Hotel des Grands Boulevards: Parisian refinement in the Sentier

Hotel des Grands Boulevards sits behind a carriage gate on Boulevard Poissonnière, between the Sentier and the Grands Boulevards in the 2nd arrondissement. It occupies a Haussmannian building predating the French Revolution, accessed via a private courtyard (entre cour et jardin). In 2026 it is run by the Experimental Group, with interiors by Dorothée Meilichzon — it attracts those seeking a four-star boutique with good cocktail bars, a small rooftop and a central location 50 metres from the metro. For a classic lunch in the area, Chez Georges is two stops away; Le Bouillon Pigalle offers traditional fixed-price menus in the 18th. Rooms start at around €240 in low season.

Building history and Meilichzon design

The building dates from before the French Revolution — rare in Paris, where much of the centre was rebuilt by Haussmann in the 19th century. The carriage-gate entrance and inner courtyard isolate the hotel from traffic on Boulevard Poissonnière, one of the busiest streets in the centre.

The renovation was entrusted to Dorothée Meilichzon, a designer known for theatrical, welcoming spaces. She developed the concept of "aristocratic rustic", inspired by the building's pre-revolutionary history and Marie Antoinette: rustic wood canopy beds, textured plaster walls in olive, terracotta and blue-grey, aged baroque mirrors, brass taps — countryside comfort in the urban centre. The result balances historic charm and contemporary Parisian sophistication.

The hotel is part of the Experimental Group portfolio, also behind the Experimental Cocktail Club and other cocktail addresses in Paris, London and New York.

Rooms, restaurant and bars

50 rooms with canopies, Egyptian cotton sheets and marble bathrooms. Categories range from Standard to Suites — all keep Meilichzon's palette.

• Le Grand Restaurant: In the inner courtyard, with a retractable glass roof and heating — open year-round. Seasonal French cuisine; reservation recommended.
• The Shell: Intimate cocktail bar with a creative menu from the Experimental Group team. Dark atmosphere, low lighting — ideal for a drink before or after dinner.
• Le Rooftop: Small terrace among Paris zinc rooftops. No reservation; guests have priority. Opens in spring and summer — arrive early (5:30 p.m.) at opening.

Room service available with Le Grand Restaurant menu and The Shell cocktails.

Practical tips

Rooftop: No reservation. Guests have priority over walk-ins. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. at opening — few tables, good view over zinc rooftops.

Covered passages: Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy are a 5-minute walk — 19th-century shopping galleries, prints, cafés and collectibles shops.

Rue Montorgueil: Pedestrian street 8 minutes away — cheese shops, fishmongers, fruit stalls and Stohrer patisserie (since 1730). Good for breakfast or a picnic.

Food route: Lunch at Chez Georges (traditional bistro, 2nd arrondissement) or Le Bouillon Pigalle (affordable fixed menu, 18th, 15 min by metro). In the afternoon, the Musée de l'Orangerie is two stops away — Monet's Nymphéas.

Frequently asked questions

1. Does the courtyard work in winter?
Yes. Retractable glass roof and heating allow dining in the courtyard year-round — Le Grand Restaurant does not close in cold weather.

2. Is there room service?
Yes, with Le Grand Restaurant menu and The Shell cocktails. Extended hours — confirm at reception.

3. Is the hotel suitable for business travel?
Yes. Fast Wi-Fi, desk in rooms and informal spaces in the courtyard and bar for short meetings. Central location makes it easy to reach La Défense and Gare du Nord.

Combine with guides on this site

To keep exploring on this site, these guides pair well with this article: Chez Georges, Musée de l'Orangerie and Le Bouillon Pigalle.

Editorial note: prices, opening hours and booking conditions in this guide are references checked against official and institutional sources in July 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit, as details may change.