VISIT - THE PENINSULA, MODERNITY AT THE HEART OF HISTORY (France)
Close to the Champs-Elysées, The Peninsula Paris fuses its rich history with a sense of contemporary luxury. Le Journal des Palaces experienced this palace at the heart of Parisian elegance. |
|
VISIT - THE PENINSULA, MODERNITY AT THE HEART OF HISTORY (France)
Close to the Champs-Elysées, The Peninsula Paris fuses its rich history with a sense of contemporary luxury. Le Journal des Palaces experienced this palace at the heart of Parisian elegance. |
Category: Europe - France - Exclusive experiences
- What's new?
Article written by Romane Le Royer on 2025-01-27
 The eight hundred “Dancing Leaves”, an enchanting passage from the reception area of the Peninsula Paris
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
The building, erected in 1864, has long been a place of history: a flagship hotel of the Belle Époque under the name of Majestic, it successively became a temporary hospital during the First World War, the headquarters of the German military command between 1940 and 1944, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNESCO headquarters before the construction of UNESCO House in 1958.
In 2007, the State sold the property to the Katara Hospitality group, which acquired its first French establishment here, quickly followed by the Royal-Monceau Raffles Paris and the InterContinental Carlton Cannes. Begun in 2010, the restoration of the future hotel will take four years. A long and painstaking process has allowed the mouldings, long hidden by layers of paint and wallpaper, to reappear. Details of history are to be found throughout the establishment, such as the iron railings on the staircases, identical to those on the Eiffel Tower, dating from the early 20th century.
At the Peninsula, it all begins with the softness and delicacy of over eight hundred “ Dancing Leaves ”, hand-blown Lasvit crystal plane tree leaves suspended from the ceiling of the reception area. A subtle homage to the legendary Peninsula Hong Kong, the group's first hotel on the tip of Kow Loon. Illustrating this desire to place art at the center of its spaces, a few meters from this glass cascade, in the Corbero gallery, a tribute to the renowned sculptor, stands a large marble and stone structure, created by the Spanish artist especially for the Peninsula, just before his death in 2017.
This piece, depicting the rising of a full moon, also evokes the opening of the doors of the imagination, a dreamlike feeling that lurks in every nook and cranny of the palace. In total, over 185 works of art are on display throughout the establishment, from public spaces to rooms and suites. Art brings a contemporary, colorful touch to a classic setting.
Upstairs, 200 rooms, including 34 suites, are divided into nine categories, ranging in size from 40 to 318m2. When the Majestic was built, the hotel had 400 less spacious rooms. Renovation work has broken down some of the walls to open up and double the surface area of all rooms. From the Deluxe room to the Rooftop Garden suite, not forgetting the Grand Premier Suite, a common thread runs through all the rooms: that of Richard Martinet, responsible for the architectural renovation, and Henry Leung, for the interior design. Luminous rooms, with or without a lounge, depending on the category, always with a large dressing room and a rest area, and, above all, the possibility for guests to see the whole of Paris from their window. From grand monuments to Haussmann buildings, this palace in the 16th arrondissement of the City of Light is firmly rooted in its Parisian roots.
The three exceptional suites(Katara, Historique and Peninsula) offer a variety of spaces to their occupants: dining room, living room, office. The Katara suite, located on the palace's top floor, boasts a balcony and, above all, its own 260m2 rooftop. The Peninsula, decorated in cream, brown and black tones, opens onto a triple living room and extends into a dining room that can seat up to 12 people. The perfect setting for the high-profile events that are a recurrent feature of the capital.
While the Peninsula remains true to its historic roots, it is also at the cutting edge of modernity. In the rooms, there are no light switches, but rather fully-integrated home automation with touch screens, to be found in the bedroom, bathroom or living room. Every detail of the room can be configured: temperature, lighting, opening of shutters, but also calls to concierges or room service.
The Peninsula experience extends far beyond the comfort and luxury of sleep. The palace houses the largest hotel spa in Paris. More than 1,800 square meters are dedicated to well-being and serenity. This space has been created in collaboration with the French brand Biologique Recherche, present in all the Hong Kong group's spas, as well as the Australian products of Subtle Energies and the Swiss expertise of Margy's Monte Carlo treatments. Six individual cabins and two suites reserved for duo treatments, a sauna and a hammam, are accessible to hotel guests, membership card holders and also to guests who come just to enjoy the virtuous treatments lavished by the “Peninsulian” wellness experts. The 20-metre swimming pool and two fitness centers are reserved entirely for hotel guests and members. As part of our ongoing commitment to physical and mental serenity, one of these gyms will soon be transformed into a holistic room, offering a space dedicated to yoga classes, for example, as a complement to spa treatments.
The Peninsula Paris' gastronomic offering - as refined as it is memorable
In its restaurants, The Peninsula Paris has chosen to honor inventive and tasty cuisine, oscillating between culinary traditions and contemporary inspirations. From exceptional French dishes to Asian specialties, each address embodies a distinct universe, driven by passionate chefs and impeccable service. Whether for a refined dinner, lunch on the terrace or an exceptional brunch, the art of the table is experienced here with elegance and creativity.
Right from the entrance, on the Avenue Kléber side, the Lobby, the Hong Kong group's signature restaurant, offers visitors modern French cuisine, combining tradition and creativity with great precision. Tea time, a real moment of relaxation, offers a selection of fine pastries and savoury bites. Sunday brunch, popular with Parisians and visitors alike, offers a refined gourmet experience under a large glass roof.
A little further on, we find the hushed setting of Lili, inspired by the fictional character of the Chinese opera singer, whose world is imprinted everywhere, on the walls as well as on the plate. Renowned for its exceptional Chinese cuisine, the restaurant offers a menu that combines the authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine with contemporary touches, prepared with great mastery. Lili is particularly famous for its dimsums, Peking duck and traditional Chinese dishes revisited with precision, and prepared by Hong Kong-born chef Taklau Yuen.
Recently renovated, the Bar Kléber, the historic site where the Paris Agreements were signed, marking the end of the Vietnam War in 1973, now welcomes mixology enthusiasts on a daily basis. In a decor of oak panelling, experts and laymen alike can enjoy signature cocktails and tapas of all kinds.
The gastronomic highlight is on the sixth floor of the palace, facing the Eiffel Tower. It is here, high above the ground, that the L'Oiseau Blanc restaurant spreads its wings. The owner of Peninsula Hotels, Sir Michael Kadoorie, an aviation and automobile enthusiast, wanted to draw inspiration from the adventures of Charles Nungesser and François Coli, the first two aviators to attempt the Atlantic crossing. The restaurant, headed by chef David Bizet, embodies the elegance of French haute gastronomy, with a menu that reinvents the classics of French cuisine while highlighting seasonal produce. Double starred, L'Oiseau Blanc has a covered dining room and a two-course terrace for lunch and dinner.
With its many assets, The Peninsula Paris is the embodiment of excellence in a setting where history, luxury and the art of living intertwine. With its sumptuous rooms, exceptional restaurants and world-renowned spa, the hotel offers not just a stay, but a true sensory experience. Every detail, from the décor to the cuisine, from the comfort to the service provided by all its teams, reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality and refinement. A symbol of Parisian elegance, it is a must for lovers of luxury and serenity, right in the heart of the capital.
 The Lobby, second point of entry to the palace and a hallmark of Peninsula hotels, a subtle blend of French refinement and modern creativity.
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
 The Peninsula's in-room lounge, a place to relax but also to work, for visitors who are always on the lookout for adaptable spaces.
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
 The 200 comfortable, modern rooms at the Peninsula Paris range from deluxe categories to exceptional suites, from 40 to 318m2
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
 The largest hotel spa is at the Peninsula Paris, with a total of eight treatment rooms, a swimming pool, sauna and hammam
Photo credit © The Peninsula Paris
 The Hong Kong charm of Lili retrieved in the heart of Paris, serving delicate Chinese dishes in a discreet but sumptuous setting
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
 L'Oiseau Blanc, a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Parisian skyline and the Eiffel Tower, is the perfect setting for an aerial meal
Photo credit © The Peninsula Paris
 The luminous setting of the Peninsula Paris, in its brown and cream jewel box, imbued with sublime tradition
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
 The palace spa offers a variety of luxurious skincare products from Biologique Recherche, Subtle Energies and Margy's Monte Carl
Photo credit © Journal des Palaces / Julie Frontali
 One of the Peninsula's two gyms, a veritable temple to well-being
Photo credit © The Peninsula Paris
|
|
