Among the capital’s most discreet treasures, some seem frozen in time. This is the case with the Hôtel Chopin, a unique address nestled at the end of the Passage Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement. Behind its flower-covered façade and elegant sign, this historic hotel hides a well-kept secret: inaugurated in 1846, it is quite simply the oldest hotel still in operation in Paris.
Are you a fan of secret passages? We recommend taking this guided tour to discover them for yourself! On the agenda:a guided walk through a dozen hidden galleries, featuring restored wonders, forgotten places, and well-kept secrets.
The oldest hotel in Paris is hidden in the heart of a covered passageway
At that time, covered passages were the favorite places for Parisians to stroll. There were nearly 150 of them, veritable shopping arcades bathed in light. It was in the heart of this bustling area that this establishment was born, then called the Hôtel des Familles, designed to welcome travelers who came to enjoy the Grands Boulevards of Paris. What makes it unique? Since it opened, it has never closed for a single day. The hotel does not even have a lock on its front door, a symbol of its continuous welcome for more than 62,000 days.
Gilles Targat / AFP
Under its period glass roof, the Passage Jouffroy retains all its splendor: old shops, bookstores, tea rooms, and retro window displays offer an almost cinematic backdrop. It is in this hushed atmosphere that the Hôtel Chopin continues its history, with its 37 rooms that have welcomed travelers, artists, and curious visitors from all walks of life. The calm that reigns there contrasts with the bustle of the neighboring boulevards, making it an almost secret refuge in the heart of the capital.
Like any legendary establishment, the hotel has its own legends. It is said that Frédéric Chopin stayed there on several occasions. A regular user of Pleyel pianos, whose showroom was located nearby, the composer is said to have liked to meet his famous companion, George Sand, there, away from prying eyes. Although there is no official confirmation of this, the anecdote has stood the test of time, contributing to the mysterious charm of the place.
Renamed the Hôtel Chopin in the 1970s, the establishment continues to attract lovers of Paris and travelers in search of unique accommodation. Behind its windows, the view over the Parisian rooftops reminds us how faithful this place has remained to its original spirit: intimate, romantic, and deeply Parisian.
Even today, it is a living piece of history to be discovered during a stroll through one of the capital’s most iconic passages. What’s more, there are many other institutions to discover in this extraordinary place in Paris. Perfect for a stroll!
📍Location: Hôtel Chopin – Passage Jouffroy
