France from a different perspective: between Cognac and the 18th arrondissement of Paris

With this in mind, we invite you to discover two alternative destinations in France which, although very different, complement each other perfectly:

• The elegant tranquillity and wine-making heritage of Cognac, epitomised by the Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa.
• The creative energy of Paris’s 18th arrondissement, with the Kube Hôtel as your starting point.

Two ways of experiencing France. Two ways of understanding beauty. And a shared contemporary vision of luxury experiences.

1. Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, Cognac

Cognac is a town where everything invites you to slow down. Surrounded by vineyards, crossed by the Charente river and steeped in centuries of tradition, it is a destination that values time as an essential part of the experience. A place where luxury is expressed with discretion, amidst heritage, gastronomy and well-being.

Set within this setting is the Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, a unique five-star establishment that has transformed former 19th-century industrial warehouses into a contemporary hotel brimming with character.

The hotel occupies the historic cellars of Maison Monnet, founded in 1838. The renovation has successfully preserved the essence of the place, combining original architecture, fine materials and a modern design that is both elegant and serene.

Spread across four buildings, the hotel features 92 rooms, suites and apartments, designed for enjoying comfort in peace. The interiors feature soft tones, natural light and a timeless aesthetic.

One of the most iconic spaces is the Grand Chai des Foudres, which houses two dining options:

• La Distillerie, a refined brasserie.
• Les Foudres, a restaurant distinguished by the MICHELIN Guide, with a cuisine that pays homage to the region and local produce.

The 1838 bar completes the experience with a carefully curated selection of cognacs, one of the most interesting in the region.

Wellbeing and surroundings

The hotel’s spa invites you to switch off completely, with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and treatments designed to promote deep relaxation.

Beyond the hotel, Cognac surprises with its authenticity: century-old cellars, quiet streets, routes through vineyards and charming little villages. Places such as the Abbaye aux Dames or Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Saintes allow you to discover the cultural heritage of the area, whilst the cognac houses offer private tours and tastings.

Cognac is ideal for those seeking a more intimate France, far from the crowds, where luxury is enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

2. Kube Hôtel Paris, 18th arrondissement

Design and creativity in the most vibrant part of Paris

Just a few hundred kilometres away, the contrast is striking. Paris’s 18th arrondissement reveals a different side to the city: multicultural, creative and constantly on the move. It is a neighbourhood where tradition and the avant-garde coexist, alongside street art, local markets and a thriving cultural scene.

It is in this setting that you’ll find the Kube Hôtel Paris, a four-star hotel with a bold and contemporary concept. 

Design with character

Located on a quiet street near Montmartre, the Kube makes an immediate impression. Its aesthetic moves away from classic Parisian style in favour of a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired design with a distinctly urban feel.

The rooms are spacious, bright and functional, with clean lines and a modern atmosphere designed for relaxation. The hotel is also renowned for its conceptual approach: it pioneered the Ice Bar and features a laid-back restaurant that fits perfectly with the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.

The Kube also boasts a 24-hour gym and a pleasant, green courtyard , a little oasis in the heart of the city. 

A neighbourhood waiting to be discovered

The 18th arrondissement invites you to explore a less conventional side of Paris. From the views from Sacré-Cœur to strolls along the Canal Saint-Martin, via the neighbourhoods of La Chapelle and Goutte d’Or, the appeal lies in its authenticity and everyday life.

Colourful markets, lively cafés, cultural venues such as Le Centquatre or the Philharmonie de Paris, and a diverse culinary scene blending cuisines from around the world make this district a dynamic place full of character.

Here, luxury is expressed differently: more spontaneous, more creative, more connected to the real life of the city.