Fashion capital, romance capital, cultural capital, Paris is a master of tourist desires. With an extensive list of modern and heritage hotels dotted all over town, repeat visitors who feel they’ve been there and done that may wish to venture a little off the city’s parameters. Boulogne-Billancourt is a historic neighbourhood with a distinctly local feel; young families on leisurely walks in leafy parks, understated bars packed with regulars, and streets that are shockingly clean…all within easy reach of the big draws. This is the Paris you’ll actually want to live in. Here’s what happened when we checked into Le Parchamp.

Le Parchamp review

Hotel and chill

Le Parchamp exterior
The hotel is perched on the tree-lined streets of Boulogne-Billancourt

Like the neighbourhood it’s enveloped by, Le Parchamp is a chill-out, a chance for the tourist to blend in a little. It’s kind of like visiting your friend, a Parisien who’s tired of living off the Champs-Elysees but still wants to hit the cabaret circuit now and then, and eight km from the centre means she’s mere minutes by Metro away from some sensuous choreography (for the record, we did Crazy Horse, because we’re still tourists). 

The boutique stay in front of an urban park, Square Léon Blum, is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, meaning loyalists can earn and spend Bonvoy points on independent properties that are allowed to retain their own individuality. Most importantly, Le Parchamp’s size, location, and under-the-radar charm feel a world away from inner city noise and Bonvoy’s usual crowd.

The design

Le Parchamp hotel reception
Le Parchamp’s reception area

Le Parchamp’s French grandeur is subtle, so think muted terracottas and greens, small pops of art, and sphere bulb lighting. Opened in spring 2023, everything still feels fresh and new. There are six floors serviced by glass elevators and 123 guestrooms realised by Goddard Littlefair. 

Their inspiration draws on the area’s history of French cinema production, and the Billancourt Studios who enjoyed a cult following with fans during the 1950s and 60s. It’s all nicely inviting, and there’s heavy use of outdoor space and natural light. A large courtyard and rooftop bar have become both neighbourhood and traveller hangouts in warmer months, and outside of those, light pours in from the windows and bounces gleefully between the walled whites.

The Junior Suite

Le Parchamp hotel bathroom
Bathrooms are professionally lit

We checked into the Junior Suite, the largest offering at the boutique hotel. Remember, this is Paris, and housed within mansion architecture, know that things can be a bit more of a squeeze than what you’re used to. The Junior Suite did feel spacious enough, making ample use of every corner. 

Earthly tones and a soft minimalist style accentuated its lines, and an oversized smart TV as big as the desk stretched alongside the balcony. The balcony, a semi-private terrace oasis, overlooks Square Léon Blum and offers excellent coffee, cigarette, or room service opportunity. 

The bathroom was beautifully lit, in-mirror included, and featured a deep soak rectangular tub. Albeit it wasn’t the sexiest in style, we preferred it more as a shower accompanied by their organic bath line. Robe and slippers were provided in the closet, though, when we rang down for another set (we were two travellers) there was not one available. 

The service was otherwise excellent, with courteous and accommodating encounters from check-in to check-out. The room was well-connected tech-wise. USB charging, strong Wi-Fi, and digital temperature control completed the modern setup.

Food and drink

Le Parchamp hotel restaurant
The inside of Le Parchamp’s ground floor restaurant

Le Parchamp’s Le Table is their all-day dining destination on the ground floor. The theme is Levantine cuisine, served both inside and out on the courtyard and splashed with concoctions from the ground-floor bar. We opted for the Lafa, a Levantine flatbread made with Karmel Market Chicken, sided by homemade fries and to finish, a Milki (chocolate mousse, olive oil, salt and pistachios). 

The menu uses ingredients sourced locally, and that, along with the extensive room-included breakfast, was fresh to taste. We only peeked at the rooftop bar, but did spy an excellent wine list at the hotel, including bottles from Champagne Billecart-Salmon, one of the world’s finest Champagne houses (founded 1818) and one of the few that remains family-owned.

Other info

Like many Parisian hotels, there is no pool. A fitness centre will be opened in the coming months. The hotel is situated within easy walking distance of Metro and bus links into the city.

Find out more about Le Parchamp

But wait, there’s more