Who is Emile Littré ?

On June 02^nd 2012, we will celebrate the anniversary of Emile Littré’s death in 1881, 131 years ago. For those who wonder why our Hotel is called Le Littré, it’s the occasion to introduce Emile Littré.

For many French, before the arrival of the computer and internet, his last name was synonym with dictation and spelling. But he was above all a great intellectual and philosopher of his time. At first he wanted to be a doctor, but at the end he became famous for his Dictionnaire de la langue française (Dictionary of the French language), a 13 years-old work which remains as one of the greatest work on the French language.

Emile Littré was also a recognized philosopher and a fervent politician who took part of the revolutions which occurred in France in the 1^st part of the 19^th Century. Nowadays the French Capital honors him by giving his name to a street where our Hotel is located.

Copies from his dictionary are available in the Lobby of the Hotel.

Come to the Hotel Le Littre in June

The Hotel Littré proposes you a selection of our favorites restaurants, exhibitions or events taking place on June!

Events

The Music Day on the 21st of June

Traditions do not change: on the 21st of June, we celebrate the music. Groups of amateurs and independent artists line the streets and perform. It is also the opportunity for concert halls to organize an exceptional program.

The Roland Garros tennis tournament from the 17th of May

Since 1891, the greatest tennis players, Lacoste, Evert, Borg, Agassi, Kuerten, Navratilova, and Graf have set foot on the trodden earth of the Roland Garros stadium. This tournament of the Grand Slam always shows unforgettable sets.

Exhibitions

The Exhibition « Arles, excavations of the Rhône, memories of a River” at the Louvre museum until June 25^th 2012

In partnership with the departmental museum of the antic Arles, the Louvre museum presents you items aroused from a meticulous work of researches in the Rhône River. You will discover treasures from the rich past of the city: architecture fragments, votive items, amphora, lamps, helmets in bronze, jewels.

« José Maria Sert, le Titan à l’œuvre » at the Petit Palais

The Petit Palais proposes you to discover the Spanish artist José Maria Sert. You will see the strength of his art and the originality of his life and work methods. Painter and decorator, Sert worked for economical and political worldwide elites, first in Paris, then in Europe and America.

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« Helmut Newton » at the Grand Palais until June 17th

Since Helmut Newton’s death, no restrospective of the photograph ever took place in France, country where he created the biggest part of his work, especially when he worked for the French magazine Vogue. Sulfurous, sometimes chocking, Newton tried to testify on the world he evolved in: fashion industry, luxury, money and power. The exhibition presents photos, monumental pieces and even a movie on the photograph directed by his wife: Helmut by June.

 Excursions outside Paris recommended by our Concierge

Giverny (at 75 kms from Paris)

Claude Monet who was passionate with gardening and colors lived in this house from 1883 to 1926. The visitors can be amazed by the flowers compositions and the white lilies which inspired him

The Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte (at 60 kms from Paris)

Located at the east side of Paris, this magnificent estate from the 17^th Century inspired the construction of the Versailles Castle. His owner Nicolas Fouquet hired three genius artist for the construction: the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter and decorator Charles Le Brun and the landscape gardner André le Nôtre.

La Champagne (at 170 kms from Paris)

La Champagne region is visited by numerous tourists for its prestigious wineries, its culture and gastronomy, and especially for its specialty: the Champagne.

Restaurant of the month: Le Galion, 10 allée du bord de l’eau – Paris 16ème

Board on this boat in the 16th arrondissement and enjoy its spacious terrace while tasting some traditional French cooking.

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After Sydney Bechet and other Miles Davises, which jazz artists make the Parisian days and nights swing? The answer can be found in Paris, at a few steps from the Littré, in the clubs, the cafés, the churches, the theatres etc. from May 20 to June 3. That’ll reassure those who love the jazzy atmosphere of the most arty district of Paris; the one of your boutique hotel!
The myth of jazz in Paris revisited and revivified through concerts, conferences, meetings and exhibitions. That’s the attractive programme of the Saint-Germain jazz festival, which celebrates its 12th anniversary this year. Situated at a few steps from the Littré, in the district once haunted by Boris Vian, the festival has kept on growing and each year the « doo-waps » resonate in the 5th, 14th, 15th and 6th districts…while keeping its mixed origins in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the true cradle of jazz in Europe.
Piano jazz! This year, the piano will be the leading instrument of the event! From blues to bop, from a groove piano sound to frantic solos, the piano will stun you with notes and syncopations in Paris coming spring. Starting with two prestigious meetings; being the concerts of Monty Alexander and Ahmad Jamal. But not just that. As many concerts will be held in clubs, churches, libraries, cultural sites… Ask for the programme! Http://www.festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com/

Come to the Hotel Le Littre in May

To help you make your stay in Paris unforgattable, The Hotel Le Littré is delighted to propose you a selection of the best events or exhibitions taking place in Paris in May.

Events

« La Foire de Paris » at the Porte de Versailles until May 08th

The « Foire de Paris » proposes you to take a fresh look on new living arts and the theme of this new edition is the works of art. This is also the opportunity to discover worldwide handcrafts.

The European Museums Night on Saturday the 19th of May

On Saturday the 19th of May, will be the time for night and unusual discoveries: theatricalized routes, ephemeral installations, special visits, concerts, reading of stories and lots of other events will be organized to delight all ages.

The Jazz Festival at Saint Germain des Pres from the 21st of May

This jazz Festival organized in the mythical neighborhood of Saint Germain des Pres, presents unique and exceptional concerts, talented young musicians, exhibitions and meetings.

The Roland Garros tennis tournament from the 22th of May

Since 1891, the greatest tennis players, Lacoste, Evert, Borg, Agassi, Kuerten, Navratilova, and Graf have set foot on the trodden earth of Roland Garros stadium. Tournament of the Grand Slam, it always shows unforgettable sets.

Exhibitions

«Napoleons‘ war. Louis François Lejeune, général and painter» at the Versailles Castle until May 13^th

The Versailles Castle celebrates the 19^th Century and the Empire of Napoleon. This exhibition highlights a unique personage from the 19^th Century, Louis-François Lejeune. This original painter had several careers as artist, military and politician. From the siege of Charleroi in 1794 until the battle of Moskova, his work retraces one of the greatest military epopee of the French history.

« Degas and the nude » at Orsay museum

Great monographical exhibition devoted to Edgar Degas, “Degas and the nude” exposes his masterpieces coming from worldwide museums. You will explore the evolution of Degas in the practice of the nude, from the academical and historical approach of his beginnings to the inscription of the body in modernity during his long career.

The Exhibition « Arles, Arles, Record of the Rhône, Twenty years of underwater excavations” at the Louvre museum until June 25^th 2012

In partnership with the departmental museum of the antic Arles, the Louvre museum presents you items aroused from a meticulous work of researches in the Rhône River. You will discover treasures from the rich past of the city: architecture fragments, votive items, amphora, lamps, helmets in bronze, jewels.

Museum

The Rodin Museum and its coffee shop

In a heaven of peace and beauty, the Rodin museum presents art pieces of the most famous sculptor of the 19^th Century, as well as the ones of Camille Claudel, the artist’ disciple and lover. You can walk around the garden and meet his masterpieces: The thinker, Gates of Hell, Balzac or Le Bourgeois de Calais. The garden “à la française” encompasses more than three acres and has a beautiful rose garden and a coffee shop where you can enjoy a meal or relax at tea time.

The Museum of Montparnasse

This museum presents the history of the Montparnasse area through the eyes of its artist and its famous places from 1920 to nowadays.

For any information you may need please ask the Front Desk

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The Louvres Museum spotlights one more time the great master of the Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci. Discover his last masterpiece recently restored: Sainte Anne,  exhibited in one of the most prestigious museum of the world.

Do we still need to introduce the great master of Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci?

The Louvre Museum already presents some of his most famous masterpieces such as Virgin of the Rocks or La Gioconda, and now unveils in a temporary exhibition his last piece: The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne.

A presentation of several of his compositional sketches, preparatory drawings or landscape studies, never gathered in the same exhibition, tell us the story of this masterpiece. You can also discover other paintings from the artist which help to understand his artistic evolution.

Aroused from a work that lasted almost 18 years, and which is unachieved since Leonardo da Vinci’s death, this painting testifies from his eternal and unsatisfied quest of Perfection.

Exhibition Sainte Anne, at the Louvre Museum until June 25^th 2012.

Access from the Hotel Le Littré:

By metro: Line 12 at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, change at Concorde for the line 01 stop at Palais-Royal/musée du Louvre

By bus: Direct with Line 95 or 39

When you’re stressed out or tired, who doesn’t dream about a relaxing massage, to release muscle tension and to regain a healthy body? In the heart of Paris, Sensation Spa welcomes you for a massage in a quiet and peaceful setting.

Ideally located in the 7ème arrondissement of Paris, between the Eiffel Tower and the Gare Montparnasse, the staff at the centre is made up of a team of highly qualified masseurs who will deliver full relief to your body. So, if after a long day in Paris, enjoy a relaxing massage either on your own or accompanied at Sensation Spa.

Thai or Balinese massage? Creators of massages such as creative massage from India or Asia, Sensation Spa offers you a full range of services : hamaam, reflexology, Balinese, Thai, Tibetan, African or Hotstone massages. You’ll feel rejuvenated and will enjoy a moment of sheer relaxation. The team at the Littré are big fans!

Sensation Spa, 08 Villa de Saxe 75007 Paris.

The history of the catacombs begins in the end of the 18th Century. Labyrinth in the earth of the Paris’ underground, the catacombs join together the remains of around six billions of Parisians, who were usually buried in the, now closed, cemeteries of Paris, such as the Cemetery of the Innocents located in the actual Halles area. They were old quarries where they extracted the stones used to build the monuments of Paris.

We can find among these bones, the remains of several personalities, such as Rabelais, La Fontaine, Perrault, the sculptor François Girardon, the painter Vouet, and also the guillotines of the French Revolution: Camille and Lucile Desmoulins, Danton, Robespierre…

Nowadays, the visitor can discover this macabre decor through a tangle of obscure galleries and narrow corridors. This unique site retraces the history of Paris and invites you in a timeless journey.

The catacombes of paris : 1, avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.

Direct access from Hotel Le Littré : Ligne 6 at Montparnasse Bienvenüe -  Exit Denfer-Rochereau

First of all Verlaine, Rimbaud and Mallarmé. Then Picasso, Fernand Léger, Prévert, Hemingway and Sartre… Not to mention André Breton and the surrealists. Anyone belonging to the “Bohemian” Legend of Paris once sat at a table in the Deux Magots. Don’t miss this cult place of Paris!

The entire history of the café Les Deux Magots reminds us that this place belongs to the closed circle of cult places to see in Paris. Founded in 1812, and what was a simple shop to begin with, became an elegant contemporary café in 1885. In 1933, the Prix des Deux Magots, a literary prize awarded to writers.

The Legendary Café. During your stay at the Hotel Le Littré, enjoy discovering this legendary place of Bohemian Paris. Only a short walk from the hotel, enjoy a drink, and soak up the artistic Parisian atmosphere. Here, Hemingway drank his Sherries with with Joyce. Here, Satre smoked his cigarettes with the “Castor” (The Beaver) Simone de Beauvoir. Here again, Picasso spoke of love, politics and the arts.

http://www.lesdeuxmagots.fr/

Women climbing out of the bath, with long hair, slender backs and sensual hands and necks. Here is one of the artistic universes of Edgar Degas (1834-1917), a lover of dance, women and horses. From the 13th of March to the 1st of July 2012, the Littré recommends “Degas et le nu” at the Musée d’Orsay.

“[...] My women are simple being… And I show, without a hint of coquetry, in the state of creatures cleaning themselves.” wrote Edgar Degas. It is not exactly the kind of declaration, even artistic, which pleases women. However, at a glance of the exhibition, we are again persuaded : Degas loved women. He was passionate about the anatomic truth.

Paying attention to the body. The Musée d’Orsay proves the presence of this sensual and sensitive attention. Organised with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the rich holding of graphic works from the Musée d’Orsay are completed by exceptional loans of some of the biggest collections in the world, such as that of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York or the Art Institute of Chicago.

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr/