In 2024, the MICHELIN Guide is announcing the first ever MICHELIN Keys — a brand new distinction that recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world. Le Ballu is one of the One MICHELIN Key in Paris.
You can check out our team’s official verdict here, while below, our editorial team explores the comic book inspirations and special amenities that make Hôtel Le Ballu a stand-out establishment.
The journey to Hôtel Le Ballu unsurprisingly begins on Rue Ballu, the main artery of the South Pigalle district (or SoPi for those in the know). Just a stone's throw from Montmartre, it was once home to the intellectual and artistic elite of the 19th Century. It’s a street lined with building after building made from beautiful cut stone facades. Yet even in such company, Hôtel Le Ballu stands out. Two private mansions have been brought together to form this intimate hotel: on one side, you'll find the ornamentation typical of Nouvelle-Athènes; but on the other, Flemish-inspired red bricks.
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The Arrival
The discreet entrance gives no hint of the unique visual identity that defines the hotel. It’s inspired first and foremost by Tintin's adventures in Syldavia, an Eastern European fantasy land imagined by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé for his graphic novel, Le Sceptre d'Ottokar. Throughout the hotel, the architect-owners have interwoven references and stylistic nods to the style of the long-running comic (first published in the late 1930s) and to Eastern Europe in general with a collection of antique furniture from the 1960s and 1970s.This desire to integrate something of this alternative universe into the hotel is in keeping with the designers' aim of making your stay the most memorable part of your time in Paris. The result: colors ranging from bottle green to midnight blue, large spaces emphasized by wooden structures, and even a touch of constructivism (an early 20th Century art movement, geometric and industrial) with works by an artist of Polish origin. A major surprise is the hotel's verdant inner courtyard, a green lung in a densely populated neighborhood with a tendency towards congestion.
At reception — which is almost hidden away in a corner, and manned by a charming, attentive team — I am delighted to learn that the spa, located in the basement, can be used privately for one hour during your stay. The offer is included in the price of the room — so don't forget to select a time slot when you book.
The Rooms
Le Ballu has 37 rooms spread over five floors. Mine, in the standard category, is both understated and elegant: midnight-blue walls enlivened by brightly colored paint, large windows with street views framed by thick turquoise velvet curtains, modernist light fixtures, light parquet flooring, a king-size bed and an impressively large TV. A superb terrazzo bathroom and kitchenette complete the space. All room categories play to the same tune — with bright colors (from Prussian blue to emerald to canary yellow) and retro furniture — even if some of the higher-end options add a terrace.
As the sun goes down, locals and visitors gather at the bar or in the garden to savor the creations of Le Ballu’s inspired mixologist, or to enjoy a menu of quality snacks (for me, it was a plate of charcuterie stamped 'Éric Ospital') that alternates between international offerings and traditional French dishes — all well-executed but with prices that can quickly soar. As Pigalle comes alive, the street finally catches my eye and I let myself wander, discovering the many other great spots in the area…
The Day After
The next morning, it's time to take advantage of the rest of Le Ballu's charms. The restaurant area has settled into a gentle lull, ideal for enjoying a breakfast with simple, effective dishes at 13 or 20 euros (special mention for the excellent baguette).The stay comes to a climax with an hour in the spa pool (2m x 8m), inspired by the Russian baths of the 1960s, with its metro tiling and lighting from suspended globes.
Final Verdict?
Love at first sight. Yes, I'm indulging in a cliché, but only because it’s accurate — this is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The entry-level rooms (from €180 to €200) don’t disappoint, and the lively neighborhood offers a mix of high-design bars, quality boutiques, and restaurants recommended by The MICHELIN Guide. Le Pantruche and Les Canailles Pigalle, in particular, are so nearby that you could close your eyes and still find your way there. Not bad for a hotel inspired by a comic book.
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Hero Image: Hôtel Le Ballu
