Mandarin Oriental Lutetia – Where Legacy Meets Contemporary Luxury

Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris is more than a hotel—it is a living symbol of the Left Bank’s soul. Here, artistic heritage and contemporary refinement intertwine. Founded in 1910 by the visionary Boucicaut family, creators of Le Bon Marché, the world’s first luxury department store, the Lutetia was born from a desire to offer their most distinguished clientele a Parisian refuge infused with sophistication and comfort.

Moreover, designed by Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, the architect behind Le Bon Marché, and adorned by Léon Binet and Paul Belmondo, the hotel became an architectural masterpiece. It elegantly fused Art Nouveau curves with Art Deco geometry. Its creamy façade, sculpted balconies, and mosaic details embodied the optimism of early-20th-century Paris, a city pulsing with creativity, elegance, and change. The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is a significant part of this legacy.

A Century of Parisian Legends

The story of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris begins with its name. Lutetia was the Latin name of the ancient Roman city that would one day become Paris, reflecting the hotel’s deep connection to the city’s history and spirit. In fact, it was founded in 1910 by the Boucicaut family, visionary owners of Le Bon Marché, the world’s first luxury department store, the Lutetia was designed as a sophisticated retreat for their most distinguished clientele.

Furthermore, created by Louis-Hippolyte Boileau and adorned by Léon Binet and Paul Belmondo, the hotel’s Art Nouveau and Art Deco fusion made it a landmark of early 20th-century elegance. From its opening, it became a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. James Joyce completed Ulysses here. Picasso and Matisse visited often, and Josephine Baker added her magnetic charm to its salons. The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia still attracts those who appreciate creativity and culture.

During the Second World War, the Lutetia was requisitioned by occupying forces. Then it transformed into a refuge for returning deportees after the Liberation—a symbol of hope and resilience. Decades later, Sonia Rykiel’s 1980s redesign revived its Left Bank spirit with warmth and creativity.

A meticulous restoration by Jean-Michel Wilmotte in 2018 preserved its artistic heritage while introducing contemporary elegance. Today, under the Mandarin Oriental banner, the Lutetia remains the only Palace hotel on Paris’s Left Bank. It is a timeless emblem of culture, beauty, and refined hospitality, truly defining the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia’s unique identity.

Akasha Spa – The Art of Reawakening

Hidden beneath the hotel’s elegant façade, the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre is an urban sanctuary of calm and transformation. Step inside, and time seems to slow. Soft notes of essential oils perfume the air. Light filters gently through stone arches. Moreover, the quiet murmur of the 17-metre indoor pool invites you to immerse yourself.

Here, wellness is both a philosophy and a ritual. Treatments draw from both ancient traditions and cutting-edge science, blending Parisian elegance with global healing techniques. Using myBlend skincare by Dr. Olivier Courtin, the therapies are tailored to each guest, offering visible rejuvenation and deep relaxation at the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia hotel.

The spa also features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and hammam, creating a complete circuit of renewal for body and mind. For those seeking movement, the Akasha fitness centre offers state-of-the-art equipment, yoga, and personal training sessions, all within an atmosphere of tranquillity.

Akasha isn’t merely a spa; it’s a retreat for the senses. Here, the rhythm of the Left Bank fades, and every breath feels like a return to balance.

Brasserie Lutetia – The Left Bank’s Table

On the corner of Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sèvres, Brasserie Lutetia has, for more than a century, been a meeting point for Parisians. Here, they dine, converse, and celebrate life. Bathed in natural light, with Art Deco interiors and an inviting terrace, it captures the essence of Saint-Germain’s convivial spirit.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Patrick Charvet, the brasserie offers a menu that bridges heritage and innovation. Classic French dishes are reimagined with subtle modern touches. The seafood counter is a spectacle of its own, where fresh oysters and crustaceans are prepared before your eyes. Charvet’s cuisine is generous and heartfelt, a tribute to French gastronomy and to the art of sharing, proudly serving at the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia.

Bar Joséphine – Jazz, Frescoes, and Cocktails

Step into Bar Joséphine, and you enter a world of timeless glamour. Beneath monumental frescoes dedicated to Josephine Baker, the atmosphere shimmers with live jazz and the soft glow of golden light. It’s a place where conversations linger and every cocktail tells a story.

Meanwhile, Head Bartender Angelo Forte, originally from Italy, curates a menu that redefines mixology through storytelling and artistry. Inspired by Parisian music, art, and the spirit of Josephine Baker, each drink is crafted with precision and emotion. On weekend nights, jazz trios and acoustic duets bring Saint-Germain’s vibrant musical legacy to life, echoing the history of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia.

Le Saint-Germain & Bar Aristide – Where Day Turns to Night

Under the painted glass canopy by Fabrice Hyber, Le Saint-Germain salon is a luminous space. It invites both conversation and calm. During the day, it hosts Tea Time by Chef Nicolas Guercio. Here, delicate pastries and handcrafted chocolates reflect his mastery of French pâtisserie. By evening, Chef Alessio Maselli infuses the menu with Mediterranean flair. He blends Italian warmth and French technique into every refined bite.

Meanwhile, for those who prefer a more private atmosphere, Bar Aristide offers a modern reinterpretation of a member’s club. Named after Aristide Boucicaut, it channels the spirit of Saint-Germain’s jazz scene. The bar features smooth electro-jazz sets, rare spirits, and an intimate, candlelit mood, aligning perfectly with the essence of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia.

A Modern Legend, Reborn

Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris embodies the art of living beautifully. Every corner tells a story—of writers and dreamers, of resilience and renewal, of art and hospitality elevated to an art form. With its historic soul and contemporary grace, the Lutetia continues to inspire those who seek not just a stay, but an experience.

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Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Website