Grand Coeur Latin Hotel Opening in the heart of Paris

Hôtel Grand Cœur Latin — Photo by Hôtel Grand Coeur Latin

With its 82 rooms in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, this four-star hotel is both historical and modern. The Grand Cœur Latin Hotel is a voyage through time: from the Roman remains known as the Arènes de Lutèce, via the Middle Ages to the philosophical debates of the 19th century, the past comes to life within these walls. Architect Vincent Bastie and interior designer Marie-Paule Clout have created a welcoming contemporary space that reflects the quintessential charm of the Latin Quarter. With its swimming pool, 50 ft long and 13ft wide, inspired by the Romans' thermal baths and built with full consideration, atop ancient architecture remains below, its hammam and treatment room, open-air terrace and bar, the Grand Cœur Latin Hotel is a destination - one that promises each guest a truly unique experience.

Time travel is the key to the story of the Grand Cœur Latin Hotel. In 2022, the establishment closed for an upgrade. The major renovations have carefully preserved the prestige of this 19th century building, while emphasising its grandeur and elegance. There was no expectation that these works would reveal anything unusual but there have been all sorts of surprises: those working on the site found themselves in an epic story with Ancient Rome at its heart. When the works reached the basement, they really did become an archaeological dig! For six months, along with his team, David Couturier, an antiquity specialist in the City of Paris's archaeology department, travelled back through time, reconnecting with the ancient history of the capital. Columns, animal remains, shards of pottery... there were so many discoveries, all bearing witness to the place's lively former existence, so far away and yet right there, under our feet. The imagination takes flight: the roar of the crowd, the conversations with merchants and vendors trading a piece of pottery or meat or fresh fish products that have just arrived from the sea via the banks of the Seine.

Today, the Grand Cœur Latin Hotel has been brought entirely up to date, without relinquishing this incontestable historical inheritance. Designed by Vincent Bastie and decorated by interior designer Marie-Paule Clout, Noir Nuance Agency, they have created a timeless and relaxing environment that blends cultural influences into an invitation to socialise and to dream. The mix of raw materials, genuine oak, metal, rugs and marble is warm and welcoming. As for the open-air terrace, its inspiration, drawn from monastic life, transports guests back to the Middle Ages. Just raising your eyes reveals a vaulted ceiling which calls Cluny Abbey to mind. In this way, the establishment aims to link the traditions of study and religion, moving from the Arènes de Lutèce to the philosophical debates of the 19th century, via the Middle Ages. The walls, which are responsible for this authentic journey through time, seem to whisper their memories.

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