History
- THE WOMAN
- THE WOMAN
- THE WOMAN
THE WOMAN
The story of the Madame Hortense revives the legendary character of Madame Hortense, a charming Frenchwoman who lived and loved in Chania in the 19th century, leaving her imprint around the streets of Chania’s old town. With her charm and artistic flair, she managed to capture the hearts of her lovers, the French Admiral Potier, and the Italian Admiral Canavaro.
Their names today adorn the streets around Madame Hortense, bringing to mind the influence of this legendary woman in the area. Like Ulysses, who wandered for years and lived amidst romantic adventures and quests, Madame Hortense also lived a life filled with passion and romantic conflicts.
The story of Madame Hortense is closely intertwined with the history of this place.
She decided to leave Paris behind and make a fresh start in Chania. Here, she brought the elegance and vivacity of the infamous French cabaret, Moulin Rouge. As a singer and dancer of the can-can, a chanteuse, along with her girls, they enlivened the nights of the wealthy and foreign admirals, who dominated Crete, with scents and emotions.
Although being so different from the locals, Madame Hortense loved this place with passion and dedication, deciding never to return to her homeland. Her multifaceted life, French finesse, and the gentleness of her soul have been immortalized in the book ‘Life and Times of Alexis Zorba’ by our beloved author Nikos Kazantzakis, as well as reenacted in the unforgettable movie ‘Zorba the Greek’ starring Anthony Quinn.
Madame Hortense
At Madame Hortense, we draw inspiration from this theatrical life, her unconventional personality, her constant quest and thirst for life beyond social stereotypes, local mentalities, and prejudices… a feminine Ulysses who, like the hero of Homer’s epic… ́πολλών ανθρώπων οίδε άστεα και νόον έγνω…’’. Her finesse, her authenticity, as well as her love for Crete, were the cornerstone in the realization of Madame Hortense. Visit us and surrender to the sense of luxury and tradition that surrounds you, discover the enchanting past and the charm of Madame Hortense.
At Madame Hortense, we offer you an experience that combines the magic of the past with the poetry of the present. The hotel consists of five unique rooms, each decorated with taste and finesse, exuding an atmosphere of romance and authenticity. Enjoy our hospitality, our services, let us pamper your senses with a plethora of colors, scents, and textures that express the power and sweetness of life.
Visit us and surrender to the sense of luxury and tradition that surrounds you, discover the enchanting past and the charm of Madame Hortense.
