Latest news with #7tharrondissement
Travel Daily News
4 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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.
