Located near the eponymous spring, the Hôtel des Célestins was built by architect Gilbert Bonnet in 1929 on the site of the previous building, which had been destroyed by fire.
The profile of this eight-story building, the top three floors of which are terraced, recalls images of the great ocean liners of the same era; this "ship's prow" mirroring that of the Hôtel Astoria, visible at the end of Rue Foch. Built of concrete in the Art Deco style, very much in vogue at the time, the building combines elegance and modernity. The facades, with their simple geometric lines, are enlivened by the many balconies and floral motifs sculpted in bas-relief.
Inside, the use of exclusive, high-quality materials offers visitors spaces that are both comfortable and sophisticated. The lobby, lounge, and dining room are adorned with elegant wrought iron decor and stained-glass windows by master glassmaker Francis Chigot. The hotel offered 160 centrally heated rooms, most of which also boasted private bathrooms and toilets. The basement was mainly used for kitchens with pantries, wine cellars, a staff dining room, laundry, etc. It employed around sixty people, including nine cooks.
After housing various departments of the Ministry of the Interior during World War II, the hotel was converted into a girls' high school in 1946 and then into a college in 1966.
