Millesime Hotel
Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Paris
September 2025
The Inspiration
“Paris is always a good idea.” - Audrey Hepburn
I have always loved Paris and have visited more times than I can count. I studied French in middle school, in high school, at university and for years afterward at my local Alliance Française. Overkill. I know. But I knew one day I would make that transatlantic move. I knew it. Deep down in my soul. One day I would.
In my mid 30s, I was ready. I added my photo to the corner of my resume and saved it as a “CV”. I applied to every open position I found in my industry. I had one interview - in French. It did not go well. My dreams dashed by a very sweet HR representative telling me quite clearly in perfect English that the position required command of the French language and that I did not have it. My plans to relocate from NYC to the 16th arrondissement put immediately to bed.
The itch for that joie de vivre - it surfaces from time to time. I’m thankful it doesn’t take much to satisfy that itch.
First Impression
The entrance of the Millesime is said to be a gate from the original Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres back when the Abbey walls ran alongside Rue Jacob. In the 17th century, as the Abbey sold some of it’s land holdings off, the Montmorency-Luxembourg family built a five story townhouse for themselves. They kept the gate, the stone arch, and the cellar vault. With all Haussmannian and older Parisian buildings, you sense the enormity of that history the moment you walk through the entrance.
Reception is a desk in the back corner. Check in was a delight. Staff friendly - they assisted with recommendations for a late lunch and even found us dinner reservations for that same evening.
The Space
Rooms in Paris can be tight. Too tight. I was pleasantly surprised after stepping out of the elevator - the old kind that has the gate - the kind that fits max three adults - that the room was actually… spacious. The two pieces of checked luggage may not have fit in the elevator but they both fit easily in the room. The room was tastefully decorated in that effortless way the French do most things. Soft muted colors against charcoal accents. Crisp linens with soft wood tones. The best part of the room, though, was the window. The classic Parisian window with the wrought iron guard rail. There is nothing quite like opening a Parisian floor to ceiling window, basking in the soft morning light, hearing the city wake up, to start the day.
Food & Drink
With all the wonderful boulangeries and cafes around, we did not opt into the breakfast served at the hotel.
The Experience
The staff was amazing. But as we only had the one full day - we spent most of that day exploring the city.
We walked to Le Jardin du Luxembourg, to Notre-Dame, to the Louvre, to Rue Saint-Honore, and ended the night with dinner at Bistro des Livres.
FT’s Take
I loved my stay at the Millesime. The room cosy but able to handle two large pieces of luggage. The staff helpful and friendly but professional. The location, in the middle of the 6th, perfect for exploring the city. If you’re looking for a centralized location and don’t need much support from staff or housekeeping, I would recommend this hotel wholeheartedly. I’ve looked to book on subsequent trips but with only 20 suites, I’ve noticed the hotel does fill quickly. If you’re needing more amenities, however, this hotel may not be the best choice for you.
