By Frederic de Poligny
Cheval Blanc Paris
“Cheval Blanc Paris” opened last September in one of the most desirable place in Paris right on the Seine River right bank with a breathtaking view over some of the most spectacular sites of the City of Light!
Right-on-the-River-Seine
The place used to be one of Paris iconic department stores, the Samaritaine. After several years of neglect after the closing down of the store the building has been through extensive works of renovation led by architects Edouard François and Peter Marino. The hotel has only 72 rooms and suites but they all have a view over the Seine, the Conciergerie and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The hotel has no less than four restaurants plus a huge Dior Cheval Blanc wellness space, a superb indoor pool and a vast terrace garden with the same amazing view.
Rooms-with-a-view
Completing the project was not an easy task for the owners, the LVMH group. After years of negotiations with the local authorities it took five more years to achieve this perfect cocoon of luxury. The large bay windows fill the rooms with light and seem to be frames made to picture the Parisian panorama. Feeling it hard to escape this mesmerizing view many guests ask their private butler to arrange breakfast, lunch or dinner in the privacy of their room…
Corner-suite-with-private-lounge-plus-dining-room
The suites set on the corners of the hotel are exceptionally large according to Parisian standard and they all have a lounge plus a private dining room. The most demanding – and wealthy – guests can ask for the duplex apartment on the 7th and 8th floors that has its private 40 feet long pool. This huge apartment has seven rooms, several lounges and dining rooms, a cinema room, a lovely terrace and a secure private access. The duplex ‘s tariffs are only disclosed on request to selected clients!
The-main-Lobby
Pieces of art and contemporary creations are on display all over the hotel. Lithography by Sonia Delauney, an immense blue canvas by Georges Mathieu, a marquetry wall by Lison de Caunes, chandeliers and lamps by Philippe Anthonioz, metal weaving by Sophie Mallebranche… You will feel like being in an art gallery.
On the occasion of the hotel opening François Demachy the perfume designer of the House of Dior has created two different fragrances. Whether woody or powdery they are the signature room fragrances of the “Cheval Blanc Paris”.
The-White-Horse-at-Cheval-Blanc
The Cheval Blanc Paris’ chefs have definitely chosen high cuisine with a sustainable ethic. They favour short circuit, seasonal products and have carefully selected quality market gardeners, breeders and fishermen.
“Plenitude” is the hotel gastronomic restaurant led by chef Arnaud Donckele. He is the renowned 3-star chef of the select “La Vague d’Or du Cheval Blanc” in Saint Tropez and was awarded Michelin 3-star a few days ago for his cuisine at “Plenitude Cheval Blanc Paris”. Maxime Fréderic is the talented head pastry chef that makes the sophisticated desserts served at Plenitude.
The-Limbar-at-Cheval-Blanc
The “Limbar” is the second restaurant of the hotel set on the ground floor. Open for breakfast and all day dining it has quickly become one of Paris trendy place to be for business or pleasure.
“Le Tout Paris” is set on the 8th floor. It’s has a French brasserie atmosphere and proposes all day dining in a relaxed ambiance. From 3 to 7 pm the restaurant proposes a typical French afternoon tea.
On the same 8th floor the “Langosteria” proposes fish and seafood cooked by the Italian chef Enrico Buonocore.
The “Cheval Blanc Paris” also has an elegant bar open late at night to enjoy cocktails created by Florian Thireau, head barman and skilled mixologist.
More information and booking at www.chevalblanc.com/en/maison/paris
Text & Photos ©Frederic de Poligny
The-main-swimming-pool-exclusive-for-hotel-guests
