Tucked into the storied slopes of Montmartre, just beneath the iconic Sacré-Cœur in Paris, a once-forgotten hotel at 7 rue Paul Albert has been reimagined. Now a vibrant 12-unit tourist residence operated by Edgar Suites, this 5,382-square-foot transformation spanning five floors is the result of architectural and interior collaboration between HOCH (architecture) and CHHO (interior design) – two creative studios co-founded by architects Bertrand Chapus and Thomas Hostache based in Paris and Aix-en-Provence. What they’ve created is a short-term rental offering that feels like upscale apartments, adding a new chapter to Montmartre’s living history.
When the original hotel shuttered in the wake of the pandemic, it left behind a maze of outdated rooms and deteriorating infrastructure. HOCH and CHHO responded by gutting the structure completely and rebuilding from within, navigating the steeply sloped terrain and split-level footprint with clever spatial strategies that meet both accessibility requirements and fire safety regulations. The result: 11 thoughtfully laid-out one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus a separate unit for an on-site concierge, that range from 269 to 646 square feet.
But what sets this project apart isn’t just the architecture – it’s the personality. In line with Edgar Suites’ mission to offer furnished spaces that feel like home without compromising on hotel-level amenities, CHHO leaned into an aesthetic that’s both playful and purposeful. Drawing inspiration from the radical Italian design of the Memphis Group and Archizoom, the interiors pulse with color, pattern, and a sense of retro-futurism that’s unmistakably bold.
Each apartment feels like a variation on a theme. Square modules – stacked and repeated like pixelated pyramids – form distinctive headboards and benches designed to maximize both form and function in tight quarters. These custom elements, clad in a palette of saturated hues and tactile fabrics from Dedar and Elitis, serve as visual anchors and nods to the postmodern spirit that fuels the residence’s identity.
Stripe motifs echo throughout the space, appearing in vibrant kitchen backsplashes and graphic bathroom details. Fixtures and furnishings elevate the everyday: door handles by HK Living add subtle flair, while space-efficient metal-framed sinks from Simas keep bathrooms open and practical.
True to the spirit of eclecticism, the interiors also incorporate secondhand and vintage finds. CHHO sourced many pieces from Selency and vintage lighting from Peyrieux, while the sculptural travertine tables were custom-made by Beije Avenue and illuminated by NV Gallery suspensions. Artworks – from Parallèle Zéro, Little Big Gallery, and Galerie Bessaud – include original pieces by François Nugues, created specifically for this project.
Even the communal spaces make a statement. On the ground floor, green and orange hues meet durable natural rubber flooring from Nora, while the upper levels feature a patchwork of EGE Carpets – both plain and patterned. A vintage suspension light and Foscarini’s sculptural Bits sconces help set the tone as guests enter.
To rent the Montmartre tourist residences in Paris, visit edgarsuites.com. For more information on the project by HOCH & CHHO, visit hoch-studio.com.
Photography by Yohann Fontaine.
