How a Family’s Paris Mansion Became a Hotel

08 August 2024

For 56Paris blog readers who love history, the story of how Alfred Sommier’s Paris mansion became a hotel is a fascinating one.

Tucked away in a courtyard off the Place de la Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement (district) it’s a hidden gem.

Discover why this former family home – a historic hotel particulier – is not your typical Parisian hotel.

The sweet history of the Sommier family

The story of the Alfred Sommier Hotel begins in the early 19th century, when three Sommier brothers settled in Paris to establish a sugar refinery.

Alfred Sommier, son of the youngest brother, was born in 1835. Before long, he took over the family business at the tender age of just 18.

Under his leadership, the sugar refinery prospered, eventually merging with Sucres Lebaudy. Today, the group continues its success, now known as the Saint-Louis Sucre Group.

But it was back in the family heyday that the Sommiers invested in Paris property. Alfred’s father purchased two plots on Rue de l'Arcade, in the Madeleine district.

Here, renowned architect Joseph Lesoufaché designed two Hausmannian-style twin mansions in cut stone, complete with a central courtyard and a garden. They took three years to construct.

These hotel particuliers became a cherished part of the Sommier family legacy, with Alfred himself living in the mansion at number 20.

A man of culture and vision

Alfred Sommier was not just a businessman. He was also a man of culture and vision, with a passion for fine art and an interest in philanthropy.

And like his father, he took a huge interest in Parisian property.

In 1875, he purchased the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 30 miles from central Paris. This magnificent 17th-century castle was in danger of falling into ruin.

Sommier undertook a meticulous restoration of the chateau and its gardens, completely transforming it.

Just like the hotel mansion, this chateau remains in a branch of the family to this day.

And more than once, it has been called ‘the most beautiful private castle in all of France’.

The mansion in the 20th century

But back to the mansion on Rue de l’Arcade.

As Alfred Sommier’s private home, he spent a lot of time creating the interiors and private garden.

Inside the mansion are two monumental marble staircases, gilded lounges, frescoes, some 45 red marble fireplaces, 70 large antique mirrors and more. It’s really quite spectacular!

No wonder the building is classified a National Monument in France.

Alfred moved out in 1873, having lived here for 13 years. He moved to a nearby mansion at 57 Rue de Ponthieu, also in the 8th.

After that and his death in 1908, both the mansion and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte stayed in the family as private, luxury residences.

How the beautiful Paris mansion became a hotel

Fast forward to 2014 and the arrival of Richard de Warren, a descendant of the Sommier family.

With a spirit of entrepreneurship that’s in his blood, Richard embarked on an ambitious project – to transform his grand family home into a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel.

His goal was to preserve the soul of the mansion while creating a haven for discerning travelers. Those looking for something that’s not available at luxury chain hotels.

The result of this vision is the Alfred Sommier Hotel, now open for six years.

It’s the only luxury hotel particulier in Paris to stay in the same family since its construction.

The mansion’s grand interiors have been meticulously restored. Some of the modern renovations include new herringbone parquet flooring, and new windows and ceilings that tell the tale of nearly two centuries of history.

A Parisian oasis

So what’s it like to stay in this mansion now?

The hotel has 80 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each reflecting classic Parisian architecture and décor. Each one is a quiet haven in the buzz of Paris.

A hidden gem is the private garden – a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the city. Here, guests can relax and admire the unique floral tapestries which feature the face of a young Alfred Sommier.

The hotel’s centerpiece is Les Caryatides restaurant, named after the two impressive statues that grace its entrance. This elegant dining room overlooks the private garden through a 1930s glass roof, providing a beautiful backdrop while dining.

There is also the wood-paneled bar, Les Plans, where the original house plans hang as a reminder of the building’s rich history.

Throughout the mansion, guests stay surrounded by authentic antiques, some original and some purchased for the restoration, including period mirrors and velvet armchairs.

At the very top, the terrace has also been restored. This panoramic rooftop offers a spectacular 360° aerial view of Paris, including of the Eiffel Tower.

The hotel promises a true family feel – so guests feel more like a welcome houseguest than a tourist. We covered staying in this style of hotel in an earlier blog.

Looking to buy a second home in Paris?

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this story of how this luxury Paris mansion became a hotel.

If you love the Parisian lifestyle, and are thinking about buying an apartment here, why not get in touch with our English-speaking property experts? We’d love to help you make your own dreams come true.

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