Located at 6 Rue de Saintonge, this mysterious building once housed an enigmatic theater until 1807, which was closed by order of Napoleon as “the ladies performing there were of too lax morals”, then became the Convent of the Filles du Calvaire, before being shuttered for over a century and finally transformed into a hotel.
Managed by ELEGANCIA, a group bringing together independent boutique hotels with singular concepts, Le Boudoir des Muses is a new establishment with unique heritage architecture, offering 28 rooms, including 4 suites, a cocktail bar, and private bathing lounges. Paying homage to the site’s rich and layered history, the Boudoir des Muses stands out with its bold, nonconformist artistic direction and delightfully transgressive character. Its religious and scandalous heritage transports guests into a world apart.
ACT I
A Confessional
of Curiosity
Guests enter a “confessional of curiosity,” the starting point of an initiatory journey into the senses and sensuality.
From the very entrance, the building’s historical references are laid bare: the tension between the sacred and the forbidden. Bathed in soft, muted light, the lobby serves as a transition from the outside world into the hotel, a threshold that transports guests into another world.
On the floor, a carpet patterned with serpents guides the guest deeper into the Boudoir des Muses. Symbolizing the Garden of Eden, it leads the way to the reception desk, crafted in marble and topped with a confessional grille. In front, a sofa with rounded, sensual forms welcomes visitors into a space that symbolically represents a purgatory, before finally stepping into the Boudoir des Muses proper.
ACT II
A Living Atrium
Here, at the heart of the hotel, lies the creative cradle of sensual and artistic live performances.
Crowned by a magnificent glass and steel dome of the Directoire era, soaring 12 meters high, the atrium astonishes visitors and gives the space a truly unique character.
Around it, spiral walkways lead to the rooms and suites across five floors, historically designed as the original boxes for the live performances. Various symbolic details are scattered throughout the space; not immediately apparent, they create an atmosphere that is both mysterious and alluring. A wooden frieze running along the ceiling bears Latin inscriptions taken from the Apocalypse.
Tucked into alcoves, the softly provocative lounges and boxes line the atrium. On the floor, a graphic black parquet evokes the atmosphere of a Marais mansion, while a grand period wooden staircase ascends to the upper floors, leading to the rooms.
ACT III
A theatrical bar
Adjacent to the atrium, the bar, crafted in luxurious wood with flowing, rounded lines, invites guests into a more intimate and private atmosphere.
Behind the Bar, cleverly designed niches mimic stained-glass patterns, housing a carefully curated wine and spirits collection. The bar is crowned with a fringed chandelier that dramatizes the space with a play of light, while a marble patchwork frieze on the floor accentuates the bespoke furniture.
In this cozy, intimate setting, guests can enjoy a playful snacking menu that reflects the contrasts and duality of the space : hot and cold, cooked and raw – through a curated selection of shareable plates.
Seated comfortably at the bar on tall velvet stools, guests sip on reimagined spritzes (made with melon liqueur and jasmine infusion) and other signature cocktails, both with or without alcohol, bearing the enchanting names of muses and goddesses. Presentation takes center stage, with service rituals imbued with mystery, designed to delight and surprise visitors.
ACT IV
Monk-inspired rooms
Accessed via winding corridors, the 28 rooms (from 13 to 25 m²), including 4 suites (38 m²), embrace a more minimalist décor with soft, organic materials and light tones : creating a striking contrast with the darker, more mysterious common areas. The inviting design encourages relaxation, featuring plush bedding, colorful accent cushions, cream velvet curtains, and boucle wool seating.
Each bed is adorned with a portrait of a woman : the “guardians of the temple.” These muses, each with her own distinct character, infuse the spirit of the space.
Some rooms feature period wooden colonnades, reflecting the 18th century heritage architecture of the building, while others open onto views of the Parisian rooftops.
Nestled under the mansard roofs, The Apartment, spanning 72 m² and accommodating up to six guests, is a true cocoon. Exposed beams, warmed by vintage rugs, along with a sofa bed and two double beds, create a cozy atmosphere. The apartment also includes a shower and bathtub, and offers a sweeping view of the Atrium.
ACT V
Timeless Bathing Salons
Located on the lower floors, two private bathing salons complete the experience, immersing guests in a truly unique atmosphere.
The first salon features a stone-carved pool and a hammam, while the second, distinguished by its emerald-green palette, is equipped with a jacuzzi and sauna.
Both spaces are designed as softly lit bathing salons, dedicated to relaxation and bodily pleasures, offering a jacuzzi, double shower, sauna, bar, and vanity.
PROGRAMMING
Honoring its heritage, the Boudoir des Muses will host a bold, diverse, and entirely female-led program from Monday to Sunday.
Mondays are dedicated to workshops and masterclasses held within the hotel’s boudoirs.
On the agenda: crystal readings, tarot sessions, and other artistic workshops such as writing erotic poetry, life drawing with nude models, and more.
Tickets required and by reservation
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Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays the sound rises in the atrium to the beats of house, funk, soul, and groovy mixes, performed by the resident DJettes who will make the crowd dance with flair.
Open to all, no reservation required
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Sundays feature improvised erotic readings on the hotel stage, exploring changing themes: interviews with authors, readings of their works, and Q&A sessions in the form of anonymous confessions.
Tickets required and by reservation
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Once a month, cabaret dancers take the stage under the artistic direction of the captivating Maud Amour. Glamour and mischief are the order of the day during a 2.5-hour show.
Tickets required and by reservation
Opening : September 20, 2024
Rates : From €309 for rooms and €589 for suites
ADDRESS :
6 rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris
www.boudoirdesmuses.com
@boudoirdesmuses
