Savoring Life At Cheval Blanc Paris

Which city nails taste and style better than any other? I’d say, Paris. From cozy bistronomies with a trendy twist to Michelin-starred spots that serve up dishes worthy of a fashion show, Paris effortlessly connects the worlds of food and fashion. Its lively café scene captures the laid-back elegance of Parisian life, while the fine dining spots are like a runway, flaunting the very best in culinary creativity. In this hub of gastronomy and haute couture, Parisians have mastered the art of dining and dressing with impeccable flair. With a lineup of 10 restaurants with Three Michelin Stars, 16 with Two Michelin Stars and a whopping 111 holding One Michelin Star, it’s tough to decide what’s more impressive—food or fashion!

Indulgence at Its Heart

From my many visits to the City of Light, one thing is abundantly clear: indulgence is at the heart of Parisian life. And so, to indulge my taste and style sensibilities, I took over Paris this summer, soaking in the city’s heartbeat, the endless glow of Parisian sunsets (well past 10 pm!) and a week’s worth of its culinary delights.

A Stylish Escape

My stylish and gastronomic adventure wrapped up at one of the world’s top hotels: Cheval Blanc Paris. Sitting pretty at No. 4 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, Cheval Blanc is Paris at its stylish best. Artsy, plush and chic—Cheval Blanc Paris is everything the luxury powerhouse LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) stands for. As I step inside this luxury haven, embodying the LVMH legacy, I’m struck by how seamlessly this iconic jewel—an enduring symbol of French savoir-faire—melds contemporary hospitality with its historic Parisian setting. Honestly, it feels like a living museum, offering an experience that goes beyond traditional hospitality.

So, what does it take to earn a place on the world’s best hotels list?

For Cheval Blanc Paris, it’s all about capturing the essence of Paris. Its historic address is a dream for any luxury hotel, perfectly perched on the banks of the Seine, adjacent to the Musée du Louvre, and seamlessly connected to the iconic La Samaritaine department store—meticulously restored by LVMH over 15 years to blend the finest Art Nouveau and Deco architecture. Plus, you’re just a leisurely stroll away from the Marais and the charming Pont Neuf—talk about prime real estate!

This living museum boats an impressive collection of artworks throughout the hotel, including Vik Muniz’s 12-foot-high photographic interpretation of the Eiffel Tower, which takes centre stage in the lobby and cheers you on as do their warm hotel staff.

With its colourful eye-catching artwork and immaculate white interiors exuding grandeur, Cheval Blanc’s rooms are nothing short of creamy, dreamy, and palatial—a true gem in Paris’ luxury hotel scene. The best part? Each of its 72 sun-soaked rooms, including 46 suites, overlook the Seine and offer a sense of calm from the otherwise chaotic Parisian streets. Those classic floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for capturing your Instagram-worthy moments with serene vistas of Notre Dame to the left and the Eiffel Tower to the right.

What Makes Cheval Blanc Unique?

And there’s more! Embracing luxury à la française, the world-first Dior Spa Cheval Blanc offers a sumptuous touch of Parisian style and the epitome of French glamour within an intimate cocoon of relaxation. If you in town during the fashion weeks, skip the front row and indulge in a spa appointment, where you might have the chance to rub shoulders with the fashion elite and celebrities alike. The luxe experience extends to your room too, where Dior’s renowned perfumer, François Demachy, creates exclusive in-room bath products that ensure relaxation and elegance go hand in hand. Beating other hotels in town, Cheval Blanc Paris features the longest indoor hotel pool in Europe at 100 feet, but it’s not just the size that enchants. As you swim, stunning scenes of Paris are projected onto the mosaic walls by artist Oyoram, allowing you soak in the city right from the pool. What’s a trip to Paris without a private tour of a museum? The hotel has even that taken care of as it offers private tours of The Louis Vuitton Foundation, designed by Frank Gehry, which hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Culinary Arts Like No Other

And if you’re ready to dive into Cheval Blanc’s culinary arts, you’re in for a treat! The hotel boasts four fantastic restaurants and bars, including the flagship haute gastronomy spot on the first floor, Plénitude, helmed by chef Arnaud Donckele. With three Michelin stars and a No. 18 spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, it’s the place to be (word is they’re booked out till 2025!).

No worries though, because the Italian fine-dining Langosteria will more than satisfy, or you can head to Le Tout-Paris, a brasserie and bar that’s snagged a Michelin star of its own. But the real showstopper for me was Le Jardin de Cheval Blanc Paris—hands down one of the most romantic rooftop spots in the city. This place truly shines in the summer sun, so, here I was sipping cocktails with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame-de-Paris Cathedral, enjoying refreshing salads and hearty mains. Perched on the seventh floor, Le Jardin feels like a sun-kissed garden in full bloom, with vibrant red flowers and aromatic herbs like lemon thyme and rosemary filling the air.

Chef William Béquin’s menu is as fun and relaxed as the vibe—perfect for unwinding over some seriously good food. Packed with fresh and tart heirloom tomatoes, grown to perfection, the menu showcases a fresh, sustainable vibe to the table with an equal focus on summer strawberries. My drink of choice? The Shade of Peach Tree, a zingy sorbet shot that really wakes up your palate, while my partner went for a delicious twist on the classic Manhattan perfectly crafted by bar man Anton.

With the menu spilt into Salty, Starters, Small Plates and Large plates, offers plenty of variety. The Bellota Ham served with summer veggies and berries was a delicious harmony of flavours and textures—like a summer ballet on the plate. This was followed by a chilled Andalusian gazpacho with mint, which was a refreshing tribute to freshness. As for the signature dishes? Heirloom tomatoes like Green Zebra, Pineapple, Black Krim, Olivette, and Roma are tossed in all sorts of creative ways to bring out their tangy flavours.

The standout for me had to be the stuffed cocktail tomatoes and the barbecued sea bass served on a bed of tomatoes, paired with smoked green tomato leaves—a medley of flavours that just danced on my palate.

And for dessert, Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric is making waves with his creations. At Le Jardin, the strawberry tart, vacherin, and creamy Italian ice creams served in refreshing coupes are pure gourmet bliss. The service is on point, too—even if you’re just hanging at the bar asking for rounds of cocktails or snapping videos, they make you feel completely at home. Just like its meant to be!