Jules et Jim Hotel: The Most Chic Hotel in Gay Paris

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 4 MIN.

PARIS, France - After five years of research and construction kept under wraps, the new 23-room "straight-friendly" Jules et Jim hotel opened December 19, 2011 in the heart of Paris, a five minute walk from the Georges Pompidou Center.

Situated in the Marais, the hotel was conceived by Antoine Brault and Geoffroy Sciard, who have marketed their establishment as being particularly open to gay guests while welcoming all orientations. The theme pays homage to Francois Truffaut's celebrated film, and aims to be, for guests, a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The rooms are spread out over three buildings, surrounding two cobblestone courtyards to give the feeling of a true break from city life. An eight-story building, combined with two houses, offers 23 custom-built rooms. Some rooms overlook the roofs of Paris, while others afford vantage points onto the interior courtyards of the hotel. Particular attention has been given to sound proofing, light filtering, privacy, and the highest quality of bedding.

The materials are simple and sustainable: glass, wood, stone, concrete and Hi-MACS �. The light treatment is original and as soft as candlelight - there is also air-conditioning, free Wi-fi, and iPod � docking stations.

Jules et Jim is a free-thinking and atypical hotel, where the hotel staff can be identified by their Lacoste polo shirts and Supra shoes. Guests can relax by the outdoor fireplace in the courtyard or the hotel bar.

A hotel library features 150 works of literature, comics and art books, all of which are available in French and English. For the entertainment of visitors and guests, B�atrice Ardisson designed a musical selection that reflects the atmosphere of the hotel. Master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian offers "morning candles," which illuminate and scent the lobby and the bar area. These candles are also for sale at the shop of the hotel and at www.franciskurkdjian.com.

Comprised of a subtle combination of back-lit Hi-MACS �, stainless steel and walnut furniture, and an antique wood floor (reclaimed from demolition), the breakfast room/bar of the Jules & Jim Hotel opens up to a beautiful cobblestone courtyard where, in winter, a fire crackles in the outdoor fireplace.

The bar is open to all for breakfast, serving freshly-squeezed fruit juice, Kusmi Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Guests can proceed to the buffet where a selection of fresh products is offered, including traditional pastries freshly baked every day by a partner baker, fresh "Jean-Yves Bordier" butters and yogurts , honey, "Alain Millat" jams, an assortment of cereals, fresh fruit salad, seasonal fruit, cottage cheese, and soft boiled eggs.

The reception area welcomes guests with a photo gallery, where exhibits will be on display for the public. Special events such as dj sets, live acoustic performances, and other musical events will take place during business hours throughout the year.

The bar will stay open during the day. An intimate and discreet place, ideal for a professional meeting, or a rendez-vous with a friend or lover, the bar at Jules et Jim is off the beaten path and the street terraces - and includes free Wi-fi. Soon, Kusmi Tea will be offering their own tea at the hotel, created especially for the Jules et Jim.
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?The barman at Jules et Jim is a global traveler who has practiced his "art" in many iconic bars in Paris and abroad. He will be serving the guests and visitors a combination of elixirs, including Champagne Mo�t & Chandon "imp�rial" and "Ros� imp�rial", vodka Belvedere, and original cocktails.

After the "Concrete Party", the "Red Carpet" party, and the "Ap�ros Cach�s" which since September 2010 have allowed more than 2,000 people to follow the "work in progress", Antoine and Geoffroy have launched their new website:
www.hoteljulesetjim.com

For more information: www.hoteljulesetjim.com

Jules et Jim Hotel
11 rue des gravilliers
75003 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 54 13 13


by Robert Doyle

Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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