With its architectural decor, geometric lines, contrasting colors and luxurious materials, Art deco reached its peak in the 1920s and still continues to inspire hotels, restaurants and global design of the modern era. In Paris, many addresses celebrate this ultra trendy style.
100 years ago, the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts propelled Art deco to the forefront of the world scene. (Re) discovery of some emblematic Parisian places of this art of living.
The Parisian hotel business, a journey into the 1920s
Le Prince de Galles
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Icon of Avenue George V in the 8th arrondissement, the Prince de Galles, a hotel The Luxury Collection of the Marriott group, opened in 1929, at the height of Art deco. Inside, we discover a historic charm with marble, crystal lighting fixtures, a front of black metal ascensur with graphic lines and white stone walls contrasted by dark vases and dark wood furniture. It is not surprising that Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich and members of royal families stayed there.
Hotel du Collectionneur
Classified among the historic buildings of Paris, the Hotel du Collectionneur, in the 8th arrondissement, celebrates Art deco in a unique way. Its marble hall, overlooked by a pastel-coloured fresco on the ceiling, impresses upon arrival. The graphic patterns bring a certain character to the place, embellished by crystal chandeliers, wide columns and finely crafted railings on the central staircase. A five-star hotel that bears witness to the glamour of yesteryear and is enhanced by modern sophistication.
The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia
The only palace on the Left Bank renovated in 2018, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia combines geometric friezes, mosaics, laser-cut marble and countless works of art. In the bar Joséphine, which owes its name to Joséphine Baker, a loyal client of the case, historical frescoes rub shoulders with modern design elements by Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
Eating in an Art deco setting
La Coupole
This iconic brasserie in the Montparnasse district opened in 1927 and reveals an Art deco decor listed as a historical heritage. Between the patterned tiles, the raw wood furniture, the turquoise marble columns topped with frescoes and the benches with geometric lines, we enjoy seafood platters and typical French dishes. In the basement, burlesque shows, tap dancing and live music bring back the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties.
The Relais Plaza
Nestled in the Hotel Plaza Athénée, the Relais Plaza features a very good wooden bar counter, mushroom lamps, patterned marbled carpet and frescoes on the walls, representing bygone times. The mirrors bring a depth to the place and reflect every detail of this Art deco restaurant where we eat eggs mayonnaise with caviar and veal sweetbreads with chanterelle juice.
Mistinguett
The Mistinguett restaurant, inaugurated in March 2023 within the Casino de Paris, embodies the elegance of the Art deco style while paying tribute to the famous French artist Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois, nicknamed Mistinguett. This bistronomic presents a breathtaking decor composed of an imposing and sumptuous stained glass window, an undulating golden ceiling, cozy alcoves with red benches and glass feather chandeliers.
Other immersive addresses
The Museum of Decorative Arts
From 22 October, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris will exhibit the most beautiful works of this era which still fascinates today. “Sculptural furniture, precious jewelry, art objects, drawings, posters and fashion pieces: nearly 1,000 works tell the richness, elegance and contradictions” of this style, explains the institution. A perfect presentation to take the pulse of the roaring twenties at the art of living so distinct.
The pools of the Molitor
Jewel of the 16th arrondissement, the Molitor has two pools open since 1929. The railings, the stained glass windows signed Louis Barillet and the portholes are a real dive into Art deco. For the 2025 Heritage Days, the five-star hotel also opens its doors to discover its iconic pools, including the outdoor one surrounded by 70 artistic cabins decorated by urban artists. A pretty harmony between past and present.
The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Inaugurated in 1913 and classified as a Historic Monument in 1957, the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées is a pioneer in the Art deco universe. Inside, Maurice Denis decorated the dome with frescoes illustrating themes related to music and theater, while Édouard Vuillard, Ker-Xavier Roussel, Jacqueline Marval and Raphaël Drouart brought their talent to the wall decoration. To perfect this harmony of red and gold hues, René Lalique created 62 lights and stained glass windows, incorporating floral patterns typical of Art Deco.
Read also : The most beautiful palaces in Paris
Featured photo : © Le Mandarin Oriental Lutetia
