Cheval Blanc Paris reveals herself slowly. While her façade – magnificently perched on the edge of the Seine between the Louvre and Notre-Dame – is undeniably striking, inside, the five-star hotel gracefully unfolds her plume of fine feathers rather discreetly.
Under the auspices of the illustrious LVMH Group, Cheval Blanc Paris, located in the 1st arrondissement, is effortlessly chic, much like the guests that reside there. The sleek lobby, intimate with contemporary considerations, welcomes dwellers with plush lounging spaces and flamboyant artworks that glint across the walls. But it’s elsewhere the real magic is revealed…starting with the rooms, of which there are 72. Though something about this property makes it feel as if there are fewer.
Whisked to the suite by a dedicated majordome who enquired if we need a private chauffer, assistance with reservations around the city, and if luggage can be unpacked into the dressing room, this is a hotel that doesn’t do things by half; further highlighted upon returning from dinner that evening to discover soft music playing, scented candles lit, and a bubble bath drawn. Freshly brewed tea, a pillow menu and fragrant pillow mist had also been placed on the bedside table next to the touchscreen tablet that controls the mood, climate and just about everything else in the room.
Swathed in luxurious textiles in sumptuous cream tones, the styling of abodes is impeccable. Rich fabrics insist you glide a hand across them, while meticulously curated accents compel you to reconsider your own home décor concept. And then the eye is drawn to the view. Almost every one of the elegant rooms overlook the Seine with floor-to-ceiling bay windows, porches or terraces to soak up the sights from Notre-Dame all the way to the Eiffel Tower. Breakfast should be enjoyed here in a fluffy robe and slippers. It’s the perfect spot to observe Parisian life, including the famous bouquinistes who joyfully set-up their book shops each morning along the river’s bank.
Light-flooded bathrooms laden with slathers of refined marble boast oversized tubs and indulgent hammam showers. Double vanity units feature an enviable assortment of luxurious amenities in two different scents, imagined by Dior perfumer, François Demachy. In the dressing room is where one will discover the cosmetics refrigerator, set to the optimal temperature to preserve precious products. Also housed here, the safe, resembling a mini vault, contains charging ports, jewellery trays, and three watch winders. The attention to detail is remarkable.
And then there is the food.
Three restaurants, each with their own exceptional personality are overseen by gourmet Chef, Arnaud Donckele, and pastry Chef, Maxime Frédéric. The culinary ethos honours local produce with a sustainable, hyper-seasonal approach – putting savoir-faire into each exceptional plate that crosses the pass.
At Plénitude, awarded three Michelin stars within its first year (no wonder there’s currently a six month wait-list), Chef Arnaud invites guests on a gastronomic voyage, dictated by his renowned broths, creams, vinaigrettes and veloutés that punctuate the ever-evolving exploratory menu, shaping the soul of each exquisite dish.
Contemporary brasserie, Le Tout-Paris, is where the city’s it-crowd can be found congregating, however, the vibe here is eminently approachable. Take a pew at the bar, in the dining room, or on the terrace, while savouring dishes such as the tartlet of mushrooms with a vin jaune emulsion, or the blue lobster flanked by pink béarnaise sauce, fragranced with bergamot. Plant-based palettes will appreciate customised creations, including our personal favourite, the artichoke, rocket and saffron lattice, with a mandarin and artichoke sorbet accompaniment.
Langosteria brings Italy’s very essence to life via masterful flavour combinations and impeccable presentation. Here, fruit de mer is at the fore of the menu and the oyster bar alone is well worth the reservation.
Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric, two-time Fou de Pâtisserie pastry prize winner, is at the helm of every dessert and baked good at each of the restaurants. The dairy used in his creations is typically sourced from his family-owned farm. Our advice? Don’t skip pudding.
During the winter season, be sure to reserve a table at Céleste atop the hotel’s roof. Overlooking some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, the pop-up bar is housed within a crystalline dome. Here, drinks are the star of the show, each with their own story, divinely curated with the finest rare vintages from the 1940s-’70s.
And then there is the spa. Discreetly tucked away below ground, yet glimmering like a beacon of light, a multitude of lavish treatments to soothe the mind, body and spirit are presented at Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris. The lobby lounge, akin to a chic Parisian apartment, is flawlessly designed as a tribute to the fashion house, festooned with latest collection silk twills, couture accessories and fine fragrances. The only conundrum is which of the exclusive treatments to indulge in.
Round off the spa experience with a dip in the snow shower or a few laps of the lounger-lined pool, hypnotising with its digital art walls – a mirror image of the outside view, impressively changing colour from day to night.
While the temptation is to stay within the hotel, few pleasures can match a stroll around nearby Jardin des Tuileries, where the statues of Maillol stand alongside those of Rodin and Giacometti. Inside, the Orangerie Museum, where works of Monet are housed, offer complementary tours from March to December. From June to August, the gardens come alive with funfair, Fête des Tuileries.
Of course, a Parisian sojourn wouldn’t be complete without a moonlit saunter around the Louvre – a stone’s throw from the hotel – before returning to experience the extraordinary evening turndown service once more.
Unquestionably designed for a fashionable clientele who appreciate discretion and high-end service, Cheval Blanc Paris is an all-enveloping sanctuary among the City of Lights that captivates the soul, remaining with you long after checking out. Book now.
