The most awaited Cheval Blanc Paris will open its doors on September 7th. The first urban hotel of the collection of LVMH Hotel Management is a splendor in itself. Offering handcrafted interiors, panoramic views of the Seine, an exceptional collection of arts, Cheval Blanc Paris has been designed entirely by New York acclaimed Architect Peter Marino. “ We work with architects who know residentials perfectly well and Peter is of course one of them” said Olivier Lefebvre, Head of LVMH Hotel Activities.
Peter Marino who realized multiple boutiques for Dior, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Chanel has created a palace inside the Belle Epoque Parisian landmark La Samaritaine, founded in 1870 by French entrepreneur Ernest Cognacq. This Maison symbolizes French luxury and showcases exceptional artists and extraordinary craftsmanship. More than 600 French artists from ceramists to painters or textile designers and furniture makers have collaborated on this colossal project. The property enjoys an idyllic location in the heart of Paris, in the dynamic arty 1st arrondissement, facing the Seine, the Pont Neuf at its feet and a spectacular 360 degree view over the city.
Notre Dame, La Conciergerie, le Sacré Coeur, Les Champs Elysées, the views are incredible from wherever you are in the hotel. It is the only palace in Paris located on the riverside, facing the Seine. Truly unique.
In 2001, LVMH Chief Executive Bernard Arnault purchased the two adjoining buildings of the department store La Samaritaine. Inaugurated on June 23 2021, La Samaritaine opens on Rue de Rivoli. Next door, inside the building designed by Henri Sauvage in 1928 on the Quai du Louvre stands the first urban address of the LVMH Hotel group which counts 72 rooms and suites devoted to offer an exclusive experience and confidentiality to Cheval Blanc guests.
“Peter has realized something that did not exist in Paris, he has definitely reinvented the codes of luxury” pointed out Olivier Lefebvre. All the suites offer breathtaking views over Paris, amenities and technology. A real luxury easy living lifestyle residential palace.
Art is in the DNA of Cheval Blanc brand and one of the key elements of the property. As soon as you step inside through the discreet lobby door, the contemporary and very impressive hall with its high ceiling evokes all the codes of luxury. Inside, two new commissions of 12 feet high colored prints of the Eiffel Tower from Brazilian artist Vik Muniz hang on a wall and an immense 6 meter high blue abstract painting by French artist Georges Mathieu dated from 1978 on another one. A rearing horse -the symbol of Cheval Blanc- designed by French architect Frank Gehry stands alongside with modern and colored furniture from French artists such as designer Andre Dubreuil and Thierry Leproust to name a few. Each piece of furniture has been made to measure and carefully hunted for the hotel. From artworks by Tony Cragg, Martin Kline to lithographies by Charlotte Perriand from the 1930s, strolling inside the property is like diving into the Art World. Art is living with the guests.
The Dior Spa at Cheval Blanc Paris invites guests to a holistic immersion in the house of Dior’s world. To reach it, the curving spiral staircase where the walls are covered by a metal weaving created by textile designer Sophie Mallebranche. It is already an invitation to a haven of peace, a Dior cocoon.
The Dior Spa features a 30 meter swimming pool at the same level as the Seine river. An architectural exploit which took two years to be completed. The curved pool with its handicraft blue mosaics by Michael Mayer offers an ode of calm in the bustle of the city. 43 skincare treatments are proposed to the guests in six different treatment rooms.
And of course, Francois Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator has imagined a sophisticated scent exclusively for the Dior Cheval Blanc Paris Spa. “Both teams Cheval Blanc and Dior have worked hand in hand to create such a level of wellness and beauty experience for our guests” said Olivier Lefebvre. Each treatment room with its different motif is an allusion to Christian Dior ‘s life. For Peter Marino who had been working for Dior for 30 years, it was an easy work. The result is obviously grandiose.
The property offers four bars and restaurants and the room service menu called Carte Blanche which is at the same level as the restaurants. Three Michelin starred Chef Arnaud Donckele -already at La Vague d’Or in Cheval Blanc St Tropez- invites you in the new gastronomic destination Plenitude.
The Limbar, the contemporary brasserie Le Tout-Paris and Langosteria -the Milanese emblematic restaurant founded by Enrico Buonocore which will be the first one outside Italy- invite you to magically fulfill your appetite.
There is so much to discover. Like in the other Maisons of the group in Courchevel, St Tropez, St Barths or Randheli, the careful attention to details which makes the guest feel pampered and exclusive is at its highest level. The flux of people has been studied inside the hotel, the elevators are different if you are staying in the property or coming from outside. “The work focused on the flux of people is a also key element in the conception of our hotels” added Olivier Lefebvre.
That gives the Cheval Blanc experience an even more personal touch. The most enchanting hotel of the city of lights is now more than ready to make its guests dream. Now that Cheval Blanc Paris is over, Peter Marino is designing the first American address of LVHM Hotel group which is currently under development in Beverly Hills.
