Once a seedy neighbourhood most notable for being one of Paris’ main junctions, Place de Clichy and its adjoining arrondissements have been smartening up their act with a smattering of trendy restaurants and bars. On a surprisingly quiet street, slotted between the crossroads and Pigalle’s cocktail bar stretch, is the 37-room Le Ballu Hôtel.
Tucked inside two buildings, one was the former residence of painter Charles Wislin in 1891, before being turned into the offices of the SACEM (society of authors, composers and publishers of music), followed by an artists’ residency.
In its latest transformation the owners, Julia and Thomas Vidalenc (also the architect behind the hotel), have created a bold, high-polished aesthetic that’s a mix between 1950s Danish and Art Deco influences with a Slavic touch, while nodding to the building's artistic heritage. And so, works by Polish constructivist artist Tauba Sarnaka sprinkle the interiors alongside furniture sourced from Eastern Europe and banquettes upholstered in cheery fabrics, designed by Vidalenc himself.
Up in the rooms, painted in block colours of petrol blue, garnet red or mustard yellow, distressed rugs and flea-market finds channel a vintage lived-in feel while free-standing bath tubs, faux terrazzo walls, rainfall showers, fluffy bathrobes and private terraces in the bigger rooms, bring a luxurious edge.
The reason locals flock here though, is for the outdoor restaurant, set inside Wislin’s former garden. Here, chef Michaël Riss serves updated twists on traditional dishes like the baked leek doused in his grandmother’s secret dressing.
The small downstairs pool and sauna area, which guests must book in advance, rounds off Le Ballu Hôtel's refreshingly laid-back atmosphere.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
30 rue Ballu
-
Volvo’s quest for safety has resulted in this new, ultra-legible in-car typeface, Volvo CentumDalton Maag designs a new sans serif typeface for the Swedish carmaker, Volvo Centum, building on the brand’s strong safety ethos
-
We asked six creative leaders to tell us their design predictions for the year aheadWhat will be the trends shaping the design world in 2026? Six creative leaders share their creative predictions for next year, alongside some wise advice: be present, connect, embrace AI
-
10 watch and jewellery moments that dazzled us in 2025From unexpected watch collaborations to eclectic materials and offbeat designs, here are the watch and jewellery moments we enjoyed this year
-
New Marseille restaurant Dévo dishes up a sultry 1970s moodMirrors, satin curtains, and tubular steel define the atmosphere of this theatrical hangout, as envisioned by a local team of creatives
-
A local’s guide to Paris by Art Basel newcomer Ash LoveVisual artist Ash Love shares their essential addresses in the French capital as the city hosts the art fair’s fourth edition
-
Hôtel Le Provençal is a sun-kissed family affairA beloved third-generation hotel in the south of France reopens with a fresh look, all whilst preserving its authentic midcentury heritage
-
A night at Le Meurice’s Suite 1835 is like ‘sleeping in an exhibition’At the historic Paris hotel, design studio Things From shake things up with an installation-like suite – a futuristic cocoon available until the end of 2025 only
-
Crosby Studios reimagines the espresso bar in ParisIndustrial poetry and a blaze of orange define Café Nuances’ latest outpost in Le Marais
-
Yannick Alléno takes over Monsieur Dior: ‘What would Christian Dior do if he were to create a restaurant today?’At 30 Montaigne in Paris, the world’s most Michelin-starred chef reimagines French gastronomy as Christian Dior himself might have dreamt it
-
Les Domaines de Chabran redefines the Provençal summer houseArchitect Alain Meylan and interior designer Liliana Atilova bring contemporary finesse to centuries-old country houses in southern France. Discover their latest
-
At La Fondation hotel in Paris, minimalism has irresistible warmthOnce a parking lot, this 17th-arrondissement stay now offers rooftop city views, cocooning suites, and interiors by Roman and Williams
