You know you’re in Paris when you first see the Belle Epoque-inspired sign of Hôtel des Académies et des Art, a 19th-century building tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street. Ring the doorbell and the wrought iron doors open to a colourful earthenware fresco by ceramist Maximilien Pellet, while the friendly staff and fresh aroma of coffee brewing makes you forget all about that grumpy Parisian stereotype.
The path to the reception area is lined with artwork and sculptures, not to mention a fantastic spread of macaroons, madeleines and brownies by Kevin Lacote, the former pastry chef of La Grande Cascade.
The hotel’s living room, which frequently hosts art exhibitions, beckons us with its striped velvet sofa and cushy lounge/library that’s filled with a selection of art books, magazines, paintings and photography. Over at the cafe, art supplies and inspirational sketches on the 10-metre long table might just bring out the artist in you.
Location
Situated in the central and historic 6th district on the cusp of Saint Germain, Hôtel des Académies et des Art is a hop away from the Vavin metro station that conveniently takes you to the vicinity of many Parisian landmarks. If you prefer to walk, grab your coffee and pastries from the hotel and take a stroll through the gorgeous Luxembourg gardens, which is only five minutes away by foot.
Near the hotel, there are plenty of iconic restaurants to indulge in, such as Le Flore and La Coupole, as well as cultural monuments like the Church of Saint-Sulpice, Delacroix Museum, the Cartier foundation for Contemporary Arts and Cinéma L’Arlequin, a movie theatre from 1934 that still puts on special screenings and exhibitions.
The shopping scene is as artistic as the hotel. While away the hours at the only remaining independent bookshop in town, Écume de Page. Design and architecture lovers mustn’t miss quirky bookstore A Balzac A Rodin across the street, while skincare fanatics can find new treatments at the nostalgic cosmetics shop Buly 1803. For the foodies, gourmands can lose themselves at the Grande Épicerie de Paris, which has an impressive variety of quality products from cheese to wine to spices.
Rooms
With just 20 rooms, Hôtel des Académies et des Art is a boutique hotel that offers a unique blend of luxury and charm. Room numbers are drawn on the walls with birds and other figurines – just like the custom pastel frescoes of artist Franck Lebraly that adorn the ceilings of the entire hotel.
Each piece of furniture is also custom designed to maximise comfort – think deep wooden panels and forest green drapes, plus a vintage chair, nude drawing, cute lamb or old photo to emulate an artist’s home. The black and white bathroom tiles harken Parisian apartments from the 1920s, while the hotel’s amenities are also custom made and absolutely divine.
LUXE tip: Book a room with a private courtyard to enjoy some peace and quiet to yourself among the greenery.
Food & Drink
Intimate and cosy, the hotel’s cafe is connected to the living room and serves up a hearty continental breakfast each morning with organic bread and pastries from local bakery Maison M’Seddi along with a generous spread of cheese, fruits, smoked salmon and ham from Gilles Verot.
In the afternoon, mingle with other guests in the living room while enjoying apéritifs, or try making your own tipples at the Honesty Bar. Note that dinner is not served at the hotel, so be sure to plan your meals in town instead.
Need some pointers? Pick up a copy of the LUXE Paris guide!
What else
Take advantage of the hotel spa that offers top-notch massages and beauty treatments. Feeling creative? Unleash your inner artist with an introductory or advanced art class at the Academy of Fine Arts, which the hotel can organise for you.
The LUXE Verdict
High-end yet relaxed, modern yet minimal, Hôtel des Académies et des Art perfectly captures the bohemian spirit of Paris’s art scene in the ’20s. Staying here feels less like a hotel and more like an artsy friend’s home, so bring your imagination, positive vibes and feel free to express yourself.
Learn more at hoteldesacademies.fr
(All photos courtesy of Hôtel des Académies et des Art)
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