André Breton's Surrealism Manisfesto

André Breton photographed circa 1924 

 Fans of the early 20th century surrealism movement can get their fix on the Place du Panthéon. André Breton and Philippe Soupault co-wrote surrealism's manifesto Les champs magnétiques (The Magnetic Fields, 1921) while residing at 17, place du Panthéon, the address of the Hôtel des Grands Hommes. Breton moved in during the summer of 1918 and made reference to the hotel in his book, Nadja. What this means for us is that, for the price of a night's stay, we can check in and soak up all that authentic surrealist atmosphere. 

The hotel has been considerably upgraded since its days as a cheap respite for impoverished writers one hundred years ago. The hotel’s name makes reference to the “great men” interred in the massive mausoleum across the street, the Panthéon. The handsome six story 18th century hotel building is now furnished in Empire style, with decorative medallions and walls upholstered in neoclassical toile de jouy fabrics. Many of the rooms on the fifth and sixth floors have small balconies and face directly onto the Panthéon. The hotel is now classified as a three-star property and provides good value for money. The entire establishment was refurbished in 2002, and a plus is that the location is very quiet at night. Standing on the steps of the Panthéon tourists can view the sparkle effects of the Eiffel Tower as it shows off its glamor for five minutes on the hour (from dusk until the last time at 11 pm).

http://www.hoteldesgrandshommes.com Métro: RER B Luxembourg

     

Balcony views of the Panthéon: