Falling in love with the capital of France is particularly easy (for most).

It may be just a city, but after all these years, I’m still struck by its beauty – that's Paris for you.

From my hotel room, I can see Parisians out and about, and tourists and boats sit along the Seine bathed in the morning sun. Peering through thick bay windows, my perch offers a view of it all, proffered from a gorgeous vantage point — the iconic Cheval Blanc Paris.

Sweeping Views

Cheval Blanc Paris distills French art de vivre, as only it can.

Envisioned by the LVMH group, this hotel with its art deco style is an homage to French heritage, offering just 72 spacious rooms and suites, all overlooking the Seine. Staying here is like slipping back in time while cocooned in luxury.

When you’re told that the hotel’s seventh-floor terrace offers a unique Paris perspective, you definitely go and check it out. Once there, my eyes dance across the river again, this time taking in Notre-Dame de Paris and Pont Neuf (said to be the oldest stone bridge in the city). In the distance, the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur complete the view.

A Room for Everyone

You know you’re staying somewhere exceptional when it has a suite known as The Quintessence Suite, spanning two floors and adorned with works that pay tribute to the likes of Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne.

The Balcony Deluxe Room, on the other hand, treats you to sweeping skyline views, with its warm, graphic palette. Its private balcony lets your eyes wander over zinc rooftops and the Louvre. Enjoy a book in the sunny nook or work at the comfy desk (don't forget to occasionally glance outside).

When it comes to the Louvre’s colonnades, they are best seen from the hotel’s Louvre Deluxe Room. Large bathtubs, walk-in hammam-showers, and separate dressing rooms elevate your stay.

Whether you pick a Seine, Notre-Dame, Eiffel, Quintessence, Ravel, or Junior Suite, you’ll feel right at home in Cheval Blanc Paris.

Soulful Design

There’s no denying the beauty of the hotel’s interiors. Visionaries, artisans, and artists worked together with architect Edouard François, who set about remodelling this iconic establishment.

Architect Peter Marino re-envisioned the décor of the 16,000m2 building, treating it like a private residence. Lison de Caunes elevated the traditional technique of straw marquetry into art worthy enough of adorning the walls of Cheval Blanc Paris.

Philippe Anthonioz's marble and plaster lamps, Sophie Mallebranche's delicate woven metal textiles, André Dubreuil's sculptural furniture, and Laurence Montano's masterful chandelier all find an extraordinary place in this contemporary universe.

An Exceptional Spa Experience

No stay at a fine establishment is ever complete without a bit of pampering. Begin your days at Cheval Blanc Paris with a dip in its impressive 30m swimming pool, said to be the longest among all the hotels in Europe.

Next, head to the Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris. The calming space, with its rare marble, precious woods and handcrafted mosaics, is a delightful tribute to Christian Dior. Its treatments range from cell rejuvenation to sauna and hammam - there's even a snow shower. The spa offers over 40 treatments and rituals, and is a celebration of Dior and Cheval Blanc Paris perfumes.

The rituals are unique, using rock crystals and hot stones (rutile quartz, labradorite and agate) to harness energy with distinct treatments, such as Dior's exclusive draining cryo-massage or the signature L'Or De Vie Miracle, a depuffing wraparound mask. It's no wonder guests return home glowing.

While at Cheval Blanc Paris, why not try a unique hairstyling experience, with the legendary Rossano Ferretti? His famed 'invisible cut' will have you looking spiffy in a matter of minutes.

For those in need of a workout, there is an expansive fitness room at the hotel. Training sessions have a strong focus on boxing, Pilates, yoga, and CrossFit with hip-hop, afro and jazz music setting the vibe. If you're in a time crunch but love your fitness, you can reserve a bike and weights bench ahead of time for a work out in your room.

Culinary Delights

The decor in warm shades of red and white in the sky garden, the crocosmia flowers, hummingbird fucshias, and herbs all pair well with the vista of Le Jardin, a terrace garden on the seventh floor of Cheval Blanc Paris.

The hotel's four restaurants pivot on passion, talent and flavour. Plénitude by Chef Arnaud Donckele, which has been awarded three Michelin stars, redraws the map for spectacular food. He embraces rural traditions, as well as new fragrance and flavours, through broths, vinaigrettes, creams, veloutés, and juices, and introduces you to a symphonic composition of sauces in six acts. The menu changes with the seasons, as does the Sail Away Together section that offers three savoury dishes and one sweet.

A reverie of Italy envelops you at Langosteria, while the cosy alcove of Le Tout-Paris is ideal to celebrate with friends and family. Signature drinks join along on Arnaud’s gastronomic fantasy, with sweet musings in the form of Maxime Frédéric’s poetic desserts.

Top Tip

Cheval Blanc Paris’ affable concierge team can assist you in booking tours to the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and Versailles. Shopping trips and private appointments at Place Vendôme to explore the latest haute joaillerie, diamond essentials, and luxury watches can also be arranged.

@chevalblancparis

cheval-blanc-paris