Relax into a Novel Happy Hour.
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. The Reading Hour and curation of an in-house Biblio of location-relevant books have been designed 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 a perfect refuge right in the heart of Paris that lives and breathes Rive Gauche spirit. It’s a design hotel with a playful twist, has a rooftop terrace, incredibly comfortable lobby armchairs, cosy rooms and even a sauna, all of which lend themselves to relaxing with a book. It’s the courtyard garden and restaurant Pimpan, however, that are the venue for The Reading Hour, a new take on happy hour that takes place daily between 4pm and 6pm and welcomes readers to come with a book, or borrow or exchange one from the hotel’s Biblio. Producing a book unlocks a special drinks menu of signature beverages curated especially for the The Reading Hour including The Fitzgerald Spritz, Thé Green Ginsberg and 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 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 the 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 says: ‘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 over 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.
Image credit: Ludovic Balay