Explore Le Meurice Hotel: A Parisian Gem Celebrated by Artists Like Picasso and Dalí

The Hotel as an Artwork

Le Meurice proudly claims to be “the hotel of artists and thinkers”—an ambitious title that, after my recent experience, I can confirm is entirely factual.

Walking Tour of Montmartre

On a rainy Friday morning, our group embarked on one of the hotel’s exclusive walking tours, “Picasso’s Montmartre,” which follows in the footsteps of legendary artists in Paris.

The Montmartre neighborhood, perched atop a significant hill, provides stunning views of the city. Nowadays, it is regarded as one of Paris’ most iconic areas. However, during the early 1900s, when Picasso was residing there, it was a modest village that captivated artists with its low rent and vibrant nightlife. Other renowned figures like Van Gogh, Renoir, and Matisse were also drawn to this charming locale.

During the tour, we explored the studio where Picasso lived and created some of his iconic artworks. We also visited a bar where he famously compensated a bar tab with a painting (which later sold for $40 million). Moreover, we delved into the life events that shaped his diverse artistic styles.

Although I often question the value of guided tours, this one proved captivating, even amidst the downpour. Nevertheless, it became clear to me that my fascination with this rich history would deepen once we returned to the hotel.

Dining in Salon Pompadour

That evening, we enjoyed dinner in Le Meurice’s Salon Pompadour, an exquisitely decorated private dining room that transports guests to a 19th-century palace. The beauty of the room, with its lavish decor, is truly breathtaking, but the intrigue extends beyond its golden detailing and sparkling chandeliers.

Notably, the Salon hosted the wedding banquet of Picasso and Russian dancer Olga Khokhlova in 1918. A painting that hangs in the room even bears a dent from a Champagne cork that was propelled during the celebration.

Throughout the day, I felt as if I had stepped into Picasso’s world and gained a deeper understanding of him and his creative expression than I ever did in my countless art history courses. Furthermore, Picasso is not the only celebrated artist associated with Le Meurice.

Ties to Famous Artists

For over three decades, Salvador Dalí frequented the hotel for a month each year. An eccentric figure, Dalí was known to have high expectations of the staff, but one of my favorite stories is that his pet cheetahs left marks on the carpet of his suite. Nevertheless, the hotel honored his legacy by naming a restaurant after him—Le Dalí, which showcases local, seasonal French cuisine, with decor that reflects the artist’s surrealist style.

Located in the heart of Paris, the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the Louvre, serving as a natural gathering spot for artists and intellectuals for years (notable guests include Coco Chanel, Franklin Roosevelt, and Nelson Mandela).

Modern Art and Cuisine

Currently, the hotel also showcases various modern art forms. Notably, pastry chef Cédric Grolet creates his signature sculpted fruits that appear to be ordinary apples or pears but are, in fact, exquisite desserts. Furthermore, head chef Amaury Bouhours presides over the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, where the culinary staff performs an elegant ballet of preparation in the kitchen nightly. Those fortunate enough to dine at the chef’s table can witness this magic firsthand.

In conclusion, Le Meurice boasts an intriguing history and significant relevance that stems from its artistic connections and tasteful evolution. Ultimately, it takes only a brief stay to appreciate that this hotel is indeed a masterpiece in its own right.