The hotel Artemisia Montmartre, opened its doors in October 2023 after a remarkable period of makeover.
Much more than just a 4-star hotel, theArtemisia has now become a Montmartre institution, adorned with its chic art-deco style of the 20s and 30s. The place opens to the public with a bar with a very Gatsby atmosphere... and a spa area for relaxing stays with CBD massages...
To add a mysterious note, the hotel also owes its name to the " artemisia absinthium”, the name of absinthe, an alcohol that was once produced within its walls. He kept the name, and uses it as inspiration for his cocktails.
Located in the center of Pigalle and at the foot of Montmartre, the hotel is a welcoming refuge for bohemians and romantics ready to discover an unusual and insolent Paris, with its "for adults only" window displays and its bars open for after-dinner drinks until breakfast...
When you step through the doors of Artemisia, time slows down. Ancient stone walls whisper stories of past love, while designer chandeliers cast golden-bronze glows against walls of ochre, wood, blue, and green tones, transporting you back in time…
The retro-modern rooms offer picturesque views of the rooftops of Montmartre and Pigalle, where fireplaces stand proudly like guardians of history. The high, plush bedding invites you to curl up and lose yourself in the sweetest dreams. Each room is decorated with a large period sideboard, sourced throughout Paris (and France), like a link between past and modernity that the Artémisia Montmartre is not about to break.
In the early morning, the sweet aroma of coffee, homemade jams, and French pastries guides you to the breakfast room. Paris itself invites you back to explore its cobbled streets on this new day, to lose yourself in its galleries, taste its wines, and dance with the entire Moulin Rouge troupe.
Indeed, the Pigalle district is known for being a center of Parisian nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and theaters, as well as for its history associated with art and bohemia. Pigalle has always attracted a diverse clientele, from locals to tourists, in search of entertainment and cultural discovery. The district is also renowned for its stores selling erotic objects and accessories. It is therefore not recommended to come with young children to avoid getting lost in politically correct explanations...
Since 2006, two terms have emerged to characterize Pigalle:
SoPi (South Pigalle) Pigalle South which could be considered the area closer to the center of Paris, extending to Rue Blanche and encompassing places like the Moulin Rouge, a famous Parisian cabaret. This part can be seen as more touristy, with a higher concentration of entertainment venues aimed at visitors to Paris.
NoPi (North Pigalle) Pigalle North which would then be the part of the district that extends towards Montmartre, including residential areas and streets that climb towards the Butte Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur. This area may offer a slightly different atmosphere, with a more local and perhaps less tourist-oriented feel, although it remains vibrant and interesting from a cultural and historical point of view.
But overall, Pigalle is a trendy, vibrant, and constantly evolving neighborhood, reflecting a blend of Parisian tradition and modernity. Despite its reputation as a "hot" neighborhood, it is also a place of cultural and historical richness, with art galleries, small theaters, and cafés where the spirit of Parisian bohemia lives on.
Higher up lies its inseparable counterpart, the painters' Montmartre, a district perched on a hill that has become one of Paris's most iconic and picturesque destinations. This district has retained a unique village atmosphere and is full of tourist attractions to discover:
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart This iconic monument, with its dazzling white dome, offers panoramic views of Paris. The equally impressive interior of the basilica houses one of the largest mosaics in the world.
Place du tertre Just a few steps from the Sacré-Cœur, this square is famous for its painters who exhibit and sell their works outdoors. The atmosphere is that of an artistic and bohemian Montmartre of the early 20th century.
The Museum of Montmartre : Located in a 17th-century house, this museum tells the story of Montmartre, including its bohemian period and the famous artists who lived there, such as Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
The Agile Rabbit This historic cabaret was a gathering place for artists in the early 20th century. Today, it continues to host performances in an intimate and traditional atmosphere.
The Wall I Love You Located in the small Square Jehan Rictus, this wall features the phrase "I love you" written 311 times in 250 languages. It's a romantic meeting place for couples from all over the world.
The Montmartre Cimetiere This peaceful oasis is the final resting place of many famous figures, such as Émile Zola, François Truffaut, and Dalida. It is worth a stroll to discover the unique tombs and monuments.
Dalida's House Located at 11 bis rue d'Orchampt, this is where the famous singer Dalida lived for much of her life. The house is not open to the public, but the street offers a beautiful view of the hill and is emblematic of the neighborhood.
And of course, the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret : founded in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, it is one of the most emblematic cabarets in Paris, famous throughout the world, and regularly acclaimed since the Baz Luhrmann film with Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor in 2001
Located in the Pigalle district, at the foot of the Butte Montmartre, this entertainment hotspot is easily recognizable by its large Moulin Rouge at the entrance, which has become a symbol of Parisian nightlife.
The Moulin Rouge is best known for popularizing the can-can, a bold and energetic dance originally performed by mole crickets. These dancers would kick and wave their legs in the air while wearing flamboyant costumes, attracting a clientele of artists, bourgeoisie, and visitors of all nationalities.
From the moment it opened, the cabaret became a major entertainment venue in Paris, attracting famous figures of the time, such as the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose posters and paintings contributed to the Moulin Rouge's fame. Over the years, the cabaret evolved to include a variety of shows, such as revues, ballets, and circus acts, while retaining the can-can as an essential part of its performances.
Today, the Moulin Rouge continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering dinner shows that combine French gastronomy with top-notch artistic performances. The cabaret is not only a testament to the history of art and entertainment in Paris, but also a living part of this tradition, perpetuating the legacy of the Belle Époque while renewing itself to remain contemporary. Although it is further down the hill, the Moulin Rouge is inseparable from the history of Montmartre. This cabaret, world-renowned for its French Cancan, is a symbol of Parisian nightlife during the Belle Époque.
Montmartre offers an authentic Parisian experience, blending history, art, and culture, with cobblestone streets, winding staircases, and breathtaking views of the city. It's a neighborhood to explore slowly, letting itself be guided by its charms and surprises.
Don't leave Pigalle without booking a meal In the broth for an authentic culinary experience. Born in the 19th century, these "Franchouillards" establishments offer simple, traditional dishes at affordable prices. The often retro setting and warm atmosphere attract those seeking an authentic Parisian experience. The very concept of "bouillons" is based on simplicity and conviviality, with menus that highlight the classics of French cuisine. This simplicity is very popular and contributes to the welcoming atmosphere of these places.
For many, broths embody the spirit of the Belle Époque, a period of cultural and artistic prosperity in Paris. Customers come not only for the food but also to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a bygone era where painters, poets, and muses, depending on their fortunes, would mingle.
Artémisia's signature cocktails: a tasting not to be missed!
Night in Montmartre : gin infused with butterfly pea, butterfly pea, lemon, green tea, elderflower syrup, elderflower tonic, decorated with a pansy flower
Pinks Daisy : absinthe*, FAIR Quinoa vodka, raspberry liqueur, sugar syrup, lemon, Peychaud's bitters, prosecco, lemon zest
Harlequin : peach syrup, bergamot syrup, 100% natural pineapple juice, spiced rooibos, dehydrated lemon
*Absinthe is an alcoholic beverage of Swiss origin, also known as "the Green Fairy" due to its distinctive color and the legends surrounding its effects. Its proper name is "wormwood," but it also has other names depending on the language and region. Its main ingredient is Artemisia absinthium (wormwood or grand wormwood), a plant from which it takes its name and some of its bitterness.
Traditional absinthe production involves the distillation of an agricultural alcohol infused with wormwood and other herbs, such as anise, lemon balm, and mint. It was very popular in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among artists and writers, but its production and sale were banned in many countries in the early 20th century due to concerns about its supposed toxic and hallucinogenic effects, mainly attributed to thujone, a chemical compound found in absinthe.
However, subsequent research has shown that these effects were greatly exaggerated, and since the early 2000s, the production and sale of absinthe has been legalized in many countries, with strict regulations regarding its composition. Today, absinthe is once again enjoyed worldwide, often consumed diluted with cold water poured over a sugar cube.
The Artemisia Montmartre awaits you to help you discover a Paris full of color and anecdotes, in a setting where past and present combine to offer you the best of Pigalle and Montmartre.
Follow Artemisia Montmartre on @artemisia.montmartre
Photos: Patrick Koune
Report: Ema Lynnx
