Shock wave. A pebble thrown from the Seine displayed on a large door in rue Agrippa d’Aubin (4th arrondissement). A closing door at the height of the ambitions of this crazy project called “La Félicité”. Since 2016, the Paris of tomorrow is being formed here. The H-shaped building that once housed the Cité administrative and the Direction de l’Urbanisme now houses an art gallery showcasing budding photography talents, a local market full of fine goods and, above all, a hotel that aspires to be. to be the beating heart of this vast ocean. Her name : SW / ParisThe first French address of the Ennismore lifestyle hotel group SO/ collection (The Hoxton, 25hours, Mama Shelter…) with the spirit of a well-established island.
Just imagine… We were here on an island in the days of the Kings. And not just any island, Louviers Island, the epicenter of river trade. The small history of Mets fed the work of Denis Montel and Julia Kapp from the architecture agency RDAI (Hermès boutiques, Les Bains Paris…), who were responsible for the design. In the lobby, eight tulip columns recall the exceptional flood line of 1910 through the play of materials between concrete and terrazzo. Cool materials are enhanced by orange furniture and large amber mirrors. On the floor, traditional Parisian flagstone in the shape of a peacock’s tail replaces granite with polished marble. But the look doesn’t take long to land Paris lighthouse, a monumental work by Franco-Algerian artist Neil Beloufa, made from everyday waste frozen in resin. Designed as an exhibition gallery, SO/Paris also offers an avant-garde view of art, design and fashion, notably with the staff uniforms designed by Guillaume Henri.
First row on Cena
Dark corridors immediately invite exploration. Distributed from the 7th to the 14th floors of the building: 140 rooms and 22 suites they are also a tribute to Paris… at night. A palette ranging from saffron yellow, reflecting the street lamps of the Seine, to coral, the ultimate twilight shade that runs through many shades of deep blue, echoing warm summer evenings. No more fancy lighting, all the lights are integrated behind the walls and ceiling for a glowing effect. The same logic in the bathroom, with reflective copper mosaics and oak screens that play on transparency so that you never lose sight of the second side. A panoramic view over the gardens of La Félicité for the “Capsule” category rooms, over the roofs of Paris and the rooftops of the Bastille “Rooftop view” and the Eiffel Tower overlooking the Seine for the “Skyline view” rooms. If all are approximately the same area – 28 m2, then suites reach up to 125 m2. Our favorite is the So Phare, with its five windows that give the impression of being on a plane.
Catwalk under the clouds
As the sun sets and the Seine ripples in golden reflections, another scene unfolds on the building’s 15th and 16th floors. It good, the new icon of the Paris society group (Gigi, Maison Russe, Mun…), free, sensual and sulphurous. “Space Age” vibe led by Jordan Come from Notoire agency. the panoramic atmosphere takes on a psychedelic appeal here. A tribute to Jon Cardin’s style, his love for curves, his fascination with transparency and his futuristic desires. In the bar menu, the iconic cocktails of the 1950s are revealed against the unprecedented view of Parisian rooftops and the career of the Republican Guard. On the plates, we find the group’s chic brasserie spirit for sharing beautiful cuts of meat and festive dishes. Night finally comes, bewitching and haunting. Bonnie’s electro-disco sounds float around the lit bar as if suspended in the sky. Then “The Seeing City” shows off its best costumes. This work by Olafur Eliasson and Sebastian Benham reflects the beauties of Paris, Seine, Ile de la Cité and Saint-Louis in 360° like a kaleidoscope of stunning mirrors.
Still some energy? Go to the basement toafter party, before Bonnie’s life-saving breakfast. The hotel promises its guests direct access to the Ô Zenhit sports club (1700 m2:) and its 20 meter long swimming pool. But a big drawback. the pool will be privatized four mornings a week, from 9 to 11 a.m. to district schools. Good to know before you dream about your morning bath. The spa version remains, which is exploited Home coding. A miniature format with its two treatment chambers, but no less life-saving for a real break from everyday life. Because that’s what Dennis Montel and Julia Kapp are all about. Contrary to the current trend of “like at home”, SO/ Paris has opted for a new experience. For a hotel with sensory waves… that promises to give us wings.
SO/ Paris, 10 rue Agrippa d’Aubigné, 75004 Paris. From €500 per night. Bonnie Restaurant is open every day of the week from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to midnight. Night owls will be able to enter the Club until 3am. Valet service available.
Source: Le Figaro
