Proust’s Paris – How to Spend 48 Hours Following the Footsteps of the Acclaimed Author

The newly opened Maison Proust offers a refreshing twist on spending 48 hours in Paris.

The boutique hotel, named and inspired by Marcel Proust, considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century and a literary legend, has designed each of its 23 rooms and suites, plush bar, library and winter garden, as well as its hidden jewel – a spa, Hammam and swimming pool, according to Proust’s life and community, with each room dedicated to a meaningful individual from his lifetime.

Read on for our city guide following in Proust’s footsteps as an immersive experience. This guide will help readers plan a small journey that will delve into the rich history and burlesque of the most famous city in the world, connecting it with the vision of the famous author.

Friday

Check-In

Embark on your Parisian adventure with a warm welcome at Maison Proust, an exquisite boutique hotel nestled amidst the romantic streets of Paris. This property was inspired by Marcel Proust himself. Offering a blend of classic elegance and contemporary charm, Maison Proust promises an enchanting stay steeped in luxury and sophistication. Moreover, the hotel offers its very own library and a collection of art!

Room and library at Maison Proust

The Bois de Boulogne

Start with a stroll in the park!

Growing up in a city undergoing significant transformation, Marcel Proust observed closely the changes wrought upon the urban landscape under Napoleon III’s reign. The Bois de Boulogne and its adjacent thoroughfare assumed pivotal roles, becoming favoured destinations for the city’s elite, who delighted in promenading and socialising there, fashioning it into an open-air salon. In Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time,” the central characters find joy in wandering through this picturesque setting, immersing themselves in its sensual allure, often likened to an idyllic “Elysian Garden of Women”.

Dinner at Maxim’s

Maxim’s

Maxim’s needs little introduction — a regular dining spot of Proust, it’s arguably Paris’s most legendary restaurant. The interior of the 130-year-old restaurant is a myriad of stained glass, Art Nouveau floral lamps, and a plush, lush colour palette of ruby reds and rouge. Renowned for its impeccable service and exquisite modernised French cuisine, this restaurant promises an evening of unparalleled culinary delights amidst opulent surroundings.

3 Rue Royale, 75008; visit the website for more information.

After dinner drinks

To end the day properly, Maison Proust invites its guests and visitors to explore the hotel’s bar, where every Friday Colin Field is a resident. Acknowledged as the World’s Best Bartender by prestigious magazines Forbes and Travel + Leisure, Colin Field has shone for almost three decades as the iconic Head Bartender of the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Hotel in Paris – an old stomping group for Proust himself.

Bar at Maison Proust

Saturday

Morning at Parc Monceau

After a lovely hotel breakfast, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind amidst the serene beauty of the less-known Parc Monceau, situated in the 8th arrondissement. In 1900, Proust moved to 45 Rue de Courcelles, not far from these elegant gardens, and the park remains almost identical today. Stroll along tree-lined pathways, admire  the former Paris City Hall, and bask in the wide variety of birds and a large pond. The garden goes deep into history, dating back to the 17th century, constructed under the orders of the Duke of Chartres. Visitors can enter through the great wrought iron gates embellished with gold.

Lunch 

For a delightful lunch experience on Saturday, head to Laperouse, established in 1766, the restaurant is a hidden gem on the Left Bank of the Seine, which Proust frequented. With a 2019 interiors refresh, the restaurant cafe still offers a quintessential Parisian dining experience, with all-day-dining options. The French menu includes Noirmoutier Charlotte potato with Lapérouse caviar and sea bass with raw langoustines, olive oil and herbs.

Afternoon at Musée d’Orsay 

A short after-lunch stroll up the Seine will lead you to a world of Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay, which first opened its doors in Proust’s lifetime. The Museum is home to an unparalleled collection of masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Lose yourself in a symphony of colour and light as you admire iconic works like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Monet’s “Water Lilies,” each a testament to the transformative power of art.

The Opéra Garnier

Those who adore Marcel Proust, would expect to see this destination in the list. The Opéra Garnier is one of the most important places in Marcel Proust’s Paris. His novel’s characters are habitues to one of the most famous theatres in the world, it’s a must visit!

Opéra Garnier

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte 

Conclude your day with a delectable dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, a beloved Parisian institution renowned for its signature dish: steak frites. Feast on tender slices of prime beef smothered in a secret herb-infused sauce, accompanied by golden fries and a crisp green salad, as you revel in the timeless charm of Paris by night.

Sunday

After immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Parisian life throughout the weekend, there’s no better way to conclude your journey than with a rejuvenating morning at Maison Proust’s spa before check out. Maison Proust extends a gracious invitation to La Mer, welcoming its renowned skincare expertise into the intimate sanctuary of its spa.

The partnership between La Mer and Maison Proust is a natural fit: favouring refinement over ostentation, discreet luxury over opulence, these two exceptional signatures come together in a shared pursuit of excellence and authenticity, to offer the best of their savoir-faire in homage to beauty.