History is in the soul of Les Bains. Les Bains, the name of this new Paris hotel means “the baths” in French and it used the Les Bains Douches, the 19^th century bathhouse that opened in 1885 as its prototype. In 1978, Les Bains Douches transformed from a bathhouse to nightclub until closed for renovation in 2011. Hundred years were gone, today Les Bains is reborn and its fascinating history has added a little mystery to this Parisian new boutique hotel.

In this historic building, most of its original interior design and structure has been preserved, including its Haussmann Style architectural appearance, the statue of Bacchus on its door entry, David Rocheline’s painting, black-and-white tile floor designed by Philippe Starck and the Roman-style tiled baths and basement.  The past and present Les Bains Douches witness the two golden era of Paris.

Bathhouse is very popular in Ancient Roman but not common in Paris. After the Industrial Revolution in 19^th century, people saw Paris as their new opportunity and hope and started to move there. However, it was very hard to get clear water at that time and bathing was a luxury activity that Parisian only bath twice a year. Soon hygiene became a serious problem and in 1832, there was a large-scale outbreak of cholera. Since 1880, the city began to connect water conduit but not every household has a bathroom. This is why Guerbois family built the bathhouse Les Bains Douches in 1885 and it soon became the most beautiful and popular bathhouse in Paris.

The property was taken over by Marois family in 1978 and soon it became one of the city’s most popular nightclubs and witness the golden era of nightlife in Paris. . Paintings, statues, tiled baths, all the historic decoration were still alive and bath side party in Les Bains Douches was the temple of the Parisian night.

One of the amazing thing of Les Bains is no matter it is being transformed into a hotel or a pub, people are always attracted by it. Philippe Starck, who was in charge of its interior designer, and David Guetta, the in house DJ both gain their fame with Les Bains. Les Bains English electronic band Depeche Mode started their music journey there; and Joy Division, an English rock band, recorded one of their live albums in that basement. Les Bains Douches is not just a nightclub but also home for artists.

Today, Les Bains has entered a brand new page and filling Parisian with new memory. Curves and lines was smartly used by French Architect Denis Montel, he built the red dome ceilings with a bathtub and glossy pillars which gives an impression of blood flowing in the vein. He also keeps the black-and-white tiles dance floor in the restaurant, adding a trace of the wild from 1980 to its contemporary design.

Les Bains is never just a bathhouse, restaurant or nightclub. Tristan Auer, the interior designer of this boutique hotel designs the guestrooms and suites in a simple and neat way, gray carpeting, wood paneling and antique furniture, walls are either white or with old-school painting or marble pattern wall paper. Les Bains is the perfect mix and match of contemporary and retro.

Source from: Les Bains