Step into the glamorous world of 'The Hotel on Place Vendome,' where history unfolds amidst the opulence of one of Paris's most iconic hotels. Tilar J. Mazzeo weaves a captivating narrative that reveals the intertwining tales of the hotel's elite guests during World War II, amidst the backdrop of war and intrigue. As secrets are whispered through its ornate halls, the hotel becomes a refuge for spies, writers, and lovers, each leaving their mark on its storied walls. Explore how the hotel not only survived the chaos of war but also thrived as a symbol of resilience and elegance. Will the haunting past of this grand establishment be its undoing, or will it emerge even more luxurious and enigmatic?
By Tilar J. Mazzeo
Published: 2015
"In the shimmering shadows of the Hotel de Vendôme, where the echoes of history whisper through the walls, we find that every story is a tapestry woven from the threads of desire, ambition, and the impermanence of elegance."
Set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of World War II, The Hôtel on Place Vendôme is the captivating history of Paris’s world-famous Hôtel Ritz—a breathtaking tale of glamour, opulence, and celebrity; dangerous liaisons, espionage, and resistance—from Tilar J. Manzeo, the New York Times bestselling author of The Widow Clicquot and The Secret of Chanel No. 5 When France fell to the Germans in June 1940, the legendary Hôtel Ritz on the Place Vendôme—an icon of Paris frequented by film stars and celebrity writers, American heiresses and risqué flappers, playboys, and princes—was the only luxury hotel of its kind allowed in the occupied city by order of Adolf Hitler. Tilar J. Mazzeo traces the history of this cultural landmark from its opening in fin de siècle Paris. At its center, The Hotel on Place Vendôme is an extraordinary chronicle of life at the Ritz during wartime, when the Hôtel was simultaneously headquarters to the highest-ranking German officers, such as Reichsmarshal Hermann Göring, and home to exclusive patrons, including Coco Chanel. Mazzeo takes us into the grand palace’s suites, bars, dining rooms, and wine cellars, revealing a hotbed of illicit affairs and deadly intrigue, as well as stunning acts of defiance and treachery. Rich in detail, illustrated with black-and-white photos, The Hotel on Place Vendôme is a remarkable look at this extraordinary crucible where the future of post-war France—and all of post-war Europe—was transformed.
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“In the shimmering shadows of the Hotel de Vendôme, where the echoes of history whisper through the walls, we find that every story is a tapestry woven from the threads of desire, ambition, and the impermanence of elegance.”
The Hotel on Place Vendome
By Tilar J. Mazzeo
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Tilar J. Mazzeo is an acclaimed author and professor known for her engaging and insightful narratives that explore the intersections of culture, food, and identity. Her notable works include 'The Chateau: Life in the Time of War', a compelling account of life in the Loire Valley during World War II, and 'Backwards in High Heels: The Impossible Art of Being Female', which offers a fresh perspective on women's roles in history and society. Mazzeo's writing style is characterized by its rich detail and vivid imagery, often blending personal anecdotes with historical research to create a captivating reading experience.
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