Maison de Rhodes

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.

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

© Room for Romance