This New Parisian Hotel Feels Like the Stylish Home of a Close Friend

When asked about their favorite European city, most people will probably say “Paris.” Although I consider myself fairly well-traveled, the City of Lights had eluded me until recently. In the summer of 2022, I finally made my visit. As it was my first trip, I decided to keep my plans straightforward, focusing on the must-see attractions. To achieve this, I sought a centrally located hotel that was charming and exuded Parisian flair.

Welcome to Saint-Germain des Pres. Nestled in the lively sixth arrondissement on Paris’s Left Bank, this neighborhood is the epitome of Parisian charm. It houses the Eglise Saint-Germain des Pres, the oldest abbey in the city, and is conveniently close to the Seine, with several historical and cultural landmarks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Musee D’Orsay within walking distance. The quaint, winding streets are filled with artistic boutiques and lovely cafés where you might have encountered the likes of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus, who once called this area home. Tucked away on a peaceful side street in this storied district is the Pavillon Faubourg Hotel, which beautifully honors the neighborhood's rich cultural and literary heritage while offering the ambiance of a fashionable Parisian friend’s apartment.

This newly renovated four-star hotel marks the latest addition from the boutique hotel group Chevalier Paris, which also manages the Pavillon de La Reine, Pavillon des Lettres, and Hôtel du Petit Moulin, all situated on the Right Bank of Paris. Opened in April 2022, Pavillon Faubourg features 47 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, and a newly established spa. The property is an elegant fusion of three distinct 17th-century buildings, surpassing the sum of its parts. Celebrated interior designer Didier Benderli, known for his eclectic approach, has harmonized the interiors with thoughtful design choices while preserving each building's unique facade. The outcome? A hotel that exudes architectural charm and a warm, modern elegance.

The rooms are generously sized and exquisitely furnished, featuring a mostly neutral palette of tan, navy, and burgundy, highlighted by intriguing lighting fixtures and varied textures. The hotel’s signature James Joyce suite, spanning 753 square feet, boasts herringbone parquet floors, sloped ceilings, and an unobstructed view of the neighborhood’s charming tiled rooftops. A custom chandelier, specially designed by Parisian furniture and lighting creator Alexandre Logé, serves as a stunning focal point.

Beyond the rooms, communal areas invite you to unwind. The lobby flows into a “living room” space featuring a sculptural fireplace, mottled green walls, and inviting seating arrangements. Natural light pours in through a glass ceiling, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an indoor garden, a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. Descend the spiral stone staircase to the right of the living room to discover the newly completed spa. Formerly a wine cellar and cabaret, this subterranean retreat, with its natural stone walls and marble tiles, evokes a serene ambiance. The spa offers a hammam, meditation and yoga room, gym, and two massage rooms, all furnished with bespoke treatments and products from Codage Paris. Notably, Pavillon Faubourg is the only four-star hotel in the area that features a plunge pool.

Pavillon Faubourg is deeply inspired by the rich literary heritage of its locale, with a warmly lit salon serving as the hotel’s social heart, connecting the lobby, bar, and restaurant. The wood-paneled bookshelves are filled with various Gallimard French titles available for guests to borrow during their visit. This inviting salon provides comfortable seating and stylish coffee tables, perfect for relaxing, reading, or working. Over a century ago, Irish author James Joyce crafted his iconic work Ulysses while residing at the hotel’s location. Today, Pavillon Faubourg honors this legacy by naming its bar and signature suite after Joyce, with the restaurant called “Les Parisiens” in tribute to his collection Dubliners.

Referred to as a “neo-brasserie,” the restaurant features a menu that embraces traditional French cuisine with a contemporary flair—imagine seabream carpaccio topped with bottarga, trout egg pickles, and crème fraîche; the eclectic wine list highlights local vintners. This culinary vision is brought to life by acclaimed chef Thibault Sombardier, a former chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Antoine and the second-place winner of the 2014 season of Top Chef (France). Both the restaurant and bar are open to the public, firmly establishing the hotel as an integral part of its vibrant neighborhood.