Paris changes. One minute a neighborhood is the epicenter of cool, the next it’s a postcard of itself. But the Jules & Jim Hotel? It’s been sitting on Rue des Gravilliers since late 2011, and somehow it still feels like the best-kept secret in the 3rd Arrondissement.
You walk down a narrow, slightly gritty street in the Haut-Marais. You find number 11. There isn't a massive neon sign or a gold-braided doorman. Just a discreet entrance that opens into a world of paved courtyards and vertical gardens. Honestly, it’s a vibe.
The Story Behind the Name (It’s Not Just a Movie Reference)
Most people assume the name is just a nod to François Truffaut’s 1962 French New Wave classic. It is, sure. But there’s more to it than cinephile posturing. The hotel’s founders, Antoine Brault and Geoffroy Sciard, wanted to capture that specific spirit of friendship, freedom, and bohemian elegance.
Before it was a boutique hotel, this site was a precious metals factory. Gold and silver. You can still feel that industrial skeleton in the architecture. The renovation took five years of planning and 19 months of construction, finally opening its doors in December 2011. They didn't just slap on some paint. They used raw materials—sawn timber, stone, rough concrete, and glass—to keep the history alive while making it look incredibly modern.
The layout is spread across three distinct buildings connected by two cobblestone courtyards. It’s an "urban oasis," a term that gets thrown around too much, but here, it actually fits.
✨ Don't miss: How Long Ago Did the Titanic Sink? The Real Timeline of History's Most Famous Shipwreck
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rooms
If you’re looking for a sprawling "Grand Hotel" suite where you can play soccer in the hallway, you’re in the wrong place. This is Paris. Space is a luxury.
The Jules & Jim Hotel has 23 rooms, and they are compact. However, they are masterclasses in "smart" design.
The Breakdown of Where You’ll Sleep
- The Jules Rooms: These are your entry-level options. They’re cozy (around 12 square meters). One is on the first floor facing the street, while others have direct courtyard access. Great for solo travelers or couples who actually like each other.
- The Jim Rooms: A step up. You’ll find these in the "new house" in the courtyard or the adjacent building. They're about 18 square meters.
- The Hi-Macs: These are the architectural geeks' favorites. Located in the main eight-story building, they feature a central, backlit "cocoon" bed made of Hi-Macs (a stone and resin composite). The wardrobe and shower are tucked into the corners. It feels like sleeping inside a glowing sculpture.
- Under the Roofs: These are on the 8th floor. One looks toward the Sacré-Cœur, the other over the Marais rooftops. Tiny balconies. Epic views.
- The Duplex: This is the big one. It’s in an 18th-century house in the second courtyard. Living room on the bottom, bedroom and a proper bathtub on top.
Fair warning: There are no minibars or fridges in the rooms. Why? Because the hotel wants you to use the 24-hour room service or, better yet, head down to the bar.
The Courtyard Bar: The Heartbeat of the 3rd
Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the bar is a local legend. It’s hidden at the back of the courtyard, away from the street noise. In the winter, they light an outdoor fireplace. In the summer, the vertical garden is lush and the glass roof lets the light pour in.
🔗 Read more: Why the Newport Back Bay Science Center is the Best Kept Secret in Orange County
The staff doesn't wear stuffy uniforms. Look for the Lacoste polos and Supra shoes. It’s professional but relaxed. The drink menu is legit—homemade cocktails and a solid wine list. It’s a place where you’ll see local gallery owners, photographers, and architects talking shop. It feels "furiously Marais," as the locals might say.
The lobby itself doubles as a photo gallery. They rotate exhibitions regularly, showcasing contemporary photographers and artists. It’s not just "hotel art" to fill wall space; it’s curated, high-quality work that’s often for sale.
Location: Why Rue des Gravilliers Matters
You’re basically at the intersection of everything.
- Arts et Métiers Metro: A 4-minute walk (Lines 3 and 11).
- Centre Pompidou: A 5-minute stroll.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges: The oldest covered market in Paris is just 500 meters away. Go there for the Moroccan couscous or the legendary sandwiches from Chez Alain Miam Miam.
- The Gay District: The hotel is famously "gay-friendly" and sits right in the heart of the Marais' vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
You aren't in the tourist-clogged streets of the 1st Arrondissement. You’re in a neighborhood where people actually live, work, and create.
💡 You might also like: Flights from San Diego to New Jersey: What Most People Get Wrong
Is It Worth the Price?
Rates usually fluctuate. You might find a "Jules" room for €180 in the low season, while the "Duplex" can climb over €500.
Is it "value for money"?
If you value design, silence (the soundproofing here is incredible), and a sense of being an "insider," then yes. If you need a fitness center with 50 treadmills and a massive lobby with gold leaf, you might feel underwhelmed. It’s a boutique experience in the truest sense—intimate, stylish, and a bit quirky.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
Don't just book and show up. To get the most out of the Jules & Jim Hotel, keep these specifics in mind:
- Skip the Pre-booked Parking: They offer a 50% discount at the nearby Interparking Temple, but you have to get a voucher from the reception after you park. Do not book it online beforehand or you'll pay full price.
- The "No Fridge" Situation: If you have medication or something that needs cooling, the staff will handle it for you at the front desk.
- Direct Booking: They usually offer a 5% discount if you book through their official site rather than a massive travel portal.
- Pack Light: The elevators and hallways are "Paris-sized." If you bring two steamer trunks, you’re going to have a bad time.
- The Breakfast: It's a mix of continental and buffet with fresh produce. The soft-boiled eggs are a guest favorite. It’s served in the chic dining area, but you can usually take it into the courtyard if the weather behaves.
Next steps for your trip: Check the current exhibition schedule on the hotel’s website to see which artist is featured during your stay. If you’re arriving by train, take Line 11 from Châtelet—it’s the fastest way to get to the Arts et Métiers stop. Once you drop your bags, walk three blocks to Rue de Bretagne for some of the best people-watching and pastry-eating in the city.