It’s often declared Paris’ Left Bank, or La Rive Gauche, the local side of the Seine —  where bohemian and chic are used superfluously, albeit with some veracity. It only makes sense that travelers looking to stay on the Left Bank would seek as local an accommodation as possible — Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs is the new kid on the block and certainly delivers this with its design following the likes of a Parisian art collectors’ residence.

© Kate Devine

The lifestyle hotel opened last fall on Rue de Vaugirard in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-près, one of the village-like districts in the sixth arrondissement. Here, the hustle and bustle come from artists and restaurateurs rushing to work more than tourists shoving to snap photos of Paris’ premier sites. It’s the perfect location for a repeat visitor as it shows you an entirely new side to the city with hole-in-the-wall wine bars, mainstay brasseries and plenty of Seine-side cafes to enjoy Paris’ lifestyle at a more leisurely pace. Yet, if it’s your first trip to the City of Lights, you’re still at the center of it all — key landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries and Musée de l’Orangerie are all within a 15-minute drive from Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs (or if you’re feeling European, about 30 minutes by foot).

The hotel’s ideal position in Paris is what inspired interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghi to make the 138-room property feel like home with the warmth of its décor. “The inspiration comes from our location between the train station of Montparnasse [where the 6^th, 7^th, 14^th, and 15^th arrondissements converge, and also where regional trains depart for France’s alluring countryside locales] and the artsy neighborhood of Saint Germain,” shared Léa Fabrizio, director of operations, Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs.

© Kate Devine

Fabrizio furthered the latter position “is why there’s so many art pieces,” mentioning this is only the second hotel completed by Casiraghi, typically a residential designer. There are lithographs by Gustav Klimt in the rooms; Marc Chagall downstairs in the speakeasy bar, Poppy; and inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent as “he fell in love with artists who were also global citizens,” said Fabrizio. Not to mention: the Turkish rug upon entry, Italian frescoes in the gym and brass leaf-adorned mirrors by Osanna Visconti. Forthcoming art includes ornate masks from Indonesia, Asia, Africa and Mexico that will live around the lobby bar and reception.

The art is complemented by EQ Group’s draw to music and lighting (the same team behind boutique Hôtel Dame des Arts in the Latin Quarter), who want guests to experience the hotel through the five senses. That’s why there’s an on-site music library, suites feature record players with personally curated vinyl, and there’s a mix of antiquities and modernity to play with the tangibility of the Golden Age of Travel. Tantalizing cocktails at the lobby bar are influenced by aromatics and perfumes, while savory tastes await at the lobby restaurant — a new type of brasserie for area locals.

© Kate Devine

It’s here where Casiraghi nods to another gilded form of transportation, trans-Atlantic travel, with twisted ropes and narrow halls emphasizing the restaurant’s seafood-centric menu, created as an homage to dining excursions aboard an ocean liner traveling from France to the East Coast of the United States. Untraditional dishes like sashimi, a lobster roll and vegetarian options give a break from classic Parisian fare — though a version of the most famed brasserie serving of steak frites is served as an American Wagyu chuck steak with French tartare sauce and fries.

On Friday and Saturday, guests can continue the aura of bygone days at Poppy, the hotel’s subterranean speakeasy that likens the private clubs of prohibition. The intimate space isn’t members-only but it’s definitely an insider’s spot and one you may have to wait in line for; the rotating DJ sets, local vibe with area artists coming to end their night here, and signature lemon drop and Long Island iced tea (nothing like your memory of college dorm drinks) are worth it.

Poppy’s exclusiveness, designed after an ethos of “only people who know, know,” said Fabrizio, perhaps defines the entire experience at Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs. “We want you to live like Parisians,” she said, referring to the French term la flâneur — just taking your time.

Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs

92 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France
tel 331 49 54 87 00