The heyday of smart, adventurous Paris

Accustomed as we now are to the concept of space travel, we could be forgiven for forgetting that this extraordinary adventure began with a series of far humbler and riskier hops. In 1900, a handful of men, scarcely more than those who have walked on the moon, embodied this conquest. They were so heroic that the greatest creators and designers dedicated masterpieces to them, such as the famous Santos watch created by Cartier in tribute to Santos Dumont. The Brazilian-born aviator embarked on countless exploits, with the sole goal, one he shared with his peers, of spending as much time as possible up in the air. This daring and fearless adventurer had several accidents, which only served to heighten his legend. In 1901, one of these left him perched on a rooftop of a hotel in the 16^th arrondissement of Paris that was to become the Best Western Premier Trocadéro La Tour. On board his "N° 5" dirigible balloon, he was preparing a flight that was to have won him the prize of 100 000 francs that he intended to invest in other aviation projects. The plan was to fly over the smart districts of Paris, the Longchamps race track, the Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, but things didn't go as planned that time, even if he finished his flight in one of the most emblematic and authentic sites of smart Parisian life.

The Best Western Premier Trocadéro La Tour is still in the heart of the 16^th arrondissement, just a stone's throw from Rue de Passy, an exclusive shopping street well-known to discerning Parisians. Place du Trocadéro and the Bois de Boulogne and the Roland Garros tennis courts, another great 20^th century aviator, lie at either end of this street. Although little more than pigeons fly overhead today, the hotel has lost nothing of its Parisian chic and charm. The guestrooms, luxuriously spacious for the capital, are decorated and furnished in the grandiose style of 19^th century Haussmann buildings. High ceilings, rich, thick curtains, furniture made out of rare essences and engravings on fabric lined walls all set the scene of this pleasantly muted establishment. Many of the bathrooms boast large windows that let in the daylight, enhancing the light, polished fixtures and fittings to perfection in a fresh, clean environment.

The hotel's breakfast room is definitely worthy of mention, as much for its Eiffel-inspired steel-structure conservatory as for its delicious buffet, piled high with tempting pastries and jams.

Thick leather Havana-coloured armchairs and dark oak wainscoting set the scene in the inviting bar and library. You could almost think you were in one of those exclusive clubs where Jules Verne's heroes (Santos Dumont's favourite author) met to discuss their daring, if not downright extravagant projects to journey to the centre of the earth, 20 000 leagues under the sea or to the moon. The author took great pleasure in describing the tiniest details of these comfortable clubs, all the more so to contrast with the perilous journeys and adventures his heroes were to embark on! Similarly, it is a pleasure to sink back into the armchairs and relax in the timeless hush that reigns throughout the Best Western Premier Trocadéro La Tour, knowing that you are on the very doorstep of the exciting bustle of Parisian life.

Best Western Premier Trocadéro la Tour

5 Bis Rue Massenet, Paris, France - 75116

Phone: 33 1 45 24 43 03 Fax: 33 1 45 24 41 39