In the 1920s, the hotel was soon contributing to the Rive Gauche’s intellectual effervescence as the area, at that time, attracted many writers and publishing houses (including the famous NRF, Nouvelle Revue Française). Since then, it has continued to encourage and support artistic creation.

It was, in fact, continuing a tradition started by Juliette Récamier in the 1830s at Abbaye-aux-Bois, a convent where she lived due to a change in her fortunes (this location today is Rue Récamier, located between 12 and 14 Rue de Sèvres, directly opposite the Lutetia). There, she held her famous and legendary salon which attracted in particular her ardent admirer, Chateaubriand. Of particular note were readings performed there from Mémoires d’Outre-Tombe, a text written just a few steps away at 120 Rue du Bac.

Numerous writers have stayed at the Lutetia, among the most notable being André Gide, Albert Cohen, James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway. A few artists such as Arman, César, Hikily, Takis and Bisch created artworks which still adorn its rooms and hallways. In particular, a 2m high Eiffel by César welcomes clients in the reception hall. Several suites were decorated by these artists and hung with their works. Recently, it was the turn of the Campana brothers to add their creative touch. The hotel also organises literary and musical evenings, and transforms its gallery (linking the reception hall to the restaurants) into a veritable art gallery welcoming temporary exhibitions of contemporary artworks.

If you find yourself in the area, a visit to this hotel is a must. Discover (or rediscover) a place bursting with history and charming with its slightly outdated décor. This is one of the stops along the “Art walk with a difference: Montparnasse to Rue du Bac”.

Copyright Fabrice Rambert

View of the lithography by Alechinsky – Crédit Photo Sebastien Straessle

“Art is part of my life” says Guy Savoy (3 Michelin stars), so much so he decided to take advantage of his collection of works of art on a daily basis by displaying them in his restaurant on rue Troyon, 75017 Paris, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. His collection has expanded over the course of his travels and according to his tastes since he was first initiated by one of Alechinsky’s lithographies at the age of 27. African sculptures stand alongside collages by Georges Autard (who designs a collectors’ greetings card every year), oil paintings by Fabrice Hyber and steel creations by Jean-Pierre Rives.
For Guy Savoy, art helps us to keep an open, inquiring mind, to recharge our batteries, to develop our sensitivity and our sense of aesthetics.
Art can also be found on each table, as the Goutte d’eau uses tableware (salt and pepper pots, butter dishes) designed by Laurent Beyne in colourful cut glass and one-off presentation plates designed by Virginia Mo.
In January 2013 the restaurant will be moving to the Monnaie de Paris (11 quai Conti, 75006 Paris) which will be refurbished as part of the Metalmorphose project (www.monnaiedeparis.fr).  We will be able to discover a new design, still by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, with new displays and in particular a monumental piece by Fabienne Verdier and other surprises on loan by François Pinault. To be continued…
Restaurant Guy Savoy, 18 rue Troyon, 75017 Paris www.guysavoy.com