Pigalle is the raunchy beating heart of Paris. Named after the 18th century sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, a local fixture who had a studio in the area and was friends with Mme de Pompadour and Voltaire, modern Pigalle is famous for its cabarets and nude shows. Moulin Rouge and Divan du Monde are the two most renowned. Forget Baz Lurhrmann’s safe and over saturated version of Moulin Rouge and come explore the real thing with its neon lights and quirky streets.

Attracting soldiers after the Second World War, the area became famous for its theatres, puppet shows, brothels, and utter debauchery. It also attracted many iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and musician Django Reinhardt. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captured its atmosphere the best and featured many of Pigalle’s bars and prostitutes in his work, fixing its reputation on canvas forever.

In 1928, Josephine Baker opened her first nightclub next door to writer André Breton’s apartment. Both cultural figures are immortalised today with plaques on Rue Pierre Fontaine. Even singer Édith Piaf titled one of her albums La Rue Pigalle. Like many places in Paris, Pigalle has had one of the most fascinating histories and hosted legendary artists, performers and musicians.

Today, it remains one of the city’s most vibrant areas of Paris with great rock’n’roll bars, antique shops, unique restaurants (Bouillon is an institution) and plenty of options to go out. It retains its controversial reputation yet transformed into an avant-garde location of the French capital. Anyone willing to explore ‘Paris by night’ should wander around the gorgeous streets of this significant district of Paris mixing elegant bakeries, sex shops and vintage book shops (Rue des Martyrs is one of the best).

Located on Rue Frochot, Le Pigalle is probably the coolest hotel, restaurant and hot desking cafés of the city. Xavier Hue, General Manager of Le Pigalle talks to Art is Alive: “Le Pigalle’s story originates from the lively Pigalle district, which attracts rebels, artists, and adventurers to its neon-lit nights. Embracing the vibrant cultural fabric, Pigalle is an authentic neighbourhood gem, pulsating with unapologetic essence and musical energy.” Moulin Rouge is only five minutes away, Sacré Coeur is easily reachable and Villa Frochot at number one in the same street is worth seeing (said to be haunted and once bought by French singer Sylvie Vartan and coveted by Jack Nicholson, it is a wonderful peculiarity).

Upon entering Le Pigalle, guests will enjoy wonderful design featuring Brazilian furniture. The careful selection of cabinets, lounging chairs and mirrors (the pink Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass Jr is fantastic) give the space a cozy 70s feel. Check-in is casual and processed from a large table to the left where daily newspapers and fashion magazines are available for guests. Don’t expect anything boring or corporate at Le Pigalle. On the other side, sit comfy sofas, brasserie-type tables and chairs for guests to enjoy the best gastronomy and drinks in town. Le Pigalle is charming, original and
smart.

How does Xavier describe the “soul” of the hotel? “Upon entering the lobby, the property’s inviting soul is matched with its vibrant energy. Inclusive art collections and local musicians infuse the space with a sense of belonging, immersing you in the authentic life of a local Parisian.” The lobby area sets the tone with incredible music played from a mixing booth surrounded by the best collection of vinyl records and feminist books. Relaxing Bossa Nova, pulsating Funk and calming Soul tracks play all day and night to the edgy clientele.

While conversations in Swedish, American and Spanish can be overheard, anecdotes about parties and careers in Barcelona and LA are testament that guests staying at Le Pigalle, are from all over the world. And so is the amazingly nice and professional staff, delivering the best services, from breakfast to cocktails at night. A ‘Rolling Stones meets Lolita‘ mouth inspired logo is featured on staff’s outfits, postcards, letterheads in the rooms, and menu.

A giant and real-life version of this mouth, recalling Dalí’s Mae West sofa too, is located in the downstairs toilets and former fumoir alongside a Pac-Man arcade cabinet. That room itself is exceptional with black and white David Lynch inspired flooring and burgundy chairs and walls. “We worked with esteemed architects Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay from Festen to infuse artful and quintessentially Parisian elements into the property. The designers worked hard to ensure the uniqueness of the district was portrayed throughout the hotel. For example, the terrazzo flooring on the ground floor is similar to the local bars and the leopard and oxblood carpets of the brothels appear as light touches in the lift and the lower-ground toilets.”
 
The food menu mix with the events programme, inviting guests to dive into its drinks options (make sure to try the Goutte d’Or beer) while browsing for the next performance. Breakfast options are excellent and service to the highest standards with pancakes, eggs ‘mollet’, simple yet generous tartines and yogurt mixed with fresh fruits and granola.

Le Pigalle pays attention to the smallest details: “The property boasts a unique blend of art, comfort and design while located in a strategic location, these components create an unforgettable guest experience. Le Pigalle stands as a living tribute, celebrating Pigalle’s captivating allure with a soul- stirring ambience.” Xavier continues.

At night, Le Pigalle becomes a stage. It nurtures its community of creative talents with invitations to perform and to explore all senses. In July, DJ Tomohatano played an amazing set while Japanese dishes from Pigalle-local Shinjuku, were served in the restaurant. Dancer Saffie mastered the pole bar creating an evening merging delicious food, sexy dance and Japanese references. Earlier in the year, highlights included a pop-up presentation by East London brand E.L.V Denim. Photographer Alice Ducheix curated an exhibition of black and white photographs displayed on the hotel walls. Blurred views depicting stars such as Jacques Dutronc and Vanessa Paradis remind guests of the French cultural background.

Forty rooms make Le Pigalle boutique yet brilliantly all feature their own identity. Each boasts a collection of artefacts, souvenirs, books and second-hand furniture. Cherry on the cake, some rooms have their own record players with a great selection ranging from Jazzanova, Nina Simone to Buddy Holly. Framed photographs of Blondie and Patti Smith, and Catherine Deneuve’s Belle de Nuit’s poster ornate the walls. Jack London and Essex County books are some of the available read in the rooms. Fun details include condoms and a vintage telephone connected to the reception, and black and white postcards showcasing the local Sexodrome sign.

“The art collection and decor result from a meticulous sourcing process which allows Le Pigalle to embrace its local surroundings. The property showcases a vibrant art direction, while skilled furniture hunters have curated the decor.” Xavier said about the choices made for the interiors of the property.

The rooms draw inspiration from the seamless fusion of Parisian charm and Nouvelle Athènes style known for its neoclassical inspiration. “They symbolize a harmonious blend of historical elements, modernity, opulence, and cultural diversity, creating a melodic ambiance. Emphasizing comfort and personalization, each space exudes uniqueness, curated with artful objects and literary treasures reminiscent of a friend’s boudoir.” The bathroom is very functional and nicely feature amazing Le Labo toiletry products.

Xavier recommends interesting places to explore around Le Pigalle and the area including bars Lipstick and Bar à Bulles, restaurants Pantruche, La Cantine de Sam, Mitao, Belle Maison, Mieux and more, as well as exquisite shops : Sébastien Gaudard (chocolate, pastries), Fromagerie Chataignier, Majid – Muse (florist), Babka zana, Mamiche and of course Thierry Breton (bread from Le Pigalle), Bonjour Tattoo Club by Jean André, Abstraction (fragrance store). Plenty to see around Le Pigalle to at home away from home!

Celebrating Paris and Pigalle like no other, Le Pigalle Hotel is the best the capital has to offer. With an amazing rock’n’roll feel, very professional and friendly staff, excellent facilities and a lot of character, Le Pigalle provides the best experience. It’s a place as the French say with ‘panache’!

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Images: copyrights Benoit Linero