Boutique hotel in a former chapel
Presentation
Practical information
A night in paradise in this church converted into a luxurious hotel.
A strange conversion for this 19th-century chapel in the center of Nantes.
In 2009, an intriguing real estate ad announced: "For sale, 19th-century chapel, magnificent 630 m² space with parking. Exceptional." Thanks to a bold vision and two years of meticulous renovation, this historic site was saved from demolition and transformed into a unique boutique hotel. Today, under its majestic vaults and stained-glass windows, the Sōzō Hôtel offers 24 rooms and an exceptional suite. Some rooms provide a soothing view of the Jardin des Plantes, a true haven of greenery in the heart of the city.
The ground floor, bathed in light, features a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic, with white lacquered surfaces subtly contrasting with the original stones. The former choir of the chapel now houses the reception and bar, spaces imbued with a cozy and elegant atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. The rooms, divided into three categories – Experience, Temptation, and Seduction – each reveal a unique character, with preserved architectural details such as apses, columns, or stained-glass windows. Some, like room 308, feature a stained-glass window as a headboard, while others, like the suite, incorporate spectacular elements such as a central bathtub and contemporary artworks.
The carefully selected furniture bears the prestigious signatures of Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, and Charles and Ray Eames, creating a harmonious dialogue between modernity and heritage. The hotel doesn't stop at offering an exceptional setting: it also attends to every aspect of your stay. The breakfast, served buffet-style, highlights local, organic, and artisanal products, such as Beillevaire cheeses or fresh pastries, for a gourmet start to the day.
For a wellness break, the Sōzō offers a sensory space including a sauna, a hammam, an experimental shower, and even an ice room. This intimate space is accessible by reservation, providing a personalized relaxation experience. Guests can also enjoy a responsive concierge service, available 24/7, capable of fulfilling various requests, from booking a restaurant to organizing an outing or adding a romantic touch to your stay.
The hotel's location is another major asset. Situated a stone's throw from the train station and opposite the Jardin des Plantes, it allows easy exploration of Nantes' treasures. Within a few minutes' walk, you can explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, stroll through the medieval Bouffay district, or visit the Machines de l'île, an unmissable attraction blending art and mechanics. In the evening, the lieu unique, an iconic cultural center, offers a varied program, while nearby restaurants, such as La Cigale or Pickles, will delight food lovers.
At the Sōzō Hôtel, every detail, from services to amenities, is designed to awaken the senses and offer an experience where history meets design. This haven of serenity, nestled in a former chapel, invites perfect harmony between elegance, comfort, and modernity. A stay here is much more than a stopover: it is an immersion in a place filled with emotions and creativity.
A strange conversion for this 19th-century chapel in the center of Nantes.
In 2009, an intriguing real estate ad announced: "For sale, 19th-century chapel, magnificent 630 m² space with parking. Exceptional." Thanks to a bold vision and two years of meticulous renovation, this historic site was saved from demolition and transformed into a unique boutique hotel. Today, under its majestic vaults and stained-glass windows, the Sōzō Hôtel offers 24 rooms and an exceptional suite. Some rooms provide a soothing view of the Jardin des Plantes, a true haven of greenery in the heart of the city.
The ground floor, bathed in light, features a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic, with white lacquered surfaces subtly contrasting with the original stones. The former choir of the chapel now houses the reception and bar, spaces imbued with a cozy and elegant atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. The rooms, divided into three categories – Experience, Temptation, and Seduction – each reveal a unique character, with preserved architectural details such as apses, columns, or stained-glass windows. Some, like room 308, feature a stained-glass window as a headboard, while others, like the suite, incorporate spectacular elements such as a central bathtub and contemporary artworks.
The carefully selected furniture bears the prestigious signatures of Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, and Charles and Ray Eames, creating a harmonious dialogue between modernity and heritage. The hotel doesn't stop at offering an exceptional setting: it also attends to every aspect of your stay. The breakfast, served buffet-style, highlights local, organic, and artisanal products, such as Beillevaire cheeses or fresh pastries, for a gourmet start to the day.
For a wellness break, the Sōzō offers a sensory space including a sauna, a hammam, an experimental shower, and even an ice room. This intimate space is accessible by reservation, providing a personalized relaxation experience. Guests can also enjoy a responsive concierge service, available 24/7, capable of fulfilling various requests, from booking a restaurant to organizing an outing or adding a romantic touch to your stay.
The hotel's location is another major asset. Situated a stone's throw from the train station and opposite the Jardin des Plantes, it allows easy exploration of Nantes' treasures. Within a few minutes' walk, you can explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, stroll through the medieval Bouffay district, or visit the Machines de l'île, an unmissable attraction blending art and mechanics. In the evening, the lieu unique, an iconic cultural center, offers a varied program, while nearby restaurants, such as La Cigale or Pickles, will delight food lovers.
At the Sōzō Hôtel, every detail, from services to amenities, is designed to awaken the senses and offer an experience where history meets design. This haven of serenity, nestled in a former chapel, invites perfect harmony between elegance, comfort, and modernity. A stay here is much more than a stopover: it is an immersion in a place filled with emotions and creativity.
Sôzô Hôtel
16, rue Frédéric Cailliaud
44000 Nantes, France
Tel : +33 (0) 2 51 82 40 00
Fax : + 33 (0)2 40 77 79 40
From 110 EUR16, rue Frédéric Cailliaud
44000 Nantes, France
Tel : +33 (0) 2 51 82 40 00
Fax : + 33 (0)2 40 77 79 40
Pricing details
2025 rates, in double room Experience.Wonderful buffet breakfast with fresh and regional products (room service available on request and at no extra charge from 7 am to 11 am), €19.5.
4* Hotel, 23 rooms and the exceptional suite, spread over 3 floors
✫ Sozo Experience, starting from €110
✫ Sozo Temptation, starting from €141
✫ Sozo Seduction, starting from €168
✫ Sozo Suite (55m2, king-size bed), starting from €258
Queen-size bed, Wi-Fi connection, iPod docking station, minibar.
Bar, 24/7 room service, concierge service, availability of childcare equipment (high chair, baby cot, changing mat, etc.), business corner, and private parking on site.
Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
Comments
A 4-minute walk from the TGV station and 10 minutes from the city center, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
