8th arrondissement Paris | cheriecity.co.uk

Paris

A Walk Around the Wonderful Parc Monceau in Paris

September 16, 2012 by cheriecity

Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement in Paris is one of the city’s most beautiful, peaceful and joyful parks. Behind the opulent black and gold gates lies vast greenery punctuated with statues, miniature waterfalls with quaint bridges, duck ponds, weeping willows and delicate rose gardens. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, an afternoon out with the family, watching the world go by or a moment of quiet reflection.

The park was originally established by Philippe d’Orleans, Duke of Chartres, a cousin of Louis XVI and was designed by Louis Carrogis in 1778. Claude Monet painted a series of three paintings in the park in 1876 and a number of statues of cultural figures such as Maupassant, Musset, Pailleron and Chopin can be found among the gardens.

The park was the daily haunt of Marcel Proust and has since featured in films such as Gigi, Paris je t’aime and Midnight in Paris.

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris

My Midnight In Paris: A Stay At Le Bristol Paris

February 28, 2012 by cheriecity

There are few luxury hotels in the world that can match an exquisite setting with a family approach, but Hotel Le Bristol Paris is a five star palace hotel that enchants with its warmth.

I was delighted to make Le Bristol Paris my temporary home for one night and it was a rare experience to be welcomed into this dreamlike world, where anything is possible.

Opening as a hotel during the Roaring Twenties, Le Bristol Paris has played host to glamorous icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth and Josephine Baker.

Named after the Count of Bristol, Le Bristol Paris was the named the first French ‘palace hotel’ and is now a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World. Le Bristol Paris is part of the five star family-owned Oetker Collection, which includes Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and new addition, Palais Namaskar in Marrakesh.

The hotel is just a short walk from the Élysée Palace, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré and Le Champs-Élysées and is in good company among the high end art galleries of the 8th arrondissement.

We arrived at Le Bristol Paris and were immediately welcomed by the attentive, enthusiastic staff, who knew exactly who we were. We were greeted and checked-in by the delightful Jeremy, who told me that ‘Chérie City is already very famous here’ and that we had been upgraded to a Junior Suite. Could there be any two better sentences to hear upon arrival at one of the most prestigious landmark hotels in the world?

As we arrived early, the finishing touches were being added to our suite, so we were invited to have a drink in the bar while we waited. The bar was elegant and beautifully-designed with antique tapestries and master paintings, but our interest was piqued by the comings and goings of Parisian businessmen, well-heeled guests and fashion PRs hosting lunch meetings.

We both chose a signature hot chocolate, which was brought to us on a silver tray and poured into dainty china bearing Le Bristol’s double unicorn coat of arms, served with a glass of Vittel water. In the winter, a jug of thick, Parisian hot chocolate is an absolute must and this was easily one of the best in the city.

The bar also plays host to Fashion High Teas, guests can enjoy an ‘English Tea’ with exquisite patisserie by acclaimed pastry chef, Laurent Jeannin. Meanwhile, models pass by, wearing looks by leading fashion houses that have included Céline, Stella McCartney, Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.

Innovative, formal dining can be experienced at Epicure, the 3 Michelin star gastronomic restaurant headed up by renowned head chef, Eric Frechon. In the summer, guests can also dine outside in the 13,000 sq.ft French-style garden, which had a light covering of snow during our visit.

Our Junior Suite was on the first floor in the new Haussmann-inspired Matignon Wing, occupying the corner of rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré and Avenue Matignon. Classic with a modern finish, our spacious suite was designed by Madame Maja Oetker herself. It was filled with Louis XV and Louis VXI style furniture, sumptuous heavy fabrics, mirror panelled wardrobes, original artwork and contemporary chandeliers.

The four corner windows allowed plenty of natural daylight, which complimented the light shades in the room and the French flag could be seen gently waving from the wrought iron Juliette balcony.

On the table waiting for us was a bottle of Alfred Gratien Champagne on ice, two slate dishes of handmade petit fours and chocolates and a bowl of fresh fruit. A hand-written note welcomed us to the hotel and I received a beautiful home perfume as a memory of Le Bristol, which I now remember fondly, like Proust and his madeleines.

It would be easy to spend a lot of time relaxing and preening in the spectacular bathroom, designed entired in white Carrara marble. It boasts a double sink with a large mirror, a deep bathtub, a shower cubicle, separate toilet and powerful heated towel rails. The generous selection of bathroom amenities were by Anne Sémonin (one of my favourites) and Hermès and even more bottles were added at turndown. We also had use of fluffy embroidered bathrobes, slippers and plenty of large Egyptian cotton towels.

Usually our Paris trips are spent walking around the city until we almost collapse, but this time we stayed in the comfort of our room, drinking Champagne and working our way through the sweet treats. Tomorrow would be the day for exploring and walking off the excesses.

In the afternoon, we took a dip in the relaxing rooftop pool, shaped like the inside of a boat, with a quaint maritime wall mural. The pool area offers splendid views over the rooftops Paris and plenty of natural light. Swimming past the French flag was an experience I’ll never forget!

For the ultimate indulgent stay, visit the sleek Spa by La Prairie, designed in neutral colours by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The highlight of the spa is the Russian room – a heated marble table with an affusion shower, the first of its kind in Paris. Each treatment room has access to its own private terrace for relaxing in the fresh air and sipping tea or having a quick snack. The spa uses products by niche luxury brands such as The Organic Pharmacy, Russie Blanc, Maison de l’Argan, Les Thermes Marins de Saint-Malo and By Terry.

That evening, we dined in 114 Faubourg, Le Bristol’s casual restaurant in the Matignon Wing, overseen by Eric Desbordes. Mentored by Epicure’s Eric Frechon, Desbordes may be a young chef at just 30 years-old, but he has secured a strong reputation in Paris and the staff at Le Bristol spoke about how proud they are to have such a talent at the helm. But more about our magnificent meal at 114 Faubourg later…

If it’s too cold to wander the streets of Paris at night, or like us, you’re too full after an indulgent dinner to go dancing at Le Montana, you can play ‘spot the hotel’ with a special complimentary movie – Woody Allen’s Midnight In Paris.

The whimsical film based on the revivial of luminaries from the Jazz Age, was shot in the Paris Suite and stars Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams, with a cameo role from the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

But our stay would have been incomplete, without meeting Le Bristol’s majestic ’empurrer’. Fa-Raon is hotel’s fluffy Birman cat, the playmate of the children and guests at Le Bristol. An unapologetically pampered and polished cat, Fa-Raon plays in the lobby and has free reign of the garden, although we believe his favourite spot could be perched on the information desk, accepting the attention of the doting staff and guests.

Fa-Raon’s official home, however, is in the children’s room, Les Amis d’Hippolyte, named after the hotel’s mascot, a white garden rabbit. Children staying at Le Bristol can play games and even use the Nintendo Wii in their own games room or take part in a treasure hunt around the hotel. Other sweet touches include rabbit-shaped cookies strawberry water in the room, a welcome card written by Hippolyte, tiny bathrobes and slippers and Hippolyte-themed bed linen. They are even sent a birthday card from Hippolyte as a memory of their stay at Le Bristol Paris.

Our stay at Le Bristol Paris was truly magical and went beyond any possible expectations. The exquisite design, refined atmosphere and prestigious location charmed us, but it was the warm, caring staff that made the hotel come to life. They went beyond the usual politeness and engaged in conversation, speaking openly about what they loved about the hotel. This human approach is what gives the hotel its unrivalled reputation as one of the best hotels in the world.

Le Bristol Paris, if you are ever looking for a ‘writer in residence’ to chronicle the adventures of Fa-Raon, I’m your girl!

Superior rooms are priced at 850 Euros per night and a Junior Suite is 1250 Euros. For more information and booking, visit: www.lebristolparis.com

Chérie City was a guest of Le Bristol Paris

Photos by Chérie City and Le Bristol Paris

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris

A Luxury Stay at Hotel La Trémoille Paris

September 11, 2010 by cheriecity

Every arrondissement in Paris tells a different story, but the most exclusive and desirable is the 8th, with its grandiose embassies, sweeping Haussman avenues and global fashion houses.

Staying in Paris’ most elegant, refined neighbourhood for the first time certainly added a spring to my step and I couldn’t help wearing those rose-tinted glasses while dashing around the city.

Set within a 19th century Haussman townhouse, Hotel La Trémoille stands proudly at the centre of the ‘golden triangle’ between the prestigious Champs-Élysées and the stylish Avenue Montaigne.

Location

La Trémoille is a chic, contemporary boutique hotel that offers all the bespoke luxuries of the nearby palace hotels but in a more hushed, intimate environment. It has a strong jazz heritage, dating back to the 1960s, when Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington performed a legendary impromptu concert from their adjoining balconies with their orchestra below.

Today, La Trémoille’s illustrious history and hushed luxury have attracted guests such as Rihanna and the notoriously media shy Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis.

Arrival

It was surprisingly easy to find Hotel la Trémoille and it is just a short stroll from either Franklin D.Roosevelt or Alma Marceau metro stations. On arrival, I was immediately relieved of my heavy bags and greeted by the warm, courteous staff at the reception.

The Suite

I was shown to my room, on the second floor, and had the various room features explained to me, which cut back on time spent searching for the air conditioning switch. My bags followed a few moments later.

To call my new abode a mere ‘room’ is an understatement, as it was more like a mini apartment, with the bedroom and bathroom on the mezzanine level and a separate living room. The charming dark wood stairs and railings show the hotel’s sympathetic approach to maintaining the building’s original features and gives it a more homely feel.

The living area features white Haussman style panelled walls with Art Deco lighting and is decorated in elegant camel shades (appropriate for the Autumn/Winter 10-11 trends). It also boasts a traditional wrought iron Haussman balcony overlooking the incredibly chic streets – perfect for a spot of people watching.

Every home comfort is taken care of, as the room is technologically wired up with complimentary high-speed wifi, two flatscreen TVs, a radio DVD player and an iPod base.

Having easy access to the internet in your hotel room is such a blessing, as you can just look up all the fabulous addresses you researched and forgot to jot down, although the Clés d’Or Concierge at La Trémoille would be happy to make any reservations for you.

For the ultimate hideaway stay, the living room has a built-in hatch, so you can have your breakfast, room service or laundry silently delivered while still lounging in your bathrobe.

Bedroom

The bedroom was simply stunning and beautifully designed. Opulent silk drapes frame the tactile flocked velvet wall and are accented with a statement leopard print headboard.

The Queen-size bed was incredibly luxurious, with fine quality linen and a stylish throw – needless to say I slept extremely well that night!

The bedroom also had a flatscreen TV and it own balcony, although the street view could be shaded a night by the heavy mohair curtains. There is also a telephone next to the bed, so you won’t have to stumble down the stairs to answer your wake-up call.

Bathroom

The bathroom was also suitably elegant and carefully considered, with the utmost attention to detail. A stylish mix of wood and marble, the bathroom features a large bath with a powerful shower and an impressive collection of wall-mounted Molton Brown toiletries.

This is the first hotel I’ve stayed in that offers a choice of no less than four bath and shower gels, varying from relaxing to invigorating, and two different types of shampoo. There are also small bottles of Molton Brown conditioner and body lotion to use and take away with you.

Also provided are packets of cosmetic cotton wool, face cloths, a full range of fluffy towels and luxurious embroidered bathrobes. For single travellers, it’s reassuring that there is a telephone in the bathroom, just in case of any emergencies.

When I came back at night after dinner and cocktails at Hotel Amour, my room had been given the full turn-down service. The lights were dimmed, soft French chansons played on the radio, my bed had been made ready to slip into and a cotton mat was placed down next to my bed.

A Welcome Treat

Best of all, waiting for me on the table was a handwritten note from the General Manager Olivier welcoming me to the hotel and the most perfect lilac box containing four exquisite Ladurée macaroons. A long, relaxing shower followed by a macaroon in bed was the blissful end to a perfect day, catching up with my best friend and my favourite city.

Waking at 8am from a prompt call wishing me a ‘good morning’, I really could have done with a few extra hours in that heavenly bed, but Yves Saint Laurent was waiting and fashion waits for no gal, however tired she may be.

Breakfast

The thought of an indulgent breakfast is motivation enough to get ready and start the day. I headed down to Le Louis², the hotel’s bar and restaurant and I had the entire room to myself.

The breakfast was presented as a buffet and offered a hot tray of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and mushrooms and a good continental selection of patisserie, petite baguettes, pancakes and maple syrup, cereal, yoghurt and juices.

American-style hot breakfasts in Paris hotels can be a bit hit or miss, but everything was well-cooked and the scrambled eggs were buttery and delicious. I was also given a generous pot of freshly brewed coffee and a jug of hot milk, which I was able to take up to my room to finish, as I was pressed for time.

At 35 Euros per person, the breakfast will set you back the cost of a dinner, so you’d have to be particularly hungry with enough time to relax and enjoy it to make it worth splashing out.

If I’d stayed longer at La Trémoille, I would have love to try the inventive cuisine and cocktails at Le Louis² bar and restaurant and unwind at the spa, with its sauna and multi-jet shower.

Le Louis²

Head Chef Yann Frohn (previously from Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée) has created a seasonal market menu of contemporary French dishes and comfort food with an artistic flourish. Le Louis² also offers lunch and dinner set menus and is a lunchtime haunt for the well-heeled Avenue Montaigne set.

La Trémoille’s forte is the fine attention to detail and those extra touches that make your stay so memorable. Staying in such a refined, classic hotel is an exclusive neighbourhood really is an indulgent experience. Its exceptional facilities and luxurious bedrooms make it much more of an urban retreat than just a base for exploring the city.

* Chérie City was a guest of Hotel la Trémoille