When in Paris: stay at the ultra-elegant and discreet Château Voltaire

How do hotels redefine luxury and lifestyle stays? Château Voltaire might have the answer. Without a doubt, it epitomises perfection and it is one of the best hotels in the world.

Located in Paris’ central 1er arrondissement, this stunning property makes guests feel at home thanks to an amazing art collection in the most exquisite architectural spaces, part-Hollywood, part-Renaissance. Is Lana del Rey singing in the bar?

Located on the corner of Rue Saint Roch and Rue Gomboust, in the heart of the French capital, Château Voltaire couldn’t be more central. The prestigious Place Vendôme, the gorgeous Jardin des Tuileries, the impressive Opéra Garnier and Comédie Française are some of the Parisian landmarks so easily accessible from the hotel.

The former headquarters of the Zadig & Voltaire brand has been transformed into a 5-star venue that is both ultra-elegant and unique. Château Voltaire is indeed the brainchild of Mr Thierry Gillier, founder of the successful international fashion house and important art collector. “The choice of location stems from a desire to offer a setting that is both timeless and central, in line with the identity of the hotel.” Mr Gillier tells Art is Alive. The businessman has always been a passionate collector, and his first hotel gave him the platform to share his collection in exceptional settings. The display is an evolving process that makes guests return on a regular basis. The exhibitions evolve over time, offering a continuation of the artistic experience.

For culture and exhibitions lovers, Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Musée du Louvre are a few minute- walk too. “The classic route includes Beaubourg, Le Louvre, and Orsay. Personally, I have a weakness for the Orangerie museum, as well as for the flea markets at the weekend.”

The property honours Mr Gillier’s passion for art and design throughout the common areas and its 32 rooms located across 5 stairs. Here, an outstanding Paul Poiret lounge chair, there, a poetic sculpture by Barry Flanagan. While it’s often difficult to find excellent artworks in hotels, Château Voltaire takes this ambition to the next level with an amazing collection by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Francis Picabia, Marlene Dumas, Günther Förg and Jean-Michel Basquiat dotted throughout its walls and around the fire place of the jaw-dropping lounge area. “When you collect art, it becomes a drive to find something truly unique,” Mr Gillier told the Financial Times.

How did the concept come about? “I’ve always had the dream of creating a hotel, a place with a warm and friendly atmosphere, where every visitor would feel at home.” This project reflects his personality through a carefully crafted design and a selection of artworks that resonate with his tastes. This is how the concept of the hotel was born, shaped by his desire to offer a unique and intimate space.

Upon arriving two vibrant large-scale paintings by Sue Williams and A.R. Penck welcome guests in the lobby decorated with a large dark wooden table, precious vases, and a beautiful bouquet. The atmosphere is very chic, thanks to its simplicity and noble materials. Notice the splendid flooring enhanced by the artworks on the walls and the light touches of orange of the branded-matches. “The soul of Château Voltaire could be described as warm.” Mr Gillier continues.

Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay of the Paris-based architectural firm Festen (Mikado night club in Paris, Les Roches Rouges Hotel in Saint Raphael, France, the private offices for Hennessy in Cognac, France etc.), breathed bon goût throughout these walls and took inspiration from Claude Sautet’s films. The designers combined three structures from the 17th and 18th centuries to create one building with purity of lines, great tones, and smart navigation. Artistic director Franck Durand (Holiday Magazine and more) also helped the conception of the design and took inspiration from the Art Déco movement to create wonderful interiors.

“Many fashion shoots take place in the hotel and several artists regularly stay with us, particularly during events such as Fashion Week or Art Basel Paris. However, we cannot reveal any names to keep the discretion of our clients.” Château Voltaire is quintessentially Parisian and the place to be.

Each room has its own unique lighting design and is uber comfortable. With their pristine marbled chequered bathrooms and silver faucets, glamourous toiletry products, gold velvet sofas, ultra large beds, bean-to-cup coffee makers, branded sweets and chocolates, lit dressing, 1940s-shaped mirrors, the rooms are chic spaces loved by Parisians and international travellers alike; New Yorkers and Angelinos can be heard sipping drinks in the bar.

While entering the room for the first time, Pink Martini and Nina Simone on Jazz FM singing through the cream-coloured Roberts radio immediately makes you feel at home. Brilliant! Abstract paintings and portraits on the walls, a black vintage telephone (with all modern functionalities of course), a notepad, beige slippers, and orange-covered room service menus further enhance the charm of the room. The details are fantastic!

A nod to Zadig & Voltaire style, CV t-shirt and sweater are available for sale inside the chest of drawers. “We have just launched a collection inspired by vintage T-shirts: T-shirts and hoodies which reinforce the feeling of belonging to the hotel, this great news!”

The hotel has really soft flowery Chiltern Firehouse-style carpets swirling yellow-and-gold leaf designs on black, dimmed lighting and a soft palette. All of that contributes to the nice and professional welcoming as soon as you arrive.

Is the golden shell on Château Voltaire’s façade, labelled as Monuments Historiques (National Heritage), a reference to the Camino de Santiago’s pilgrim way? Who knows? It however welcomes guests to a wonderful and intimate cocktail bar dressed in gold, black, velvet and leather. This coquille (scallop) is featured as a modern chandelier in both this bijou bar and in the rooms, subtly bringing consistency of style.

The apartment, a château within a château, sits atop the building on its highest floor and offers a breathtaking view of Paris’s unique roofs, framed by a lush terrace designed by landscape architect Louis Benech.

“The privileged location in the heart of the 1st arrondissement of Paris is a major asset. However, it is the combination of comfort, refined design, art collection and this exceptional location that makes the hotel strong.”

With the service quality of a five-star hotel and the atmosphere of a luxurious auberge from the past, Château Voltaire is a leading force in hospitality and gastronomy with unique features and charm.

How could the hotel be more perfect? Well wait, there’s more! Guests of the hotel and external guests can enjoy a genuine wellness experience at Château Voltaire. There are rejuvenating vibes in the sauna’s dry vapours and a relaxing atmosphere in the pool to recharge batteries after a day of visits of Paris. Hiring a professional for an in-room treatment is also an option. “The main challenge is to continue to offer an experience where each customer feels good, thanks to impeccable service, and to maintain this feeling of exception.”

A hidden gem in Paris? “The CIBUS Italian restaurant, a stone’s throw from the hotel. This small establishment, with only a few tables, offers delicious and authentic cuisine reserved for those in the know.” But guests actually don’t need to go that far. L’Émil (named after Mr Gillier’s son), a modern brasserie with 70 seats and pretty décor located on the ground floor of Château Voltaire itself, offers a classic French menu and a delicious breakfast with fresh juices, yogurts, and pastries.

An ode to seasonal products and timeless recipes that have made cuisine so successful, L’Emil offers «château filet» de Normandie with its pepper sauce, Japanese vegetable ravioli, veal escalope al Limone, and more delicious options. The artworks, the large bouquet on the classic bar and its colourful stained glass windows make for a perfect and cosy space.

If you want to continue experiencing the beauty and comfort of Château Voltaire, The Spotify playlist features artists including Isabelle Antena, Reuben Wilson, and Guru Griff among others.

With its exceptional interiors and exemplary taste for art, its amazing room service and professional staff – from Maitre d’Hotel check in to Restaurant – Château Voltaire remains the leading lifestyle hotel and gastronomy property in Paris for young, rock’n’roll and cultural guests.

The story is shot by the fantastic François Halard.

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