, with its 37 rooms that have seen travelers, artists and the curious from all horizons pass through its doors. The calm that reigns here contrasts with the bustle of the neighboring boulevards, making the place an almost secret refuge in the heart of the capital.
Like all legendary establishments, the hotel has its own legends. Frédéric Chopin is said to have stayed here on several occasions. A regular visitor to Pleyel pianos, whose showroom was located not far from the hotel, the composer is said to have liked to meet up with George Sand, his famous companion, out of sight. Although there’s no official confirmation of this, the anecdote has stood the test of time, adding to the mysterious charm of the place.
Renamed Hôtel Chopin in the 1970s, the establishment continues to seduce Paris lovers and travellers in search of unique accommodation. Behind its windows, the view over the Parisian rooftops is a reminder of the extent to which this place has remained true to its original soul: intimate, romantic and profoundly Parisian.
Even today, it’s a living piece of history to be discovered on a stroll through one of the capital’s most emblematic passages. What’s more, there are many other institutions to discover in this unusual Parisian location. Perfect for a stroll!
📍Location: Hôtel Chopin – Passage Jouffroy