Latest news with #7tharrondissement
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Chic New Parisian Hotel With A Sexy Bar And Epic Eiffel Tower Views
Quietly opening this past spring, the new 118-room Sax Paris makes a good addition to the 7th arrondissement, providing guests with a front-row seat to Paris at its most quintessentially elegant. The first plus is the location: The new hotel is discreetly set on Avenue de Saxe, a leafy street from which it gets its name, within a neo-Gothic building that once served as the Ségur telephone exchange. While the immediate surrounding area can be sleepy and residential, the 7th arrondissement is home to so many of Paris' top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower. The neighborhood is also home to Les Invalides, a complex of buildings and monuments famed for its skyline-defining gilded dome and housing the Musée de l'Armée and Napoleon's tomb. Musée Rodin is a delight for art lovers, with sculptures nestled in its gardens, and, of course, there is the world-renowed Musée d'Orsay and the contemporary Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac. On the foodie front, there's the pedestrian market on Rue Cler, a pretty street lined with boulangeries, fromageries and cafés. Plus, the hotel is not far from the beloved gourmet grocer, La Grande Epicerie de Paris, a subsidiary of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche. There is also no shortage of draws within the hotel. Just off the hotel's entrance hides The Gallery, a dazzling, tunnel-like red bar that glows with 200 mirrors, Baccarat crystal chandeliers and video projections. Walk through the quaint lobby to find another hidden gem, the Sax Garden, a romantic French-style garden restaurant, complete with a heated outdoor pool (a rarity in Paris), checkerboard marble floors and green foliage. Guest rooms are impeccably designed sanctuaries, with muted, retro tones and book-ended black-and-white marble bathrooms. Some even offer private terraces or Eiffel Tower views. Bespoke minibars come stocked with goodies from the nearby La Grande Epicerie de Paris. Another highlight of the hotel is the subterranean wellness space with Technogym equipment, sauna, hammam and a handful of treatment rooms for everything from facials to deep-tissue massages. Sax Paris' Deluxe Junior Suite Sax Paris Sax Paris' Prestige Room Twin Sax Paris The star of the hotel's food and beverage options is the indoor/outdoor Kinugawa Rive Gauche, perched across two levels on the 8th-floor rooftop. Bringing the brand's signature sceney Franco-Japanese flair to the Left Bank, Kinugawa was founded in Paris in 2010 and quickly became one of the city's most fashionable Asian dining addresses, later expanding with sister restaurants in hotspots like Saint-Tropez, Megève and Dubai. The Rive Gauche outpost has some of the best Eiffel Tower and skytop views in the city. On the menu, expect trendy and upscale bites like toro sashimi with ponzu, miso-marinated black cod and tuna tartare with caviar. By night, live DJs set a glamorous tone, making Kinugawa as much a scene as it is a dining destination. Come morning, the same space doubles as the hotel's breakfast spot. Kinugawa Rive Gauche Claire ISRAËL Kinugawa Rive Gauche Claire ISRAËL
The Guardian
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘City of singles': cosmopolitan prewar Paris's ‘crazy years' brought to life
In 1926, James Joyce was working on his novel Finnegans Wake while living in a spacious apartment in the 7th arrondissement of Paris with his partner, Nora Barnacle, and their two adult children, Giorgio and Lucia. Joyce's neighbours in the elegant stone building at 2 Square de Robiac included a Syrian family whose three children had an English nanny called Jessie, Russian émigrés, an Egyptian industrialist, and the US writers William and Elizabeth Placida Mahl. The details are part of a new exhibition that paints a portrait of the French capital a century ago when it was a hub for artists, intellectuals and young unattached men and women during the decade that became known as les années folles (the crazy years or roaring 20s). Curators at the Musée Carnavalet have drawn on work by researchers from France's National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS) using artificial intelligence to create a database of the 8m individual handwritten entries from the censuses of 1926, 1931 and 1936. The result is an almost comprehensive list of those recorded as living in the 80 districts of Paris's 20 arrondissements at a time when the population of the city reached 2.9 million people. Only the details of those in prisons, hospitals or religious institutions have not been released. 'It's absolutely fascinating. For the first time we can name almost every person who was registered as living in Paris during this period,' said Valérie Guillaume, the director of the Musée Carnavalet. 'From the information, we see Paris was a city of single, young adults and that there were many different nationalities. There were very few children in the city at that time.' As France recovered from the first world war, Paris attracted a cosmopolitan crowd of writers, artists, and musicians who mingled with people fleeing revolution, genocide and persecution, workers from France's colonies as well as young people from the countryside seeking jobs. While Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Amedeo Modigliani were busy reshaping the art world, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and F Scott Fitzgerald were living it up in the French capital and George Orwell was down and out. Before 1926, population counts had been carried out in Paris, but the census that year was the first to give precise details of city inhabitants including date and place of birth, dependents and profession. Until now, the public has been able to consult the censuses in the Paris archives, but this has required a manual search. 'The artificial intelligence was trained to recognise letters and numbers in the handwritten entries in the census to create a database that can be searched and consulted. Entries that were ambiguous were checked by a human,' Guillaume said. 'It's never been done before because it's an enormous job; too big to manage without digital help.' Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion The Musée Carnavalet, which is dedicated to the history of Paris, said the censuses threw up a 'mosaic of diverse life stories in a whirlwind of memories and emotions'. Aside from the famous, including the US actor and entertainer Josephine Baker, the singers Édith Piaf (born Gassion) and Charles Aznavour (born Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian), and the celebrated model Kiki de Montparnasse (Alice Prin), the exhibition focuses on ordinary Parisians. The data also reveals interesting comparisons between the 1920s, when the average lifespan of a Paris resident was 50-60 years, and now, when inhabitants live to aabout 80. As well as documents and photographs from the era, many of which have never been previously seen publicly, visitors to the exhibition will be able to consult the census database. 'People will be able to look for details of relatives who were living in Paris at the time or the names of people living in their building a century ago,' Guillaume said of the exhibition, which opens in October. The People of Paris 1926-1936 exhibition will also include newsreels and broadcasts from the era as well as recordings of Parisians recalling life in the city in the 1920s and 1930s made as part of a City Hall project in the 1990s. Joyce lived in Paris for 19 years, frequently moving address until the Nazi occupation of France in 1940, when the family moved to Zurich, where he died the following year. Finnegans Wake was finally published in 1939. As a matter of record, the 1926 census entry for the Joyce family is not entirely correct: the children are wrongly recorded as having been born in Ireland instead of Trieste, Italy, and Giorgio is recorded as Georges. 'This whole project is fascinating and a living thing. For the first time we can put a name to those registered as living in Paris during that decade,' Guillaume said. 'On one hand it is a very large mass of information and on the other it's personal because we are looking at individual people and their stories.'
Travel Daily News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in France with the opening of Sax Paris
Hilton opens Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts' first French property, blending Left Bank sophistication, luxury hospitality, curated dining, and exclusive Parisian experiences. PARIS, FRANCE and MCLEAN, VA. – Hilton announces the recent opening of Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Located in Paris's elegant 7th arrondissement, the 118-room property is housed in a historic neo-Gothic building, boasting panoramic rooftop views. Marking the debut of the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand in France, Sax Paris joins a global collection of luxury hotels in sought-after destinations that invite guests on a journey of discovery and adventure. Sax Paris is owned and developed by Compagnie de Phalsbourg, a French real estate company. Sax Paris transforms a landmark 1899 building, formerly home to the Ségur telephone exchange, into a refined gathering place where travellers and Parisians come together to connect, converse, and experience the authentic lifestyle of the renowned Rive Gauche (Left Bank). Designed in the spirit of the 7th arrondissement – where art, culture, and sophistication converge – the hotel invites guests to relax and soak up its elegant atmosphere. Sax Paris offers contemporary rooms and suites, two distinctive restaurants, a stylish cocktail bar, and versatile event spaces. Guests can relax in the outdoor pool and garden, and the fitness and spa club provide a luxurious retreat. From this stylish base, guests can easily explore nearby treasures such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, and Jardin du Luxembourg. Simon Vincent CBE, president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, 'Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts epitomises modern luxury, elevating the guest experience within the beautiful surroundings of this reimagined Parisian landmark. As we surpass the milestone of 1,000 operating hotels across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, this latest addition to our portfolio marks our first luxury hotel in the heart of Paris. The opening also symbolises our continued commitment and growing presence in the French market and exemplifies our dedication to delivering unique and exceptional hotels in the world's most iconic destinations.' Feisal Jaffer, global head, LXR Hotels & Resorts, said, 'Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts marks a significant moment for our brand as we debut in France. Paris is a city of timeless allure, making it the perfect setting for LXR's expansion into new, culturally rich destinations. As we continue to grow our global portfolio, we remain dedicated to curating independent, one-of-a-kind hotels that offer deeply personal and transformative experiences.' Philippe Journo, founder and executive chairman of Compagnie de Phalsbourg, said, 'We are delighted with the recent opening of Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts, which has already set itself as one of the trendiest venues in Paris, fully embodying our vision of what luxury lifestyle should stand for in the heart of the city's prestigious 7th arrondissement. The hotel offers a unique view of Paris's iconic monuments that no one should miss when coming to the City of Light!' Unrivalled hospitality steeped in Left Bank culture The hotel's design studio, led by Karine Journo, reinterprets Left Bank sophistication through a modern lens, uniting talented artists, decorators, and designers. Guests are welcomed via The Galerie, a vibrant social hub adorned with 200 mirrors and Baccarat chandeliers. Beyond the gallery lies the SAX Garden, a city centre oasis designed by Studio Ravn, inspired by romantic French-style gardens, and featuring a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Sax Paris also showcases creations from renowned contemporary artists, including Arik Levy's crystal sculpture 'Rockstone' at the garden entrance and a restaurant ceiling mural by street artist Sto, referencing the building's historic République Française insignia. The hotel's 118 rooms and suites feature a contemporary design of neutral colours and natural materials, including marble bathrooms and wood panelling. Many offer connecting options for families, while others open onto private terraces. Three signature suites – The Studio, The Winter Garden Suite, and The Signature Suite – feature in-room cocktail stations. Minibars are stocked with Parisian favourites curated through a partnership with the iconic Le Bon Marché's La Grande Épicerie de Paris. Sax Paris presents distinctive dining concepts. Restaurant Le SAX is an all-day bar and restaurant for hotel guests and Parisians alike to socialise and dine over brunch, lunch or dinner. Presided over by Executive Chef, David Maroleau, who has previously led Michelin-starred restaurants, Restaurant Le SAX showcases the best of 'all that we love.' The celebrated Kinugawa brand brings its acclaimed Franco-Japanese dining experience to the top of Sax Paris. Kinugawa Rive Gauche, a two-story rooftop restaurant, blends Parisian elegance with Japanese culinary artistry. The cocktail bar reinterprets Parisian classics with Japanese elements such as yuzu and shiso. Exclusive adventures and amenities The experienced concierge team is ready to tailor each guest's stay. As part of the LXR Hotels & Resorts Pursuit of Adventure programme, guests can explore the essence of the Rive Gauche through intimate and specially curated experiences. These include a gourmet picnic with a stunning view of Les Invalides, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Eiffel Tower, and a private pontoon cruise on the Seine for a memorable Parisian adventure. The Fitness & Spa SAX Le Club, open 24/7 for hotel guests and members, offers Technogym equipment, a sauna, a hammam, and treatment rooms for massages and facials. Designer bicycles and personalised pet-friendly services are also available. Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme for Hilton's 24 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts is located at 55 Avenue de Saxe, Paris, 75007, France, close to the Sèvres-Lecourbe and Duroc metro stations.
Arab News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
In Marseille, a shadow becomes art in Banksy's latest street mural
MARSEILLE, France: The lighthouse appeared overnight. Painted on a wall tucked away in a quiet Marseille street, its beam aligned perfectly with the real-life shadow of a metal post on the pavement. At its center, stenciled in crisp white, are the words: 'I want to be what you saw in me.' Banksy had struck again. On Friday, the elusive British street artist confirmed the work by posting two images on his official Instagram account — without caption or coordinates. Fans quickly identified the location as 1 Rue Félix Frégier, in the Catalans district of Marseille's 7th arrondissement, near the sea. Since then, crowds have gathered at the site. Tourists snap photos. Children point. Locals who usually walk past the building stop to take a closer look. There is no official explanation for the phrase. But its emotional pull is unmistakable — a quiet plea for recognition, love or redemption. Some speculate it references a country ballad by Lonestar. Others call it a love letter. Or a lament. Or both. The image is deceptively simple: a lone lighthouse, dark and weathered, casting a stark white beam. But what gives it power is the way it plays with light — the real and the painted, the seen and the imagined. The post in front of the wall becomes part of the piece. Reality becomes the frame. Marseille's mayor, Benoît Payan, was quick to react online. 'Marseille x Banksy,' he wrote, adding a flame emoji. By midday, the hashtag #BanksyMarseille was trending across France, and beyond. Though often political, Banksy's art is just as often personal, exploring themes of loss, longing and identity. In recent years, his works have appeared on war-ravaged buildings in Ukraine, in support of migrants crossing the Mediterranean and on walls condemning capitalism, Brexit, and police brutality. The artist, who has never confirmed his full identity, began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has become one of the world's best-known artists. His mischievous and often satirical images include two male police officers kissing, armed riot police with yellow smiley faces and a chimpanzee with a sign bearing the words, 'Laugh now, but one day I'll be in charge.' His work has sold for millions of dollars at auction, and past murals on outdoor sites have often been stolen or removed by building owners soon after going up. In December 2023, after Banksy stenciled military drones on a stop sign in south London, a man was photographed taking down the sign with bolt cutters. Police later arrested two men on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. In March 2024, an environmentally themed work on a wall beside a tree in north London was splashed with paint, covered with plastic sheeting and fenced off within days of being created. Despite the fame — or infamy — at least in Marseille, not everyone walking past noticed it. Some didn't even know who Banksy was, according to the local press. On Instagram observers say this Marseille piece feels quieter. More interior. And yet, it is no less global. The work arrives just ahead of a major Banksy retrospective opening June 14 at the Museum of Art in nearby Toulon featuring 80 works, including rare originals. Another exhibit opens Saturday in Montpellier. But the Marseille mural wasn't meant for a museum. It lives in the street, exposed to weather, footsteps and time. As of Friday evening, no barriers had been erected. No glass shield installed. Just a shadow, a beam and a message that's already circling the world.
