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.

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!


Maison de Rhodes was reviewed for Room for Romance by Tim Treyman

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Ivory walls, high beams and candlelight make Maison de Rhodes’ La Commanderie dining room a dreamy setting for dinner à deux. The theme is traditional French country cooking – expect simple yet appetising menus using regional and seasonal ingredients.

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.


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

Room service
On request




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.

Diary 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

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 165 - 258

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Welcome

Pets
Welcome, at EUR 25 a night.

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
No