Par
Florian Brassart
Published on
Jan 20, 2025 at 5:38 p.m.
They both changed their lives to embark on this new adventure. In February 2018 and December 2024, Florine and Baptiste, couple from the Côte d'Opale, have renovated two emblematic hotels in Wimereux and Boulogne-sur-Mer. Their establishments are a hit!
The oldest hotel in Wimereux renovated
However, Florine and Baptiste Desgardin were not at all familiar with the hotel industry. “I was a radio journalist at the time, at Radio 6 then Delta FM,” begins Baptiste. “I was then a sports correspondent for Europe 1 in Lille and I returned to the Côte d’Opale in 2015.”
For her part, Florine was a pharmacy technician before tackling the first major project of their lives. “When I returned home, I made the decision to stop and we started looking for a new project. That’s when we saw that a hotel was for sale in Wimereux,” explains the Boulonnais.
This hotel, the oldest in Wimereuxwas almost abandoned in the middle of rue Carnot. “It had been on sale for 3 years and had become a verruca in town. » The couple embarked on a total renovation, “it lasted a year, from February 2017 to February 2018”. He adds: “We made it a very charming family hotel, with 11 rooms. »
Next door, the PMU bar has become the Mona Lisa bar. The establishment has kept its original name, the Hotel des Arts. It was a success, to the great happiness of the couple. “It was a leap into the unknown. The profession was attractive and Wimereux is a beautiful seaside resort. We immediately liked the idea. »
A few years later, in 2022, Florine and Baptiste did it again, this time in Boulogne-sur-Mer. “We had spotted a hotel for sale in Boulogne, facing the port, with a magnificent view. The previous owner called me to see if I was interested,” he recalls. The hotel, like in Wimereux, was in a sad state.
“It had become a hotel that welcomed people in need. » When he visited it, the former journalist immediately saw the potential of the place. “I noticed the exceptional view and we signed. It was the start of a new challenge. » A more complicated challenge than the previous one. “It took us 16 to 17 months of work. We encountered quite a few difficulties. »
-In Boulogne, the Monsieur Georges hotel opened in December 2024
“When we decide to rehabilitate a place, it is much more complicated than buying a piece of land and building. We must respect the rules relating to architects of buildings in France, we must submit a rehabilitation permit… There were numerous constraints in terms of safety standards. »
The couple had to pay close attention to the structure of the hotel. “We broke down all the levels to re-arrange the rooms and ensure that they had a full view of the port. » From 30, the number of rooms has therefore increased to 20. “Some are family and very large, others are more intended for businessmen. »
This time, the hotel located on the Quai Gambetta has changed its name! The Hôtel des Arts has become Mr George. “It’s a nod to a painter born in Boulogne. Some customers knew him and tell us anecdotes. » The great novelty of this second hotel challenge for the couple is opening a restaurant within the establishment.
It is run by chef Vincent Dessoly, trained in several establishments on the Côte d'Opale, notably in Audresselles and Boulogne. Since opening, feedback has been positive. “We were very afraid because we opened at a time when it was rather calm. But it's quite full. The restaurant is also starting to hit its stride, which is encouraging,” smiles Baptiste.
Soon a third challenge for the Boulonnais? “We are digesting the financial investment for the moment. We'll see if there are other opportunities. »
To find out more about the Monsieur Georges hotel in Boulogne-sur-Mer, click here. For the Hôtel des Arts de Wimereux, it’s this way!
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