The Alfred Sommier, 5-star hotel in Paris

In 1860, Alfred Sommier’s father, acquired a large building plot, close to La Madeleine. He wished to settle there his family, in a mansion matching with the prosperity of the family-run sugar business. At the time, the district of the Madeleine was on going the Baron Haussmann’s Parisian building developments.

The Sommier reached out to Joseph Lesoufaché, a renowned architect of the Second Empire. He designed two twin buildings made of cut stone with a courtyard in the middle and a garden at the back. Many elements of the original interior decor have been preserved.

At the beginning of the 19th century, three entrepreneurial Sommier brothers left the family-run bakery in Burgundy, to open a sugar refinery in the outskirts of Paris. They launched a family business around the sugar industry, art, heritage and social standing.

Alfred, the son of the youngest of the three brothers was a very gifted individual. At the age of 18, his father asked him to abandon his studies and take over the family business. Under his leadership, the company prospered and became the leader of the French sugar market. He settled himself in the “hôtel particulier” on 20 rue de l’Arcade and was joined in 1872 by his wife Jeanne de Barante. Their son Edme was born there in 1873.

In the 20th century, Sommier Sugars merged with Lebaudy Sugars. As a result of further mergers, the original families disappeared, and the current Saint-Louis Sucre group was formed.

In 1875, Alfred Sommier bought the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte for 2.3 million golden francs which had been left abandoned. It had been built by Fouquet, King Louis XIV’s Superintendant of Finances, who was arrested following the dazzling inauguration reception where he hosted the King, mad with envy!

Alfred Sommier brilliantly restored the Château and its gardens: Vaux-le-Vicomte is recognised as the most beautiful private château in France. It’s legacy is handed down to Jean-Charles, Alexandre and Ascanio de Vogüé, cousins of Richard de Warren.

Through the various canvas, busts and pictures of Alfred Sommier laid out in the hotel, one can observe certain of his traits. He was a direct and trustworthy man that displays empathy. He gathered an entrepreneurial spirit, elegance and a passion for art.

In this ...steps, Richard de Warren has infused his style in the soul of the hotel and in the services to the guests