“Ah, bonjour Paris!” You will say this over and over again while staying here simply because it is right in the middle of the first arrondissement. Oui, oui, Emily in Paris feels for sure. Chateau Voltaire is more Sylvie in vibes: smart, sophisticated, and much less stupid. The neighbourhood? Oh, so Parisian. Palais Garnier is yards away, as is Palais Royal, The Louvre, Tuileries, and the hotel monument, The Ritz Paris. It’s busy and full of tourists, but on Rue Saint-Roch, you barely notice it because you are so besotted by the beauty of the place.
The backstory of this Al Fresco spot is just as glitzy. It was the former administrative headquarters of fashion brand Zadig & Voltaire, housed in three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. As a result, the hotel is unapologetically alt fashion. Vogue reading types flock the hallways, and the cool kids often pop in for a snoop purely out of interest. The man behind it all is Thierry Gillier. To bring his vision to life, he tapped some seriously good talent. Franck Durand, the artistic director behind Holiday Magazine, and Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, the duo behind Festen Architecture, who are called in anytime historic digs need a facelift.
The result is, you guessed it, a hotel that feels more like a private residence. How original. If you are already a sceptic, shoosh. In these parts of the city, you’d be hard pressed to find five-star addresses that are not palaces, and for that, Chateau Voltaire, really is a standout. As for its style, it’s top notch, but not at all gaudy. Modern French finesse reigns in between the Coquille d’Or bar and the reception area; a blend of old and new Art Deco throwback dominates the arty walls and lounges. Floors are decked out in carpets with foliage motifs, and there is the odd splattering of medieval tapestries and vintage Louis XIII-style armchairs. Nothing is overtly over the top, and there’s an atmosphere rooted and encouraged with an idea of the contemporary Parisian set in mind.
As for the boudoirs, nothing is the same simply because it’s all housed in three different time periods. Fringed velvet furnishing, plush rugs, and seashell lampshades atop the bedside tables come as standard, as well as solid oak lights and earthy palettes or bold oranges. It’s demure, and the low-lit, subway-tiled bathrooms will make you feel all shades of naughty as you strike poses in the rough-cut mirrors. The details make the room, and 1935 Illy espresso machines and antiqued cocktail glasses prove that, beyond the aesthetic, a lot of thought went into first impressions. And for this, they get top marks. Best room? Easily the top floor apartment suite. The kitchenette is a showstopper itself as is, and the tree-covered terrace is designed by the landscape architect Louis Benech.
Bistro fare with a touch of Mediterranean inspiration is served in Emil, the hotel’s restaurant. Fish features heavily on the menu and is not cheap. In fact, the space itself was better than the food. Think tiled floors, marble tabletops, stained glass, and wood banquettes. Sexy folk tend to skip the food for the bar, La Coquille d’Or. It’s no BS, intimate ambiance gives it a touch of the subdued – bring or pack a date. If you get bored of the food, drinking, and Paris itself, there’s a small spa in the basement with treatments, a private water basin, and a sauna for use on request. But let’s be honest, does anyone ever get bored with this city? One thinks not.
Top Takeaways
Location: Paris, France
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: FashUN. You stay here to be seen, especially if you are part of the alt fashion crowd.
Food + Drink: Brasserie fare. Same, same, French.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, afternoon tea, gardens, spa
Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: The rooms. They are so simple, yet so chic, and I mean that wholeheartedly. The subway-tiled bathrooms also stayed with me. You’ll see what I mean when you pose in front of one.
What’s Nearby? The whole of Paris! You are within walking distance of every Paris icon.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? Wake up early and enjoy the streets of Paris before madness ensues. There’s something oddly cathartic and beautiful about seeing this city in a zombie state at 6 am in the morning.
Rooms: 32
Pricing: From about 830 USD per night, including breakfast.
Closest Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle or Paris Orly
