Inside La Fantaisie, A Fable-Like Haven In The Heart Of Paris

This botanically infused hotel in the 9th arrondissement is a tomato-scented secret garden, as bold and beautiful as the Parisian neighbourhood it’s planted in

Bedroom at La Fantaisie, Paris
La Fantaisie is a maximalist dream. Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki has outdone himself, creating an enchanted garden hotel in the heart of Paris’ busy 9th arrondissement. Enter the lobby and you’re greeted by the fresh and intoxicating scent of green tomatoes – a signature scent used throughout the hotel that’s the perfect prelude to the property’s botanical theme.

Floral wallpapers, bold colours and abundant greenery – including a striking tree in the middle of the restaurant – adorn communal spaces, while the leafy wallpaper lining the upper-floor corridors evokes the charm of a whimsical maze. Enter a bedroom, however, and the boldness is toned down a touch, allowing your senses to slow down and relax. Here, the theme continues in pastels, rattan accents and nature-inspired accessories – lamps dotted with little ceramic frogs and prints of plants on the walls – but it’s less rambunctious than the hotel’s exuberant downstairs.

Only a 15-minute walk from the Gare du Nord and within walking distance of the city’s main attractions and most dazzling neighbourhoods, finding another hotel as convenient and fabulous as this one would be difficult.

Bedrooms continue the whimsical theme | Credit: Jérome Galland

Rooms

That 63 rooms and 10 suites have somehow been sequestered into this property on the petite Rue Cadet is a mark of the hotel’s magical touch. In our room, walls were painted a peachy shade that, in addition to the parquet used on the floor and the pastel-coloured soft furnishings, created a warm, enveloping atmosphere that was endlessly soothing while remaining modern and stylish. The bed and pillows are comfortable, and the hotel adopts the Swedish tradition of “each their own duvet”, which means that in a double room, guests will find twin beds bound to each other, with separate duvets. Bathrooms continue the Earth Mother feel – all are equipped with toiletries by vegan French brand Holidermie. Note that none of the rooms features a bath, so if that’s important for your stay, opt for a suite or the penthouse (which also offers an impressive view over the capital).
The café | Credit: Jérome Galland

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served in the restaurant – and in the summer, you’ve got the option of feasting in a buzzy outdoor space, too. A buffet serves up expected staples such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, salmon and cheeses – though vegetables are notably absent. Classic French pastries are also here, in addition to a selection of more unorthodox sweet breakfast treats like caramel and popcorn cookies. There’s also an à la carte menu for those who prefer alternative savoury dishes or indulgent pancakes.

How about lunch and dinner?

From truffle and parmesan pasta and morel mushroom-studded gnocchi to seared scallops and customary leeks with vinaigrette, the hotel’s lunch and dinner menus are filled with treats from the French and Italian traditions. Highlights include the Mazara red shrimp tartare topped with a clementine sorbet, the rib-eye steak plated up with a whipped bearnaise sauce, plus perfectly cooked chips, and, to finish, a boozy baba with vanilla cream.

Bar sur le Toit, the hotel’s rooftop cocktail spot | Credit: Jérome Galland

Is there a bar?

Two. The cute bar next to the lobby is perfect for a quick drink before dinner, but the best spot for a nightcap is the rooftop Bar sur le Toit (literally, “Bar on the Rooftop”). This elevated garden preserves the same fairy-tale feel found in the rest of the hotel, with rattan chairs, velvet cushions, flowery wallpaper and real trees decorating the skyline space. Nothing beats sipping a refreshing pisco sour while soaking in the romantic views of Paris’ iconic rooftops.
The spa | Credit: Jérome Galland

Amenities

Let’s talk about the spa – the star of the show. With a steam room, traditional sauna, infrared sauna, thermal bath (filled with salts for deeper relaxation), big hot tub and hot and cool pools, this is a serious wellness offering – something that’s hard to come by in central Paris. The whimsical theme continues in this dream-like space – it’s all light-green hues and pink-tone tiles, with golden accents on the hardware. There is a gym, but it’s very small – but you’re here to relax, right?

What are the hotel’s eco credentials?

The hotel has a zero-plastic policy, and many daily staples, such as bread, pastries and flowers, come from neighbouring businesses on Rue Cadet.

Accessibility

Lifts service all the hotel’s floors, with full wheelchair access to the restaurant, lobby, spa and selected rooms.
Suites include balconies with views across Paris’ rooftops | Credit: Jérome Galland

What’s the crowd like?

Varied. This is a five-star hotel, so it attracts comfort-seekers, but its fairy-tale feel also appeals to those in search of a dreamy Parisian hideaway. It’s also popular with Parisians seeking a fancy spa staycation.

Things you should know

The spa opens at 10am, so early-bird sessions are a no-go.

Within a short walk I can find…

You're seconds away from the Cadet metro station, but La Fantaisie is so central, we doubt you’ll need to use public transportation. Pigalle, Montmartre, Opéra and the Japanese quarter (Rue Sainte-Anne) are close by, and the Louvre and Centre Pompidou are within walking distance. On Rue Cadet, check out Maison Dupuy for some of the city’s best canelés, and make sure to stroll through the old-school covered shopping arcades nearby.

The Lowdown

Doubles cost from £464 a night; lafantaisie.com