LEGACY

MAISON ASTOR PARIS

The transatlantic saga of our founder J.J Astor IV

Maison Astor Paris, opening in 2018 is a place full of history protecting the legacy and imprint left by his founder, J.J Astor IV.
 

The heir of a colossal empire

The History of Maison Astor Paris is the one of a tremendously powerful family, the Astors, who reached the top of the wealthiest families in the USA. The hospitality sense was encrypted in the Astor DNA, having reunited their two hotels in New-York City, the Waldorf and Astoria for creating the largest hotel complex of the world. This is especially the story of John Jacob Astor, fourth of the name, extravagant heir of the famous Astor dynasty. Avant-gardist businessman, colonel of the Spanish-American war, writer and inventor in his spare time.

In the early 20th century, he divorced his first wife and married in second marriage Madeleine, 18 years younger. The high society of New York was scandalized by this relationship. To lay low, the young couple had no choice but to leave New York for Paris in 1911.

In love with Paris

It is during his Grand Tour across Europe and the East that this businessman fell in love with Paris in fever after the 1900 - World’s Fair.

At this time, he was regularly visiting the Countess Greffülhe’s salon in rue d'Astorg. She was the famous woman who inspired Marcel Proust for his character of the Duchess of Guermantes. So amused by this street name, close with a letter to his second name, he decided to build the hotel Royal Astor in 1907 just in front of the mansion of the countess, at No. 11 of the Astorg Street.

A tragic crossing : the Titanic

When Madeleine got pregnant, she wanted to give birth on the American land. The couple boarded on a brand new transatlantic ship to NYC. Unfortunately, we are on April 10, 1912 and the ship is no other than the sadly known, RMS Titanic. J.J Astor IV will perish in the sinking, but Madeleine and his descendant survived. Madeleine gave birth to a little boy who was named John Jacob Astor VI, in homage to his father.

Iconic figure of this ship, J. J Astor is depicted in several movies, including "Titanic" by James Cameron.