MAISON DE RHODES


Dazzling 16th century mansion in medieval Troyes


THE GOTHIC SPIRES AND SPLENDOURS of medieval Troyes await outside the doors of Maison de Rhodes, a renovated 16th century mansion, once owned by the Knights Templar and now transformed into an architecturally dazzling place to stay.

The setting is gorgeously storybook: step into the arms of an Alexandre Dumas novel. You half expect D’Artagnan to leap off his horse and disappear arm-in-arm with the Three Musketeers down the cobblestone street.

Beyond its heavily timbered frontage (whose appeal is anything but wooden), interiors at Maison de Rhodes are a ravishing mix of old and contemporary. Rooms are airy and spacious.  Minimalism mixes with splashes of lavish: monastic rough stone walls and bold wooden beams are counterpointed with ornate mirrors, fireplaces, state-of-the-art bathtubs, crisp bedding and sleek wooden furniture. Beyond the cobbled courtyard, the winding streets, cathedral spires and gabled rooftops of historic Troyes  await.



Hit the spot
In the heart of medieval Troyes.

Bedtime
Gigantic beds are dressed in sumptuous white linen, while bathtubs are designed to make soaking a double act.

Be savvy
We loved the mansard-style Eveché room – just watch the low beams.

Be smitten
Minimalist luxe cocooned in a medieval gem.

City walls and vineyards

Individuality is the order of the day (and night) here. Bold design flourishes lend rooms both a rustic and urban loft feel that mixes the modish effortlessly with the medieval surrounds. Don a fluffy robe and fling open your wooden shutters to glimpse the Maison's courtyard gardens or nearby church spires.

Maison de Rhodes is in the heart of town, just yards from the Cathedral St-Pierre-et-St-Paul, the Museum of Modern Art, and streets lined with half-timbered houses. Helpful staff will help you plan assorted daytime adventures, and beyond the old city walls, it’s a case of grape expectations: the vineyards and rolling countryside of Champagne stretch away.

Al fresco breakfasts in the hotel’s lawned medieval gardens – atmospherically lit at night – will set you up for further gastronomic guzzling around town. Champagne is definitely the tipple here (Troyes was the former capital of Champagne, remember), and many eateries offer guests taster glasses. Santé!


Maison de Rhodes was reviewed by Room for Romance

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Dining in
Cream walls, high beams and candlelight make Maison de Rhodes’ La Commanderie dining room a dreamy setting for dinner à deux. Chef René Hernandez’ simple and classic French dishes are home cooking turned gastro winners: try the bouef bourgignon or local chaource cheese (a creamier cousin of Camemebert), inventively served as a starter. Drinks in the courtyard makes a great start on a warm evening.

Dining out
There are scores of great restaurants in town, within a short walk. Try Le Valentino, Le Jardin Gourmand and Au Criers de Vin. Café de la Paix makes a great coffee stop if you’re out sightseeing for the day.



Where?
La Commanderie at Maison de Rhodes.

What’s cooking?
Excellent French home cooking with a daily-changing menu.

Dress the part
A dash of chic won’t go amiss.

Top table?
Cosily candlelit by the half-timbered wall.

See & Do
The old centre of Troyes is a historic gem. La Maison de Rhodes started life as a 12th Century base for the swashbuckling Knights Templar, and with 11 ancient churches and a magnificent cathedral there’s a distinct Da Vinci code feel to the old town. The musuem of fine and modern art museum is also a don’t-miss.

Troyes also lies at the heart of Champagne country. Sample the goods at a score of vineyards – preferably in or around the champagne-producing temples of Reims and Epernay.

Shop
Troyes is laden with gourmet goodies. Check out Le Cellier Saint Pierre for a wonderful range of champagne and wines. and Chez Julien for great deilcacies to take home.

After dark
Stroll through the old town’s narrow streets and while away an hour or two at one of the many friendly little bars and cafés:  L’Illustré and Le Bougnat des Pouilles are great places to sip a glass of fizz.

Dates
Late October/Early November
Troyes rocks to the beat of live music during the aptly named Nuits de Champagne festival. Ward off the autumnal chill with some live jazz, rock and R&B.

November
Taste some of the region’s best food and wines at the Bien Vivre Cullinary Expo.

GETTING THERE

Location
Rue Linard Gonthier, 10000 Troyes

Parking
Private guest parking is available at EUR 12.

Trains
Troyes station – ten minutes walk.

Taxis
EUR 10 from the station.

Airport
Troyes – 4km, or Paris Orly – 150km



Rooms and suites
11 rooms, three suites.

Special features
Beautifully renovated rooms come with exposed beams, period fireplaces and wood floors.

Also…
There is a pretty courtyard garden for summer breakfasts, evening tipples and star gazing.

ESSENTIAL INFO


Rates guide
EUR 150 - 245

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Breakfast (charged at EUR 17) is served until 10am. You can have breakfast in the courtyard in the summer.

Room service
On request

Children
Welcome

Pets
Welcome, at EUR 25 a night.

Air conditioning
No

Languages
French, English and Portuguese

Wedding license?
No

Your contact
Thierry Carcassin – general manager



MAISON DE RHODES - MEDIEVAL TOWNHOUSE - ££

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