While giant butterflies climb the wall in one room, velvet and damask define another. It’s the world of designer Christian Lacroix, whose apparently limitless imagination was temporarily harnessed to create the sumptuous spaces of Le Bellechasse Saint Germain’s 33 guestrooms. Intense colors, rich textures, grand ceiling murals and an unbeatable location on Paris’ Left Bank combine to create a memorable sensory experience.

The building itself dates to 1840, but there’s nothing remotely stuffy or dated about the extravagant, multi-layered décor. With soundproof rooms, complimentary WiFi, and rooms categorized as Original, Discovery or Privilege (no two are alike), it’s clear comfort is paramount. There’s no on-site restaurant for full meals, but you can order breakfast in bed and loll about to your heart’s content in the plush bedding. Brush off the croissant crumbs and force yourself to leave the room long enough to head out into the bustle. You are in Paris, after all.

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