Inspired by the literary heritage of Paris' Latin Quarter, the Hôtel Dame Des Arts has launched the first chapter of a new wellness initiative that reflects the growing momentum behind reading as a wellness activity. This month the hotel debuts The Reading Hour, as well as embarking on the curation of an in-house Biblio of location-relevant books that speaks to the Paperback Packers trend coined by Globetrender/British Airways. These initiatives will be added to over the coming months in a bid to attract book worms and book clubs alike to this storied neighbourhood.

The many benefits of reading range from making people feel happy, relaxed and connected to others, assisting with the development of empathy and strengthening brain function. A study by Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found that reading for only six minutes reduces stress levels by 68%, making it more effective than listening to music or taking a walk. Reading has even been connected to longevity in a study by Yale University. As people proactively look to find pockets of quietude and prioritise 'me time', reading provides a form of concentrated escapism, however, 30%* of us find it hard to actually finish a book. More and more people are seeking space to read on mini-breaks and solo trips, as shown by the burgeoning popularity of dedicated reading retreats. 

The Reading Hour & Biblio

Housed in a former school on the Left Bank's Rue Danton, the Hôtel Dame Des Arts provides an ideal refuge right in the heart of Paris that lives and breathes Rive Gauche spirit. A design hotel with a playful twist, the rooftop terrace, lobby armchairs, cosy rooms and even the sauna lend themselves to relaxing with a book (the latter being one for a paperback rather than an e-reader!). It's the courtyard garden and restaurant Pimpan, however, that are the venue for The Reading Hour. A new take on happy hour, The Reading Hour is a daily literary gathering between 4pm and 6pm that welcomes readers to come with a book, or borrow or exchange one from the hotel's own Biblio. 

Producing a book unlocks a special drinks menu of signature beverages curated especially for the The Reading Hour including:

• The Fitzgerald Spritz - elderflower liqueur, prosecco, sparkling water
• Thé Le Jardin de Proust - rooibos, apple, spices
• Thé Green Ginsberg - green tea, lemongrass, ginger
• Café Le Camus - Espresso macchiato / Noisette
• Hot Chocolate by Hugo 

The hotel's Biblio is an evolving library featuring cult works born in Saint-Germain-des-Prés alongside novels, contemporary fiction, art magazines and forgotten plays, with books in both English and French. To curate the selection the hotel is partnering with local community businesses.

This in-house activity will be soon be complemented by a Literary Map of the neighbourhood that highlights locations depicted in literature, from classics like Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame and stories about local legends such as Serge Gainsbourg, all the way to Emily in Paris books inspired by the Netflix series which was filmed just a few minutes walk away. The map also flags cafes where the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway would have spent time soaking up the atmosphere, as well as independent bookshops like Shakespeare & Company.

Matthieu Bernard, General Manager of Hôtel Dame Des Arts comments: 'Our neighbourhood is alive with creativity and the free-spirited space that we've created at Hôtel Dame Des Arts celebrates this in all its forms - from our art collection and bespoke furnishings to the menu at Pimpan. Our reading-based programme combines many elements that we're seeing guests really value - whether it's solo travellers coming to a safe, walkable neighbourhood, those celebrating Il Dolce Farniente and finding time to actually switch off and let their minds wander, or people just seeking some downtime after a busy day exploring Paris. The Reading Hour provides a space to do this without feeling you have to move on; our library sets the context for those who are curious and invites them to participate in a poetic exchange by passing on a book that has moved them; and our map will help them discover their own story in the Latin Quarter's warren of passageways and courtyards.'

Additional programming in the coming months will include writing workshops, live readings, author meetups, reading retreats and more.

Rooms at Hôtel Dame Des Arts start from £246 per night for a Classic room including breakfast.

For more information visit www.damedesarts.com.

-ENDS-

*https://readingagency.org.uk/adult-reading-research-report-2024/

About Hôtel Dame des Arts:

Hôtel Dame Des Arts is a Parisian gem, inaugurated in 2023 and a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Designed by interior architect Raphael Navot, this charming retreat embodies the essence of the Left Bank. Located in the heart of the arts and literary district, the hotel showcases a graphic signature that pays tribute to iconic Paris. Blending nonconformity with elegance, its design draws inspiration from the legendary artists of the Left Bank - philosophers, musicians, writers, and night owls - to create a unique atmosphere reminiscent of a Nouvelle Vague film set. Housed in a 1950s building, shielded from the city's bustle, the hotel seamlessly combines a warm, intimate garden on the ground floor with its stunning rooftop bar overlooking the Parisian skyline. www.damedesarts.com