Le Grand Quartier, hotel and lifestyle on the Canal Saint-Martin

The 10th arrondissement of Paris is continuing its transformation… Nestled between Gare de l'Est, Château d'Eau, and Jacques Bonsergent, Le Grand Quartier is making waves to reshape the neighborhood’s image—and it’s working. Part hotel with 83 rooms, part café, community space, garden, and bar… Grand Quartier Saint Martin is quickly establishing itself as the hottest, most trendy spot in northern Paris.

Designed by a duo of interior designers from Nicemakers, the space exudes all the cozy charm of hygge: plush velvet sofas, warm wooden accents, and inviting lamps scattered throughout. It’s quickly become our new favorite spot in the neighborhood, and it seems to be winning over local residents as well.

As you arrive on rue de Nancy, nothing hints that a sanctuary of tranquility is hidden behind the large white façade. It takes courage to step inside, where you'll discover a somewhat concealed lush patio. From there, several entrances: on the left, the hotel itself, and further ahead, direct access to the shop and the bar/café.

Guests enter through the shop and are welcomed into a charming counter area, which leads into a spacious, elongated main room. Here, a large table seats 12, inviting group gatherings, while cozy sofas and small tables for four create intimate spots. It’s essentially the living room everyone dreams of—an inviting space where groups of any size can find their place!

It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours, sipping coffee while working on articles or holding meetings. And speaking of coffee, Le Grand Quartier also has its own café (yes, the lounge is not just a “coffee shop,” it’s an extra space for even more relaxation!).

For its café offerings, the Grand Quartier team reached out to the "Big Family of the Neighborhood", which includes Romain and Sullivan from Syndicat, responsible for crafting innovative cocktails, as well as Thomas from Brûlerie de Belleville, who specializes in coffee creations. Starting at 7 a.m., the Grand Quartier welcomes both hotel guests and local residents to enjoy their delicious dishes and coffee specialties.

In the morning, guests can indulge in a hearty breakfast (unfortunately, no set menu, but plenty of delicious, healthy dishes!). Later, the daily specials menu adds to the dining options. Here, it’s more of a snack vibe perfect for sharing... Think veal meatballs, falafels, chicken kefta wings, and sweet potato fries — all under 10 euros!

In terms of rooms, Le Grand Quartier delivers excellent amenities with a contemporary vibe reminiscent of Mama Shelter. The beds are on the firm side, complemented by generous pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. Ranging from 15m2 to 32m2, the rooms are thoughtfully designed. A few units feature bathtubs—be sure to specify this when booking for that little extra comfort!

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For professionals commuting to work, the hotel has introduced a grab-and-go breakfast service included in the room rate. The process is simple: guests fill out a form with their breakfast preferences, and in the morning, they'll find juice, a cereal bar, and a piece of fruit waiting outside their door. In just a few minutes, you can be at Gare de l'Est or exploring the Grands Boulevards — perfect for city sightseeing!

So, what are you waiting for to explore this new hotspot in Paris?

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.