Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs is a Parisian pied-à-terre for modern travellers
Designed by Fabrizio Casiraghi, Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs offers a journey back to the Golden Age of Travel
Within the spirited Left Bank quartier of Saint-Placide lies Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs – a sanctuary for the discerning traveller seeking an intimate pied-à-terre in all-Parisian chic. Inspired by the Golden Age of Travel, where exploration was an art form, and luxury meant savouring the journey, the boutique hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is the perfect design-led escape to explore Paris’ best-kept secrets.
Set foot in Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs
Situated between the Montparnasse Train Station and the Saint Germain district, known for its galleries and artistic heritage, the hotel embodies the rich cultural tapestry of its surroundings. Designed by Fabrizio Casiraghi, who at 34 is among the top emerging names of the European design scene, the Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs transports guests into the private residence of a Parisian art collector.
Casiraghi, whose work embraces modernity infused with references from the past (and includes Experimental Chalet in Verbier for the Experimental Group, and Cassio restaurant in Hong Kong), describes the hotel’s overall style as ‘nostalgic but innovative’. He adds, ‘We strive to design spaces that draw inspiration from history while maintaining a contemporary approach by collaborating with young artists and working with custom-made furniture. Our goal is not to fabricate a false sense of history but to create spaces that reflect the present while evoking nostalgia, providing today’s comfort, beauty, and aesthetic, without veering too far into minimalism.’
From lithographs by Gustav Klimt to sculptures by Stefan Traloc and mirrors by Osanna Visconti, every detail creates an ambience that reflects the culture of travel associated with Montparnasse, historically a departure point for Parisians on holiday and the area which was home to many artists. The ground floor welcomes guests with its wooden floors, mosaic tiles, and exquisite artworks, while downstairs, the Poppy Bar, open until 2am, beckons with lithographs by Marc Chagall and live music sessions.
For Casiraghi, the entrance is the most noteworthy area, considering ‘it’s quite unique that one enters the hotel and encounters the reception, bar, and restaurant all in one space’. He explains, ‘The entrance is almost a hybrid spot, creating a vibrant atmosphere as it remains active almost 24 hours a day, with guests checking in or out, enjoying drinks at the bar, and dining in the restaurant.’
The hotel’s pièce de résistance is its chic brasserie, where French and American influences come together in the form of decadent, ingredient-focused dishes that get the Parisian stamp of approval. Beyond its aesthetic allure, Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs serves as a cultural hub for both locals and visitors alike. With its clandestine bar, avant-garde gym, and stylish restaurant, the hotel offers a space for socialising, relaxation, and cultural exchange – a true reflection of the bohemian spirit of Saint-Placide.
Each room within the hotel is imbued with its own distinct personality. From the elegant carpets depicting star maps to the plaster cornices and bas-reliefs, every element has been chosen to transport guests back to the Golden Age of Travel while providing modern comforts. For Casiraghi, the goal was ‘to create a space that feels like a comfortable, private home for world travellers, allowing them to experience a slice of Parisian life typically reserved for locals.’ Even the bathrooms, though small in size, are infused with colour and mosaic tiles, embedding the feel of a townhouse retreat.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
fabriziocasiraghi.com, hoteldesgrandsvoyageurs.com
Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. She was born in Madrid, Spain but moved to London when she was 14 years old. Being exposed to the city’s creative pulse at such a young age shaped her into the inquisitive professional she is today. Before joining the Wallpaper* team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.
-
Oliver Spencer’s new Marylebone store offers an ‘arts and crafts-inspired’ approach
Oliver Spencer opens a new store in the heart of London's Marylebone, with sage green interiors and repurposed materials. We speak with the designer to unpack the space’s independent style
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Head Hi presents the 5th annual Lamp Show during New York Design Week
Head Hi, the city’s favourite architecture and design bookstore, debuts 54 new lights in a Tribeca pop up exhibition at New York Design Week 2024 (until 19 May)
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
A Red Rock house balances spatial luxury and desert minimalism
This Red Rock house by Faulkner Architects, set in the open Nevada country outside Las Vegas, balances spatial luxury and desert minimalism
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Public House brings a taste of good old London to Paris
Chef Calum Franklin opens Public House, a British-style pub and brasserie in Paris boasting interiors by Laura Gonzalez
By Nicola Leigh Stewart Published
-
Spend the night in Mathieu Lehanneur’s Musée D’Orsay Airbnb in Paris
Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris Olympic torch, turns Musée D‘Orsay’s clock room into an Airbnb, which comes with a chance to watch the Olympic opening ceremony
By Bridget Downing Published
-
Love is in the air at Hôtel de la Boétie in Paris
Hôtel de la Boétie, designed by Beata Heuman, emerges as the perfect Parisian pied-à-terre
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Chef Raphael Rego’s Oka Fogo in Paris is two Brazilian restaurants in one
Oka Fogo in Paris, by Michelin-starred chef Raphael Rego, offers two dining spaces, with interiors by Arnaud Behzad and joyful frescoes by Florence Bamberger
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Disneyland Paris Hotel has reopened its doors – and it was worth the wait
Step into the brand-new Disneyland Paris Hotel, where we discover luxury with a fairytale twist
By Hannah Silver Published
-
100 years on, Hotel San Régis continues to glisten with Golden Age glamour
Hotel San Régis is the discreet and luxurious Paris bolthole to bookmark for your next travel to the French capital
By Caragh McKay Last updated
-
Sushi Yoshinaga and sake bar Omasake bring Tokyo experiences to Paris
Sushi Yoshinaga and Omasake celebrate the coexistence of different universes in downtown Tokyo; situated within 27/4, a multipurpose hospitality project in Paris
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Highstay's stylish travel apartments in the heart of Paris make a chic alternative to hotels
Highstay offers a wide selection of apartments in central locations across Paris
By Hannah Silver Published