VISIT - PLAZA ATHÉNÉE, A PARISIAN LEGEND COMBINING TRADITION AND MODERNITY (France)
On the emblematic Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée has been cultivating the art of French-style entertaining for over a century, combining architectural heritage with contemporary innovation. . |
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VISIT - PLAZA ATHÉNÉE, A PARISIAN LEGEND COMBINING TRADITION AND MODERNITY (France)
On the emblematic Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée has been cultivating the art of French-style entertaining for over a century, combining architectural heritage with contemporary innovation. . |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
- Tourism
Article written by Sonia Taourghi on 2024-12-12
 View of the Eiffel tower from the Suite Eiffel Couture
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
The jewel in the crown of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, the Plaza Athénée continues to reinvent itself while preserving its unique soul, as demonstrated by the recent renovation of its rooms by the Moinard et Bétaille agency. With its blend of age-old tradition and assertive modernity, the hotel cultivates an art of living that attracts the most discerning travellers worldwide and major TV productions in search of inimitable French glamour.
A history written in gold
Walking up Avenue Montaigne, I can't help but smile as I catch sight of the façade of the Plaza Athénée. Those red geraniums cascading from the balconies have become a signature, almost a symbol of Paris. But on 20 April 1913, when the hotel opened its doors, there was nothing to suggest that it would become one of the capital's most sought-after addresses. The visionary architect Jules Lefebvre designed sixteen rooms per floor and a few flats on the top floor. The Roaring Twenties were in full swing, and the Plaza quickly became the place to be after the shows, welcoming composers and artists.
The story accelerated in 1936 with the opening of the Relais Plaza, whose Art Deco decor by Constant Lefranc continues to enchant diners. But it was in 1947 that one of the area's greatest love stories was born: Christian Dior set up his fashion house at 30 Avenue Montaigne, initiating a special relationship between fashion and hospitality that continues today through the Dior Spa. Over the decades, under the direction of key figures such as Paul Bougenaux and François Delahaye, the establishment has constantly reinvented itself while preserving its authenticity.
A new book, Plaza Athénée, published by Assouline, has appeared in the hotel's bookshop gallery. It is the first book in the collection to be dedicated to a hotel. Written by Marc Lambron, writer and member of the Académie française and illustrated by photographer Oliver Pilcher, the book is a magnificent testimony to the uniqueness of the place, its energy, and the fascination it inspires.
Architecture between sky and stone
As I stepped through the revolving door engraved with the four seasons, I entered a world where every architectural detail tells a story. The rounded lobby immediately evokes the world of haute couture, a perfect prelude to the discovery of the premises. The floor mosaic, arranged in sunbursts and punctuated with black cabochons, works harmoniously with the large central chandelier. The pink marble columns elegantly support this first tableau in an architectural symphony that unfolds over eight floors.
The Gallery, the backbone of the hotel, impresses with its use of light. Not only does the light vary with the day, but it is also reflected in the platinum chandeliers and the gradations of the carpets. Interior designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille have preserved the soul of the place while infusing it with a subtle modernity. Nature is delicately woven into the décor: chandelier branches in the shape of foliage, acanthus leaves around the lamp bases, and plant motifs embroidered on the cushions.
Private spaces like jewel cases
The 208 rooms and suites at the Plaza Athénée are like private flats, each with its own personality. The first room I discovered was the Suite Eiffel Haute Couture, a sublime showcase where the harmony of grey and pink blends with refined mouldings. The cushions, embroidered in the famous Lesage workshops, show the utmost attention to detail. But the view of the Eiffel Tower steals the show, almost unreal in its perfect framing.
The atmosphere changes radically on the seventh floor, recently redecorated by Moinard-Bétaille. Art Deco is expressed in its most contemporary version: light-coloured wood, transparent glass and shimmering colours. The suites offer generous surfaces where natural light reigns supreme. I note with amusement the little details that make all the difference: a record player with a fine selection of vinyl records, fresh fruit changed daily, and an elegantly concealed minibar. The Suite Royale, a 450m2 jewel on the fifth floor, takes luxury to the extreme with its four bedrooms and panoramic view over Paris.
Another special feature of the Plaza Athénée is its Dior spa, renovated in 2023. More than just a wellness area, the sanctuary embodies the holistic philosophy of the House of Dior, treating each visitor as a whole - physically, emotionally and psychologically. A haven for high-tech treatments and expert gestures, it has established itself as the Parisian wellness retreat par excellence, promising immediate and lasting transformation through unique and personalised sensory experiences. Judging by the experience at the Dior Spa at Lana in Dubai, it's easy to believe the promise.
A gastronomic galaxy
The Plaza Athénée has always placed gastronomy at the heart of its identity. Since 2021, Jean Imbert has been orchestrating all the kitchens, bringing his contemporary vision while respecting the place's heritage. His eponymous gourmet restaurant, awarded a Michelin star just nine weeks after opening, boldly revisits the classic French repertoire. The historical statements of the dishes remain unchanged, leaving room for the guests' imagination before the gustatory surprise. But Imbert's inventiveness shines through in the decor, which is made up of antique objects, and in the presentation of the desserts, which are orchestrated as much as a visual spectacle as a taste experience. It's an experience that surprises and delights diners, I'm told.
The Relais Plaza, an art deco institution since 1936, has also been given a new lease of life under the chef's direction. It was on these highchairs that Christian Dior found the inspiration for his skirt, which would allow women to sit in all their elegance. On the plate, Jean Imbert's recipes, inspired by his grandmother, rub shoulders with the classics of the Parisian brasserie in an unspoilt setting that continues to inspire.
The Galerie, enveloped in the sound of the harp every afternoon until 5 pm, offers continuous dining, including an exceptional afternoon tea by Angelo Musa.
The Cour Jardin, surrounded by its green walls and red parasols, has retained its aura of cocoon in the heart of the capital. With its restaurant, open-air cinema and magical ice rink in winter, this timeless venue is constantly reinventing itself to surprise customers and visitors alike.
The Bar, redesigned by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, offers a dreamlike experience under its ceiling of blue volutes. Its exceptional cellar contains rare Dom Pérignon bottles. The team's enthusiasm during the daytime set-up hints at a wonderful nighttime ambience.
Signature excellence
Leaving the Plaza Athénée, I understand better why this establishment continues to fascinate after more than a century of existence. It is not just another Parisian palace but a place that has preserved its soul while constantly evolving. The motto ‘Once upon a time, the palace of tomorrow’ takes on its full meaning here: the Plaza Athénée combines history and innovation, tradition and modernity, ostentatious luxury and discreet elegance. An address that continues to write its legend, page after page, with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
 Main lobby
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Living room in the Suite Eiffel Couture
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Bedding detail from the Suite Eiffel Couture
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Equipment in the wardore of the Suite Eiffel Couture
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Bedding detail from the Suite Royale
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Dining room at Restaurant Jean Imbert
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Vintage candlestick at restaurant Jean Imbert
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Wall decor at Le Relais restaurant
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Spa Dior entrance
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Spa Dior lobby
Photo credit © Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris
 Tea break in La Galerie
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Harpist in La Galerie
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Book “Plaza Athénée” by Assouline Publishing
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 The Bar and its newly created atmosphere
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 The Cour Jardin – Plaza Athénée, Paris
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
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