What to do in Paris in autumn and at Christmas? An interview with Mélanie Vandaele, director of the Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your background?

My name is Mélanie, and I’m the director of the Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud. I earned a BTS in hospitality and catering, then held several positions in the hotel and restaurant industry: receptionist, breakfast service manager, head housekeeper, assistant manager, and finally director.

What changes in the life of the hotel when autumn arrives?

You can feel the season change right away. Our hotel, the Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud, is on a small pedestrian street where the light changes considerably as winter approaches: the lights grow dimmer and the days get shorter. You start craving a cozy atmosphere, and it’s the perfect time to bring out the cinnamon and squash at breakfast and in the welcome drink, along with a good book and a hot drink.

What kinds of guests come to Paris during this period, and what are they looking for?

At Rimbaud, we mainly welcome business travelers. The back-to-school season marks the end of the leisure season, and business travelers return. As for leisure travelers, some are still looking for Paris’s classic museums and monuments. Our neighborhood also attracts French guests who come for the new theater season, with many theaters located around the hotel.

How does the team adapt the welcome and guest experience during the shoulder season?

Like our guests, we feel like putting on a coat and having a hot drink. In summer, we point guests towards places where people spend time outdoors, such as terraces. In autumn, we tend to recommend cosy places with indoor spaces, and for evening outings, theatres, since there are so many around the hotel. When the weather permits, we can also recommend a stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin.

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Are there any special touches, activities, or a particular atmosphere at the hotel for Halloween?

Yes, the hotel is getting its Halloween decorations ready, and we offer guests candy, with a little candy bar. A festive atmosphere is guaranteed!

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What would you recommend to a guest who wants to experience Paris in the autumn near the hotel?

I recommend a walk around the Canal Saint-Martin, a ten-minute walk from the hotel. There are small shops and bars, and it’s a pleasant place to visit even when the weather isn’t very nice, except on rainy days. In the evening, we work with the Théâtre de la Renaissance, which offers our guests a small discount: it’s a great nearby option for a night out.

How are the hotel’s literary identity and the figure of Arthur Rimbaud reflected at this time of year?

It’s a time of year when the days grow shorter and you feel like settling into an armchair or a little sofa in our breakfast room, with a good book and a hot drink: that’s the literary side of things. Arthur Rimbaud himself evokes autumn in “Adieu,” the poem that concludes Une saison en enfer.

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How does the hotel prepare for the holiday season, and what do you offer guests at Christmas?

We’re already thinking about it! Just as we do for Halloween, we put together beautiful Christmas decorations. We also create a special Arthur Rimbaud Advent calendar: when guests arrive, one person is chosen at random and receives a small gift from the hotel. It’s also a chance to thank our loyal guests. On arrival, we offer chocolates and Christmas sweets, surrounded by a magical setting.

What is your favorite time of year at the hotel, and why?

It’s Christmas. I love this time of year in general, and even more so at the hotel: I love preparing the decorations, the tree, and the little gifts. We always have a meal with the team, a festive moment that I really enjoy.

What is your fondest memory of autumn and the holidays at the hotel?

My best memory is a moment shared with the team. Last year, we had a meal and took some fun photos around the Christmas tree, then exchanged little gifts. It was a really lovely moment.

What advice would you give someone who is unsure about visiting Paris outside the peak season?

It’s a good time to visit, because the museums and monuments are less crowded. At Christmas, visiting the department stores is still a very enjoyable experience, even if they aren’t the least crowded places.

What, in your opinion, makes the welcome at the Rimbaud different at this time of year?

The chocolates offered upon arrival, and above all, Mariah Carey singing at full volume throughout the hotel for an entire month!

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