The Salé Hotel, which is best known as Aubert de Fontenay Hotel, was described by historian Bruno Foucart in 1985 as "the largest, the most extraordinary, if not the most flamboyant of the big houses Paris XVII century". It was built for Pierre Aubert, M. de Fontenay - collector of taxes on salt. The hotel was built by same ambitious architect Vaux-le-Vicomte Nicolas Fouquet. Aubert made his fortune in 1630-1640 from various sources including a beneficial marriage, becoming a major merchant in Paris and the King's financial adviser and secretary. Pierre Aubert strengthened his position by increasing the salt tax for the King. Because of it, his home quickly became known as the Salty Hotel ("salty" I mean salty in French). The beautiful house, a prestigious building full of character has passed through many hands and in 1974 it turned into a museum dedicated to the life and work of Picasso.
It was a brightful day. We walked through the squares and parks of old mansions, visited the Picasso Museum, the art galleries, had lunch at the Place des Vosges, visited the Place de la Bastille and completed the walk by the princely and quiet boardwalk of the River Seine, where live swans and peace reigns.
