The Best Western Hôtel Littéraire Arthur Rimbaud is situated in the 6, Rue Gustave Goublier, in the 10th Arrondissement of Paris, just behind the Passage Brady. It is a few minutes’ walk from the Gare de l’Est railway station, where Arthur Rimbaud went in response to an invitation from Paul Verlaine, after he had sent him some of his poems – « Venez, chère grande âme, on vous appelle, on vous attend. » («Come, dear great soul, we are calling you, we are waiting for you.») (September 1871).
The entrance hall features a painted ceiling inspired by the « Bateau ivre » by artist Jean Aubertin, which invites you to contemplate a starry night full of symbols; close by is a full-length portrait of Rimbaud by Ernest Pignon-Ernest, of which only few or so original copies exist, which recalls the iconic photograph by Carjat in his famous version of urban art.
Each floor of the hotel is based on Rimbaud’s poems, from his early teenage writings to new forms of poems.
The Library
A library of 500 books, translated into many languages, is freely accessible on the ground floor, enabling you to read or reread Rimbaud’s poems and those of his contemporaries, such as Paul Verlaine, Théodore de Banville and Germain Nouveau. Learn more about the young poet’s life and work by taking a look at some of the leading studies by experts. In addition, a large collection of first editions, rare volumes and art bindings is on display in the showcases.
The fitness room
A fully equiped Fitness room is available 24h/24 and 7/7 for you in our beautiful vaulted cellar !
A 4-star night under the sky of Paris
The lounge bar
Open daily 7/7
You’ll be welcome at the ground-floor bar at all times of the day for a moment of relaxation. You can also try the Absinthe-tasting ritual!
Rimbaud and Verlaine’s taste for absinthe, the «green fairy», has remained famous, as they drank so much of it. It was thought to help poets find inspiration, but some say that, instead, it brought out their undesirable tendencies.
Upon your arrival: welcome tray, a bottle of water, a notepad and a pen and literary surprises around Arthur Rimbaud. CLASSIQUE ROOM
Surface area: 12 m²
Sleeping capacity: 1 double bed or 2 single beds
Occupants: 2 people
The double rooms feature green patterned décor, recalling the poet Arthur Rimbaud’s love of Nature – Rimbaud was known as the “pedestrian of the highroad” – or wallpaper in purple tones that evokes his poetic hallucinations, brought on by drinking absinthe in Parisian cafés.
Each room is personalised with an original watercolour by the artist Jean Aubertin, echoing the title of the poem that gives its name to your room, alongside a text recreating Rimbaud’s words.
Read the book on your bedside table and let yourself be carried away by the enchanting music of this teenage genius who reinvented poetry.
SUPERIOR ROOM
Surface area: 19 m²
Sleeping capacity: 1 queen size bed
Occupants: 2 people
You’ll be charmed by these headboards, decorated with delicate white feathers suspended in the air and enhanced with light effects. They recall the rhythm of Rimbaud’s verses, which decorate the adjacent wall.
An original watercolour by Jean Aubertin brings a new look to the poem that gives its name to your room, while an illustrated chronology retraces the life and work of the “man with soles of wind.”
Special feature: the bathroom opens up to a spacious bedroom (19 m²), with bathrobes and slippers at your disposal. This Prestige room is equipped with a minibar, where drinks are offered free of charge.
FAMILY ROOM
Surface area: 16 m²
Sleeping capacity: 1 double bed and 1 single bed
Occupants: 3 people (ideal for 2 adults and one child)
The triple rooms are perfect for family trips to Paris and have frosted décor that recalls Rimbaldian poems such as ” Métropolitain” and ” Rêvé pour l’hiver.”
Dip into the book you’ll find on your bedside table and listen to the voice of poetry’s enfant terrible. Immerse yourself in his “alchemy of the verb” and contemplate the watercolour by Jean Aubertin, who has reinterpreted the name of your room, making it unique.
