Once again it is happening at the Lutetia’s Josephine Bar
The Hôtel Lutetia, located at 45 boulevard Raspail in Paris, is not just an emblematic luxury establishment in the 6th arrondissement, but a veritable monument to Parisian history and culture.
Bar Joséphine
Opened in 1910 by Marguerite Boucicaut to welcome customers of her department store, Le Bon Marché, the hotel embodies the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, with sculptures and frescoes that narrate an era of creativity and sophistication.
Its proximity to political institutions made the Lutetia a favorite haunt of parliamentarians and civil servants, but it was above all its role as a haven for creative minds that marked its history. Famous artists and writers such as Picasso, Matisse, André Gide, James Joyce and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry stayed here, contributing to an atmosphere of intellectual and artistic effervescence.
During the Second World War, the Lutetia was requisitioned by the German army and became the headquarters of the Abwehr, the intelligence and counter-espionage service of the German General Staff. The hotel’s employees managed to hide a number of grands crus in a secret cellar to prevent them from being seized by German forces. This hiding place helped preserve part of France’s wine heritage in troubled times.
At the Liberation, the hotel was transformed into a reception center for deportees returning from Nazi concentration camps, an episode recalled by a commemorative plaque outside the hotel. This temporary transformation into a place of reunion for families separated by war testifies to the Lutetia’s commitment to the history of Paris and France.
The Lutetia continues to be a cultural beacon, hosting cultural events, jazz soirées and literary events. Its importance is also recognized by its listing as a historic monument, a distinction that underlines the heritage value of its facades and interiors. Fascinating anecdotes such as James Joyce playing the piano in the salons, or Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his wife Consuelo having a tumultuous relationship in his rooms, add to the hotel’s mystical aura.
The Lutetia is a living witness to Parisian history, a sanctuary of memories and emotions shared through the ages. Today, after careful renovations, the Lutetia remains a privileged place of stay for a prestigious clientele, perpetuating its legacy of luxury, culture and history.
Located in the iconic Hôtel Lutetia in Paris, Le Bar Joséphine embodies the glamour of jazz and the art of the cocktail. Named after the legendary Joséphine Baker, this bar is a 6th arrondissement institution, famous for its sophisticated ambiance and rich cultural heritage. With its luxurious Art Deco décor, Le Bar Joséphine offers a majestic atmosphere. Wall frescoes, crystal chandeliers and refined furnishings create the perfect setting for memorable evenings.
Bar Joséphine is particularly renowned for its jazz evenings, attracting internationally renowned musicians and music lovers alike. These events carry on the musical tradition of Josephine Baker, with a varied program ranging from jazz classics to new contemporary interpretations. The vibrant atmosphere makes the bar a must for jazz enthusiasts.
The bar is also a temple to the art of the cocktail, where mixologists create innovative and sophisticated drinks, using premium ingredients and avant-garde techniques. Each glass is a work of art, designed to surprise and delight guests’ taste buds. At Bar Joséphine, every evening is a unique experience, where the elegance of the venue blends with haunting music and exquisite cocktails. The bar continues to be a meeting place for lovers of culture and refinement, offering a sensory journey through the history of jazz and the creativity of cocktails.
Angelo Forte’s new Cocktail Menu
Currently, Angelo Forte exercises his talents at the Lutetia Paris, where he oversees the palace’s two bars: the famous Bar Joséphine and the more intimate Bar Aristide. He is known for his creativity and mastery of the art of mixology, seeking to reinvent the cocktail experience by integrating artistic and cultural influences.
Angelo Forte is a renowned chef-bartender from Rome, Italy. He studied in Rome before moving to Paris, attracted by the French capital’s nightlife. Angelo has acquired a wide range of mixology experience in a variety of Parisian establishments, from convivial bars to prestigious palaces and trendy speakeasys.
Through his work at Bar Joséphine, Angelo Forte has launched a new cocktail menu inspired by the works of comic book artist Lucas Harari. Each cocktail is designed not only to offer a unique taste experience, but also to visually and emotionally capture the themes and colors of the comics.
His meticulous approach and passion for creating cocktails make him a central figure in the world of mixology in Paris, and his presence at Lutetia Paris enriches the gastronomic and cultural offering of this emblematic Left Bank palace.
The Menu
1. What specific cocktails and mixology do you offer in your bar?
Angelo Forte: At Bar Joséphine, we offer a unique and refined tasting experience for our customers who are passionate about cocktails and mixology. Our cocktail menu is designed to offer a diversity of flavors and aromas, from timeless classics to modern, innovative creations.
2. What cocktails of the moment are you offering in your bar, and what are the inspirations behind their creation?
Angelo Forte: We currently offer 10 signature cocktails, 2 of which are alcohol-free. We’re surrounded by magnificent frescoes at Bar Joséphine. So we came up with the idea of creating a menu based around the graphic arts, and in particular the “ninth art”, the comic strip. Each cocktail evokes a special moment that I want to make unique and precious for everyone, by combining modern and sophisticated flavors.
3. Could you share the recipe for a particular cocktail available in your bar, along with its flavors and taste?
Angelo Forte: The “BANG BANG” cocktail, which is dry and has iodized and grilled flavors. It is composed as follows: Bombay Sapphire 1er cru gin, dry vermouth, maritime mertensia leaves, dill and black sesame oil.
4. What kind of musical experience do you offer in your bar, and what genres of music are usually played to accompany cocktail tastings?
Angelo Forte: From Tuesday to Saturday, Bar Joséphine showcases a musical repertoire with jazzy and folk overtones in live musical performances. From jazz classics to interpretations of American folk classics and smooth jazz piano/guitar duets, the musicians echo the heritage of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés jazz scene.
Le Lutetia / Bar Joséphine
45 Bd Raspail, 75006 Paris
From Monday to Sunday from 5:00pm to 1:00am
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.
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