La Fondation – Paris, France
Located in Paris’ Batignolles district, La Fondation combines hotel rooms with restaurants, wellness areas, exhibition spaces and hanging gardens under one roof. Designed by PCA-Stream, the building balances its heavy mineral structure with planted terraces, green walls and hidden courtyards that soften the atmosphere throughout the property. Interiors by Roman and Williams lean into textured materials, sculptural details and low lighting, giving the hotel a more residential feel than many traditional Parisian luxury addresses. The project was conceived as a creative hub as much as a hotel, with cultural programming and social spaces designed to pull both locals and guests into the building.
Les Roches – Le Lavandou, France
Originally opened in the 1930s, Les Roches sits directly against the rocky coastline of Le Lavandou overlooking the Mediterranean. Reimagined by architect Jean-Baptiste Pietri, the hotel uses Bormes stone, fibre-reinforced concrete, metal footbridges and discreet stairways to create a more fluid relationship with the rocky Mediterranean setting. The hotel has long attracted artists, writers and designers, with previous guests including Jean Cocteau, Christian Dior, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. That creative history continues through contemporary artworks and installations spread across the property, from the lobby to the rooftop garden. Thick walls, controlled openings and carefully framed sea views also help reduce heat and maximise natural shade throughout the building.
