lifestyle · No. 1184

pack your bags: chateau voltaire hotel

BY: anastasia foggy

In the northern part of the city, situated along the Seine, is Paris’ Rive Droite, known for its chic sophistication and historical landmarks like the Louvre. Here, you will discover a happy surprise: Chateau Voltaire Hotel.

Inspired by his travels and celebrating the magic of the capital, hotelier Thierry Gillier declared a love for Paris through his venture into designing the hotel. Enlisting the magic of artistic director Franck Durand and Festen Architecture to bring his vision to life, Gillier had a keen sensibility for preserving the property’s history and beauty while writing a new language of hospitality into its walls.

The creative duo carefully translated Gillier’s intentions and resurrected the three buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries to poetic Paris life. And with no standard room in sight. There are some shared details throughout the hotel’s expanse, but the magic of the place is the attention to detail in every inch. You will marvel at the heirloom artworks, the earthly color palette of ochres, greens and creamy whites and the textures of rich velvets, sultry marble, glazed ceramics, and oak paneling. And you just might never forget the signature seashell light fixtures.

While tempting never to leave the premises, which houses a restaurant, a moody cocktail bar, and a spa, outside the doors, you are walkable to supposedly some of the best coffee in Paris: cafe nuance. And for tea time, the cedric grolet cafe. One of Paris’ chicest streets Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is nearby, where you can take my best packing tip to heart: pack light. Much room will be needed for treasures.

Like I said, pack light! This means I would pack mostly wardrobe staples: a good bag, a pair of jeans, something to feel a little dressed up in but can also be dressed down, sneakers, ballet flats, and a cozy cardigan to wear with it all.

This suitcase is classic chic enough for the streets of Paris. I cannot fly without my Aesop ginger roller ball and hydrating facial mist.

I am all for a good set of packing cubes, but then I discovered the trick of canvas drawstring bags. They fit shoes perfectly and can be used to separate dirty clothes. The best part is you can hang them on hangers in the wardrobe/closet. Easy to access and aesthetically pleasing. And in a pinch, you can throw a book and water bottle in one to bring to the pool or a spa appointment.

I’ll never travel without a book. This one tells me all I need to know on the cover: a novel of friendship, food, and books. Also, I can’t forget sunglasses. I showed up at a family gathering last weekend and all three of my sisters were wearing these. The most shocking part is they are not $100+.