Perched on the banks of the Seine, nestled between the historic edifices of the Louvre and Notre-Dame, stands Cheval Blanc Paris in all of her five-star glory. Chic? Yes. Charming? Most definitely. Luxurious? Without a doubt. The LVMH property serves up sophistication in spades — evident from the moment you arrive.
Stepping into the sleek lobby, guests are embraced by a discreet intimacy, characterised by contemporary elegance. Plush lounging spaces and flamboyant artworks glimmer across the walls, inviting visitors to relax in a beautiful gallery-style space. But before you know it, a dedicated majordome whisks you away to your abode, and enquires whether a private chauffeur is required, reservations need attending to, and if luggage should be unpacked in the dressing room. It’s announced that no request is denied.
My home for a few nights (but oh, how I wish it could be forever) is the Seine Suite. Draped in sumptuous cream textiles, the stylish suite is a masterclass in impeccable styling. Rich fabrics and meticulously curated accents are a delight. And the view is simply breathtaking (straight out of a romance novel). Floor-to-ceiling bay windows frame the city from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower. My advice? Enjoy your first breakfast here wrapped in the hotel’s 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 below.
Those with a penchant for a spa-style bathroom will find themselves in heaven at Cheval Blanc Paris. Flooded with natural light, the oversized spaces are adorned with luxurious marble finishes and boast huge tubs and an indulgent hammam shower room. Double vanity units offer an enviable selection of opulent amenities in two distinct scents, crafted by none other than Dior’s famed perfumer, François Demachy. There’s full-sized body scrubs, body cremes and hair masks amongst the indulgent offerings. I also spotted a cosmetics refrigerator in the dressing room, thoughtfully kept at the perfect temperature to preserve cherished products — a testament to the hotel’s unrivalled attention to detail.
Speaking of spa-like experiences, if ever there was a time to set aside a few hours to relax, this is undoubtedly it. Take the elevator below ground to discover Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris, a hidden sanctuary radiating opulence while providing a plethora of lavish treatments designed to soothe the mind, body, and spirit. Styled as a chic Parisian apartment, the spa’s aesthetics pay homage to the esteemed French fashion house, adorned with the latest collection’s silk twills, couture accessories, and fine fragrances.
The philosophy at the spa is one of holistic wellbeing, with consideration for physical, emotional and psychological wellness. Treatments are performed in six unique suites, each of which presents a facet of the House of Dior. Amongst these six exquisite cocoons, the Bonheur Suite features massage beds for a relaxing escape for two, the New Look Suite was designed especially for the four-hand Couture Dream massage, and the Sauvage Suite with its alpha quartz covered massage bed extends an invitation to be at one with nature.
The spa experience rounds off perfectly with a refreshing dip in the snow shower or a few laps around the plush lounger-lined pool, which mesmerises with its digital art walls — a delightful mirror reflecting the ever-changing colours of the outside world.
Unsurprisingly, the hotel’s culinary credentials sparkle. Three distinctive restaurants, each overseen by Chef Arnaud Donckele and renowned Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric celebrate local produce through a sustainable, hyper-seasonal lens.
Le Tout-Paris serves as a magnet for the city’s it-crowd come nightfall. Uber-chic, yet eminently welcoming, the bar and restaurant blends an approachable atmosphere with French sophistication. Whether seated at the bar, within the dining room, or al fresco on the terrace, masterful dishes such as mushroom tartlets paired with a vin jaune emulsion, or blue lobster draped in pink béarnaise sauce, perfumed with bergamot, hit all of the right spots. Plant-based palates such as my own will revel in bespoke creations including the artichoke, rocket, and saffron lattice, accompanied by a delicately frozen mandarin and artichoke sorbet.
At Plénitude, the crown jewel of the dining options and recipient of three Michelin stars in its inaugural year (no small feat in a city celebrated for its gastronomic expertise), a culinary escapade awaits. Guided by Chef Arnaud’s exquisite broths, creams, vinaigrettes, and veloutés, each dish is a testament to his dedication, with sauces being the star of the show. Its seasonal menu (which changes every three months) is kept tightly under wraps. You’ll have to discover it for yourself. Securing a table requires patience and planning, with wait-lists reaching up to six months.
At Langosteria, the essence of Italy is evoked through masterful flavour combinations and impeccable presentation, with fruit de mer taking centre stage. An ode to fish and seafood in all their forms, inspiration is drawn from the South and its seasonal markets. The aromas of the Italian countryside and of distant oceans waft through the corridor, enticing guests inside. The Tasting Menu is a great way to sample house signatures including the Sicilian langoustines with rhubarb and confit ginger, and the charcoal-grilled Black grouper châteaubriand.
Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric, a two-time winner of the Fou de Pâtisserie prize, oversees desserts and pastries across all dining venues, with dairy sourced from his family-owned farm infusing his creations with an unmistakable touch of authenticity. A word of advice — do not overlook the dessert offerings. Save room.
This is a hotel that goes above and beyond, taking guest experiences to new levels. Be sure to remove the “do not disturb” sign from the door before heading out to dinner because you’ll be welcomed home to a remarkable turndown service including the gentle flicker of scented candles, soft music, and a frothy bubble bath already drawn. A freshly brewed pot of tea and fragrant pillow mist await on the bedside table alongside delightful sweet treats, and a miniature pot of Dior eye cream.
While the temptation to remain cocooned within the hotel is obviously appealing, the nearby Jardin des Tuileries beckons visitors with its charming landscapes, where statues by Maillol stand in company alongside those of Rodin and Giacometti. The Orangerie Museum, housing Monet’s masterpieces, offers complimentary tours from March to December, and in the summer months, the gardens spring to life with the joyous Fête des Tuileries.
An all-enveloping sanctuary that revisits the codes of ultra-luxury hospitality with bold modernity, it’s love at first sight at Cheval Blanc Paris.
Images courtesy of Cheval Blanc Paris
