Molitor Paris: Where Art, History, and Well-Being Flow Together

Molitor Paris: The Rebirth of a Parisian Legend

The story of Molitor Paris begins in 1929, when the “Piscine Molitor Grands Établissements Balnéaires d’Auteuil” opened its doors in the city’s 16th arrondissement. Designed by architect Lucien Pollet, the building’s bold Art Deco façade, geometric lines, and vibrant yellow cabins made it one of Paris’s most striking landmarks. Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, who famously played Tarzan on screen, inaugurated the pool that summer. This instantly cemented Molitor’s status as the most fashionable bathing spot in Paris.

Throughout the 1930s, Molitor became far more than a swimming pool. It was the stage for grand social events, from the annual Fête de l’Eau and beauty contests to glittering artist galas and avant-garde fashion shows. Surrounded by chic restaurants, a tobacconist, and a hair salon, the pool became the beating heart of West Parisian leisure. It was where Parisians came not just to swim, but to be seen, to socialize, and to celebrate modern life.

However, by the 1970s, Molitor’s golden era began to fade. The skating rink that replaced the indoor pool proved unprofitable. Unfortunately, the structure’s concrete, slowly eroded by chlorine, fell into disrepair. When the City of Paris refused funding for restoration, the pool closed in 1989. Its bright blue waters dried up, but Molitor’s story was far from over.

From Abandonment to Artistic Rebirth

Soon after its closure, the abandoned complex became a playground for Paris’s underground artists. Graffiti began to bloom on the faded walls, first in hidden corners, then across entire façades. Over the years, the site turned into a vast open-air gallery. It became alive with murals from now-renowned street artists such as Reso, Kashink, Katre, and Jace. Concerts, fashion shows, and impromptu parties brought back the energy that had once animated its pools.

As a result, Molitor evolved into a symbol of artistic freedom, a place where creativity flourished amid decay. It stood as a raw, beautiful contradiction: a relic of Parisian glamour transformed into a temple of rebellion and expression.

When the City of Paris launched a restoration tender in 2007, there was only one goal. They aimed to preserve Molitor’s soul while reviving its original splendor. The project, led by Colony Capital, Bouygues Construction, and AccorHotels, began in 2011. Though most of the structure had to be rebuilt, the architects meticulously recreated every detail. This included the mosaics, balustrades, and the circular Rotonde entrance. The daughter of Lucien Pollet, the original architect, attended the reopening in May 2014 and was deeply moved to see her childhood memories reborn in full color.

The Spa by Clarins: A Sanctuary Beneath the Surface

Descending into the Spa by Clarins feels like slipping beneath the surface of the city into a tranquil, hidden world. In fact, covering 1,600 square meters, it is one of the largest hotel spas in Europe. It is truly a sanctuary for body and mind. Here, soft lighting, natural textures, and the gentle scent of essential oils create an atmosphere of deep serenity.

Within this haven, 13 treatment rooms, including two duo cabins and a 50 m² private spa suite with its own sauna, offer the ultimate escape. Every detail is designed to soothe. Visitors experience the warmth of wood, the whisper of water, and the comfort of silence.

Molitor and Clarins have joined forces to craft a holistic approach to well-being, combining natural formulas with scientific precision. Signature treatments include Hydrafacial for radiance, Icoone for sculpting, and MyBlend for personalized rejuvenation.

Moreover, the spa’s most unique experience is its exclusive face-and-body massage. It features a sequence of flowing, aquatic-inspired movements performed on a water cushion. The sensation is weightless and meditative, as tension dissolves and energy returns. Each gesture mirrors the rhythm of water, echoing Molitor’s original purpose: renewal through flow.

At the heart of this sanctuary, a Clarins hair salon completes the ritual of beauty. Expert stylists offer bespoke treatments and color services, ensuring that every guest leaves not only relaxed, but radiant.

The Winter Garden: A Taste of Modern Parisian Elegance

Overlooking the legendary outdoor pool, Molitor’s Winter Garden Restaurant is a lush escape inspired by the nearby Auteuil greenhouses. Bathed in soft daylight and filled with greenery, it offers a dining experience that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature.

Chef Tony Gonçalves leads the kitchen with a vision rooted in sustainability and flavor. His menu highlights seasonal produce, vegetables prepared with artistry, complemented by tender seafood and fine cuts of meat. Dishes such as beef tartare with marigold, braised cockles and mussels with leeks, and spelt risotto with apricots and figs celebrate freshness and creativity.

Meanwhile, Pastry Chef Camilla D’Ambrosio brings sweetness to the table with elegant desserts that awaken childhood memories. Highlights include rich chocolate paired with figs and the signature apple pie. It’s a comforting slice of nostalgia.

At the center of the restaurant, a panoramic bar hums with energy. Expert mixologists craft cocktails infused with herbs, citrus, and rare spices. These are reflections of Molitor’s vibrant personality. Every Sunday, the restaurant transforms into Molitor Jardin. It becomes a bountiful brunch experience filled with warm breads, pastries, savory treats, and laughter. It’s a true Parisian ritual of joy and indulgence.

A Living Canvas

Even after its transformation, art remains the lifeblood of Molitor. Walk through its halls, and you’ll discover street art hidden in unexpected corners. This includes murals by Hopare, Katre, Mademoiselle Maurice, Bradley Theodore, and more. These works connect the hotel’s storied past with its modern identity. They remind every visitor that creativity never left these walls. It merely evolved.

A Legacy Reimagined

Today, Molitor stands as a place where heritage, art, and wellness converge. Its shimmering pools once welcomed Olympic champions; its walls once echoed with underground beats. Now, they hold both history and reinvention in perfect harmony.

Ultimately, Molitor Paris is more than a hotel. It is a living legend. Here, water meets art, elegance meets rebellion, and every stay becomes part of the city’s ever-flowing story.

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Molitor website

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