Paris is a playground for the sartorially gifted, and there is no greater display than when the fashion elite descend for Fashion Week. But, if history and art are more your amore, then the French capital has plenty to offer during the month of September too.
The best place to start is by booking a room (or better yet, a suite) at the iconic Dorchester Group hotel Le Meurice, where you wake up in the heart of the city with the Tuileries and the Louvre in touching distance.
THE VIBE
Imagine crossing the court of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette with the artistic musings of the surrealistic painter Salvador Dali; that’s what you can expect at Le Meurice. One of the original luxury palace hotels, it has all the grandeur of a regal grand dame, with signature 18th century opulence, including stately columns, glossy paintwork, and ornate gold and crystal chandeliers that will transport you back to the heyday of the Palace of Versailles. Following a renovation in 2016 by father-daughter duo Philippe and Ara Starck, there are also clever nods to the hotel’s incredible history as a playground for the art world of Paris – after all, it played host to Picasso’s wedding reception, was a favourite of Queen Victoria, and became the French home of Dali for over three decades.
Rather fittingly, your stay will cocoon you in artful touches, from the mesmerising tapestry-based artwork in the main restaurant (you could spend hours studying it) to the beautiful nature-inspired wall murals you’ll discover on the walk to your room. And, you can also expect thoughtful experiences throughout the hotel, including creative, joy-inspiring dining experiences (get your cameras at the ready), and concierge-organised art tours. Another string to its luxury bow: it has one of the city’s most enviable locations, with spectacular views over the Tuileries and, if you’re lucky, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
THE ROOMS
The rooms and suites, of which there are 160 in total, allow you to live out your daydreams of classical French Palace living, with regal yet not garish touches, including ornate panelling, plush drapes, chandeliers, and bespoke soft furnishings. These are teamed with all the necessary modern touches, including wall-mounted televisions, decent WiFi, and USB ports throughout (so you don’t even need to search for your adaptor). The bed is incredibly soft with plump pillows – so you’re bound to get a good night’s rest – but you could also spend most of your time in the Italian marble-decked bathrooms, complete with one-touch showers, large mirrors, deep waterfall baths, and Diptyque amenities.
For a particularly special trip, stay in the Suite Pompadour (a nod to Madame de Pompadour, Louis XVI’s mistress), where you can try to find the iconic champagne cork mark from Picasso’s parties, and read up on French history. Finally, the jewel in the hotel’s crown is the Belle Etoile suite with its 360-degree terrace view of Paris – you may recognise it from the Instagram feeds of your favourite celebrities. Wherever you stay, expect a 21st century take on Versailles luxury.
FOOD + DRINK
There’s a reason that even non-residents (locals and tourists) flock to Le Meurice when their stomachs grumble. Lunch at Restaurant Le Dali, with the aforementioned tapestry overhead, is a place to see and be seen, alongside plenty of artistic details, inspired by the great painter, such as the subtle dropping lamps. Here you’ll find avant-garde takes on the classic Croque Monsieur, alongside impressive sharing starters, fresh fish dishes and hyper-seasonal vegetables that are mouthwateringly delicious and hearty in equal measure. Save room for dessert though. It’s courtesy of social media sensation Cédric Grolet, voted one of the best pastry chefs in the world, with 8 million followers (and counting). He serves elaborate fruit creations that transform from your run-of-the-mill fruit bowl finds to delicate, surprising patisserie when cut open. Right next door is Bar 228, where expert mixologists will rustle up signature cocktails while you sink into deep leather armchairs, enjoying live jazz and 20th century LaValley frescoes as the night draws on.
Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is the Michelin-starred gastronomic offering – best experienced by booking a covetable seat at the Chef’s table (complete with one-way mirror so you can spy on the extremely talented chef de cuisine Amaury Bouhours, and his team, as you eat). The tasting menu revolves around simple, quality ingredients, but it takes you on a journey through all the flavours – sweet, salty, bitter and spicy – for an experience that surprises and delights with every bite. There’s a farm-to-fork sustainability focus too, as the hotel is the first in Paris to be given the highest rating from the sustainable restaurant label Écotable.
Breakfast is also served at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse and offers the full expectation of continental, American and healthy fare, including crispy croissants (the bread baskets are piled high) and fresh juices. Room service is quick, efficient and gives access to the full menu too, which is helpful if you want to have a well-deserved lie-in in the morning.
THE SPA
Slip out of your room, wearing your cosy robe and slippers, and make your way down to the spa that expands across the mezzanine level directly via the lifts. The serene blue and gleaming white décor, plus a peacefully quiet atmosphere, will instantly cocoon you, making it the perfect escape after a long day of cultural tours or Fashion Week events. There’s no pool (because there’s simply no space for one), but you could easily whirl away up to an hour in the hot/cold experience room. Here you’ll find a sauna, steam room, tepid shower, and an ice bath, which we recommend experiencing before any treatments, as a way to start unfurling tight muscles, draw out toxins, and slow down a busy mind. The range of detox teas and cold drinks, offered by the friendly team, are also a fitting touch to help start your relaxation.
You can choose to book in for an array of facial and body therapies, delivered in one of the large treatment rooms, where space also allows for couples treatments (after all, Paris is known for romance). The treatments also use particularly luxurious, Harvey Nichols-stocked products from Swiss brand Valmont, with four rituals to choose from, focusing on hydration, radiance, firmness, or energising. If you opt for a facial, and we suggest you do, you can expect one of the most thorough skin cleans you’ve ever experienced, with multiple gentle steps designed to refresh and decongest your complexion, without resorting to harsh ingredients. Soothing massage strokes, especially around the eyes, make the treatment even more relaxing – as does the thickly padded and blanketed bed that will caress you into a dream-like state.
THE LITTLE EXTRAS
Step out of the revolving doors and Paris is, quite literally, on your doorstep. You’ll notice the queue for social media-famous hot chocolate parlour Angelique’s snaking past the hotel when you arrive (booking is strongly suggested if you want to sit inside), and the Jardin de Tuileries of course. You can also easily access Paris’ cultural icons, with the Louvre practically begging you to visit, plus many a happy hour to be spent in the impressionist galleries at Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay. If you are musically-minded, don’t miss the chance to see a performance at the Palais Garnier, and if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, make sure to enjoy the designer boutiques of rue Saint-Honoré too.
An understated jewel in the Le Meurice crown is the cultural art tours organised via the concierge. Led by Marta, an art historian with quite the sense of humour, her 2-hour walking experience covering the life and work of Auguste Rodin (alongside his protégée Camille Claudel), brings to life the artistic magic of Paris and the works of the French capital’s most famous sculptor.
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Lead photo credit: Le Meurice
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