Passion Project
Peek inside a new landmark hotel in Paris that embraces the city’s heritage
From old-school luxury suites to hip bijou boltholes, there’s a hotel in Paris for every type of traveller. You’d think the City of Light had seen it all, but its newest arrival, Cheval Blanc Paris, promises an experience that should impress even the locals. The Lvmh-owned hospitality brand only has a handful of hotels in places like Courchevel,
France, and the Maldives, and the luxury group took its time to find the ideal setting for Cheval Blanc’s fifth property and first urban outpost.
Located by Pont Neuf and housed in the historic La Samaritaine building, the hotel finally opens its doors this month. There’s no shortage of chic conversion projects in the city, but few have attracted the combined levels of expertise of Edouard François, the architect who preserved the building’s exterior, and Peter Marino, who designed the interiors. The duo transformed the Art Deco wing of
La Samaritaine into a contemporary Parisian residence. Each of the 72 rooms and suites feature a classic black and cream palette, artisan-crafted furnishings and expansive windows that frame a fantastic view of Paris.
The hotel also features four restaurants, including the first outpost of Italian fine dining restaurant Langosteria outside of Italy. The culinary offerings are led by chef Arnaud Donckele, who has three Michelin stars and who also oversees Cheval Blanc St Tropez, and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric.
The icing on the holiday cake is the tranquil Dior Spa and glorious curved infinity pool clad in handcrafted mosaic tiles by Michael Mayer. And while this may all sound like an adults-only sanctuary, travellers with families are welcome at Cheval Blanc, with a fanciful play area and activities tailored to children’s whims.