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Paris, the birthplace of haute couture, is a seasonless marvel. Unswayed by passing fads and trends. Whether it's the warmth of summer, the chill of winter, the freshness of spring, or the hues of autumn—despite the countless strikes or protests—the allure of Paris remains eternal, transcending all moods.
This summer, I had the privilege of experiencing this unchanging beauty first-hand as I arrived on a nippy afternoon in the captivating City of Light. Even as the clouds engaged in a playful game of hide-and-seek, Paris stood before me in all its splendour—imbued with romance, history, and a sense of glamour. Kick-starting my Parisian sojourn to discover the many facets of the French capital, I found myself at the most iconic location in the 1st arrondissement of Paris—Le Bristol, situated at 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. As our Limousine pulled through one of the most quintessential Parisian streets and came to a halt in front of the imposing 98-year-old hotel, I couldn't help but wonder about the extraordinary experience that awaited me within this lavish royal haven. Aptly referred to as the greatest grande dame—Le Bristol gently envelopes you in its embrace right from the first grand step through the revolving door, into the lobby—as you find yourself greeted by bonjour madames by the doormen. I felt an instant sense of being at home.
Cocooned inside the hotel that has been at the epicentre of haute couture in France, I found it as the ideal haven to fully immerse in the art of living à la Française. Surrounded by classic French elegance and veritable hospitality, it dawns on me that this is the chance to become part of a place and time, when the Roaring Twenties were in full swing. From April 1925 when the hotel opened till date, Le Bristol has upheld the passion for joie de vivre and attracted all the big names from the worlds of culture and fashion.
Just a few minutes inside this royal abode and fans of classic French elegance, much like myself, would be genuinely challenged to uncover a more exquisite destination for their stay. As the room key is handed to me—a heavy steel Le Bristol keychain, a creation notably crafted by locksmith Jean-Arthur Fontaine in 1925—a journey begins towards unraveling the myriad secrets hidden within the Palace that bears the name Le Bristol. It is, after all, the stuff of legends—Charlie Chaplin, Rita Hayworth, Josephine Baker, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, George Clooney, David Beckham and many more are said to have graced its corridors contributing to its storied history.
As the first five-star hotel in France to receive the distinction of ‘Palace,’ awarded by the French Ministry of Tourism, I dig into the history of the storied hotel. Not just by virtue of its legendary address—staying here wins you the bragging rights to be neighbours with the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the President of the French Republic, the Embassy of the United Kingdom; as well as the residences of both the Canadian and American ambassadors to France. Within a kilometre radius are Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Avenue Montiagne.
Acquired by the Oetker Group in 1978, the hotel has over the decades expanded and added new wings and features. A six-year facelift that was unveiled in 2018 by its owners, the Oetker Collection, introduced an array of sixty new rooms, suites and a charming interior garden. All drenched in quintessential French regalia. Opulent Persian carpets, cheerful chintz fabrics, sumptuous Louis XVI armchairs, timeless classical furnishings, and exquisite crystal chandeliers harmoniously converge to create an environment where meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of perfection unmistakably embody the essence of French opulence and savoir-faire.
I spotlight three remarkable aspects that elevate your stay at Le Bristol beyond the boundaries of ordinary luxury.
Royal rooms with stunning views
While in Paris, experiencing a sensation of being on top at the world also entails indulging in the timeless activity of gazing upon the rooftops of one of Europe's most prestigious streets—rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré—a haven of haute couture. From my vantage point on the sixth floor, the panoramic views took on a new dimension, enhanced by the iconic presence of the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop. This scene immediately evoked memories of Woody Allen's cinematic masterpiece, "Midnight in Paris," which notably captured the essence of the Panoramic Suite within these very walls. Spanning two interconnected buildings, the property encompasses 190 classically designed French rooms and suites, linked by an extensive glass hallway adorned with galleries, and delineated by a refined French-style garden.
The most captivating aspect of Le Bristol suites and rooms lies in their immaculate luxury and unique character, stemming from the property's history as a private residence. Each suite on the premises boasts distinctive décor and layout, ensuring that no two are alike. However, a shared feature among all of them is the presence of charming French balconies. These balconies offer an intimate setting for enjoying breakfast or sharing a romantic aperitif while taking in views of the Eiffel Tower or the lush gardens. Sunlight generously bathes the rooms at Le Bristol, permeating not only the accommodations, but also the entirety of the property, that accentuates the signature green and pink hues of the décor. Reflecting on my own experience in a Le Bristol room, what truly captivated me was the skillful use of colour tones—specifically, a calming blend of gray and blue that instantly induced a sense of tranquility and relaxation amid the bustling Parisian schedule. The walls are adorned with splendid and unique artworks, complemented by ornate mirrors and dressers, sparkling crystal chandeliers, timeless desks, and exquisite vanities. Some of its masterpieces include the Lumière Suite, Paris Suite, Panoramic Suite, Azur Terrace Suite and many more that echoe the essence of Parisian beauty in all its splendour.
Old world meets contemporary charm
The historic main elevator which serves as a beautiful backdrop to take pictures is one of the key elements that adds to the old-world architecture at Le Bristol. We spent some time admiring the beautiful ironwork cage elevator and taking countless pictures. A stay at le Bristol is incomplete without sipping tea in the enchanting Le Jardin Français—a captivating garden setting where patrons can partake in refreshments and dining amidst verdant foliage and fragrant roses. It's a quintessential summer tradition to be indulged in during the leisurely hours of tea time. Florals in summer might not be groundbreaking but the floral displays at Le Bristol definitely take centre stage and lend the classical Parisian charm. Each day, a team of florists cares for the house floral displays, which are presented at the reception and concierge areas, as well as the delicate centrepieces at Café Antonia, the rose-themed bouquets at Epicure restaurant, and the more understated compositions at the 114 Faubourg brasserie.
For those visiting in summer, a visit to the heated, indoor swimming pool located on the sixth floor is a must. Designed like a luxurious 1920s sailboat's deck, gracefully navigating along a sun-kissed coastline, it offers views of both the Eiffel Tower to the right and the Sacre-Coeur to the left. Art, whether from the 18th century or more contemporary, is present all over the premises, and could as well be a gallery for the discerning guest.
The last word in gastronomy
Fine dining at Le Bristol is an extraordinary experience. I was treated to several unforgettable Michelin-starred meals starting from breakfast to lunch and dinner on all days. My first dinner was at the less formal Le 114 Faubourg, which also possesses a Michelin star. Here you can expect rich contemporary French cuisine with interesting flavour combinations. Guided by Chef Eric Frechon since 1999, the hotel's dining establishments span a remarkable spectrum. From the contemporary, three-Michelin-starred culinary haven of Epicure to the one-Michelin-starred Brasserie 114 Faubourg, which delights in serving traditional delicacies, and the intimate ambiance of Café Antonia—each venue creates a culinary narrative that speaks of excellence. For those who love the first meal of the day, you are spoilt for choice—crusty baguettes, golden croissants, soft, fluffy brioches and melting pains au chocolat are all on the menu. Some of the standout dishes for my meals include the perfectly done French Toast—soft, crisp and delightful served with fresh fruits to transport you into foodie heaven. I highly recommend the Truffle Eggs served at breakfast at Epicure—bite into the mousse like egg and you won’t be able to stop at one. The famous Candele macaroni with black truffle, artichoke, duck foie gras, parmesan and Caviar from Sologne served at Epicure for dinner is a class apart and the sumptuous scrambled eggs with lobster served in an egg-shaped porcelain ware, and the decadent Japanese knotweed honey ice ream at 114 Faubourg are a few dishes that define gastronomic adventure.
A distinguished collection of wines sourced from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone Valley, Alsace, Champagne, and other lesser-known regions, enhances every meal, offering an elevated accompaniment to the gastronomic journey. A dining experience at the Michelin starred restaurants here is not just about food. The food—akin to art—is served in nothing short of a theatrical drama. Along with cautiously-curated menus, the elegant table settings, bespoke tableware are very much part of the dining experience—a true feast for your senses.
The secrets of Le Bristol are many. On the ground floor of the bustling palace hotel is a secret factory that churns out all in-house delicacies—chocolate, cheese, and an array of breads. A trip to Les Ateliers du Bristol gives a peek into its treasure trove of all things artisanal and gourmet spearheaded by Eric Frechon who pulls out stops to showcase the best of French gastronomy. Last but not the least, paying a tribute to the land of fine wines, Le Bristol has the largest collection of wines in Paris. 8000 bottles of beautifully aged wines stored in the wine cellar deep inside the hotel. Each one with a unique history that adds to the celebration at Le Bristol.
Words can’t do justice to the experience at Le Bristol, but a stay indeed will. If you are fortunate enough, or can spend a fortune, it surely will leave an impression that will last a lifetime.
Photo: Le Bristol Paris