In the Champs Elysees, at number 25, and admire the beautiful façade of Hotel de la Paiva, which has always been the most luxurious palace of the "Champs". It is an example of eclectic architecture from the late-1800s and was decorated by the best artists of the Second Empire. The building was commissioned by Paiva, one of the most famous courtesans of the century. She was born in Russia into a family of Polish Jews, and her second marriage was to the Marquis de la Paiva, who made her very rich. However, she was then expelled from the capital because she was considered a dangerous spy, in addition to having "loose morals" thanks to her affair with German Chancellor Bismarck's nephew!
Language: English