hero media

This fashion-forward hotel in Paris has Eiffel Tower, Seine River and Notre Dame views

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
SO/ Paris exudes chic modern vibes in one of the city’s best areas.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury stays in the City of Lights, but the chic SO/ Paris hotel captures the city’s youthful spirit in spades. Located by the Seine River, SO/ Paris combines unforgettable views, contemporary design and elevated dining for a memorable stay in one of the city’s coolest areas.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay at the luxurious SO/ Paris.

Location

SO/ Paris by the Seine River
SO/ Paris sits by the Seine. (Image: Emerige Morland)

SO/ Paris is located in the coveted 4th Arrondissement, on the Right Bank of the Seine River. Its central location makes it ideal for first-timers to explore the city’s highlights and frequent visitors alike. It’s nestled between the charming Marais and Bastille, the former of which is one of my favourite areas in the city.

Once a medieval aristocratic quarter, the Marais became the heart of Paris’s Jewish community in the 1960s, before evolving into the trendy district it is today. Its narrow medieval streets are lined with boutique shops, quaint cafes, art galleries and a vibrant atmosphere. If you like thrifting and vintage shopping, this area is where to base yourself.

The Bastille metro stop is less than a 10-minute walk away and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Style and character

the lobby at SO/ Paris
The lobby is infused with classic Parisian architecture.

A reflection of Paris’ modern side, SO/Paris exudes an avant-garde aesthetic, where fashion and art collide. Interior architecture and design agency RDAI – who have worked on international projects with Hermès – was responsible for the look and feel of the accommodation. Led by Denis Montel, with contributions by other designers and artists, the agency took cues from the water ripples in the Seine and referenced traditional Haussmannian architecture.  Interiors are awash in deep cognac, amber and petrol blue tones and elevated with geometric mirrors, statement lighting and metal finishes. 122 contemporary artworks, including pieces commissioned by Neil Beloufa and Olafur Eliasson, while fashion pop-ups in the lobby feature a rotating collection of pieces from designers like Louis Gabriel Nouchi.

a huge artwork on display at the lobby of SO/ Paris
See inspiring contemporary works throughout the hotel.

Acclaimed designer Guillaume Henry, the Artistic Director of luxury fashion house Patou, created the SO/Paris team’s chic uniforms, which draw from the sea and the river Seine. The vibrant daytime attire comprises light knits, denim pants and jackets and French sneakers, while the night uniforms consist of epaulettes, satin and velvety materials, bow ties and heels for a more refined look.

Facilities

the terrasse of Bonnie restaurant, SO/ Paris
Indulge in French fine dining at Bonnie restaurant.

SO/ Paris has three dining venues (more on that later), a gym and a spa.

The 24/7 fitness centre is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, and guests also have access to the Ô Zenhit sports and fitness club, a gym, weight training room and swimming pool located within the nearby La Félicité complex.

a large hammam at Maison CODAGE Spa, SO/ Paris
Relax in a Turkish steam bath at Maison CODAGE Spa.

The onsite Maison CODAGE Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city. Treatments use the French cosmetics house’s luxurious products and include all manner of massages, facials and body scrubs (think 30-minute LED and gua-sha treatment and a 150-minute indulgence with personalised face and body treatments enhanced by a full-body scrub). There is also a large hammam to relax in afterwards.

Rooms

the Iconic - Paris Skyline room at SO/ Paris
The Iconic – Paris Skyline room boasts spectacular Paris vistas.

The 140 rooms and 22 suites are designed to maximise the views and natural light. Spacious by Paris standards, they range from serene courtyard-facing Collection rooms to expansive, view-drenched suites. If you want spectacular Paris vistas, opt for the Iconic – Paris Skyline room, which features panoramic views across the River Seine, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame or one of the suites.

an elegant suite at SO/ Paris
Each suite is designed with parquet flooring and thoughtful amenities.

All rooms feature CODAGE Paris bath products, kettles and Nespresso machines, plush robes and Aerobull speakers. From my Iconic – Paris Skyline room, I spent a relaxing couple of hours sitting at the expansive windows, sipping the Chablis from the minibar and watching the city come to life with open-air dance gatherings.

Food & Drink

the Bonnie restaurant at SO/ Paris
Feast on a French-style buffet at the Bonnie restaurant. (Image: Romain Ricard)

There are four hospitality venues at SO/Paris: Lobby Café and the Bonnie restaurant, bar and club. Open from morning to evening, Bonnie restaurant is a showstopper, exuding 1960s-70s charm. The Space Age-style French brasserie was conceived by design firm Notaire and features curved furniture, bold carpets, mirrored ceiling, metallic surfaces and plush banquettes. Food-wise, the menu is French with international influences, with dishes spanning tartare de langoustine, mac and cheese and Turbot fillet with green asparagus, morels and yellow wine sauce. I highly recommend ordering the linguine, which is generously dressed with truffle shavings – best enjoyed on the panoramic terrace.

For breakfast, a French-style buffet awaits, with delightful pastries alongside an la carte menu including omelettes, smoked salmon toast and crêpes.

the Bonnie bar, SO/ Paris
Settle in for drinks above the city skyline. (Image: Romain Ricard)

Bonnie bar is a chic spot for sophisticated tipples. Savour creative cocktails like the Major Tom – made with Gin Nouaison, prosecco, fraise and citron jaune – or Champagne in a retro space that’s enlivened with petrol blue, silver finishes and mirrors. For more lively evenings, head to Bonnie club to dance the night away until 5am.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Does SO/ Paris have access for guests with disabilities?

There are accessible public spaces throughout the hotel as well as accessible rooms.

Is SO/ Paris family-friendly?

SO/ Paris doesn’t market itself as a family-centric hotel, and its design-forward nature lends itself more to sophisticated solo or couple stays. However, it does have interconnected rooms.

Details

Best for: Modern travellers, fashionable travellers, couples

Address: 10 Rue Agrippa d’Aubigné, 75004 Paris

Rate: From  550€ per night

Want to see more stories from International Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set International Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "International Traveller". That's it.
Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
View profile and articles
Hotel Review: Hotel Providence, Paris
Paris

Hotel Review: Hotel Providence, Paris

Paris is cool again, according to Susan Gough Henly, who Checks into Hotel Providence in the heart of the action.

Read more
Inside the four-person suite at Le Relais Madeleine
Paris

Review: Le Relais Madeleine, Paris

Leigh-Ann Pow ignores five-star options and discovers the perfect Paris bolthole worth bragging about.

Read more
Hotel Bachaumont's restaurant, Paris.
Paris

Hotel Bachaumont – Belle Époque Beauty

Entre nous: here, is your next Parisian bolthole. Words by Megan Arkinstall.

Read more
Hotel Bourg Tibourg, Paris.
Paris

Review: Hotel Bourg Tibourg, Paris

Looking for a sexy Parisian bolthole that’ll reignite the spark? This boutique hotel in the heart of Le Marais has you covered, writes Rachel Smith.

Read more
hero media

What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.