EXCERPT BELOW BY KLARA GLOWCZEWSKA AND JOHN NEWTON AND THE EDITORS OF T&C
“Luxury fashion houses are masters of creating desire. The jewelery and watchmaking Scheufele family of Chopard, which over six years transformed a 18th-century mansion on Paris’ chicest square into this 15-room hotel, takes the seduction honors. There’s no blaring Chopard name at 1 Place Vendome, just a soupcon of a “C” on a wrought-iron gate; no front desk (you are led upstairs); public spaces reserved for guests (for that “your-eyes-only” frisson); anytime-anywhere dining (how delicious is that?). And the rooms: designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, some with Chagalls and Warhols, are each different—so you’ll come back for more.”
—Klara Glowczewska
To book a trip to France: Philip Haslett of French Promise, Philip@Frenchpromise.com
“The locations of these seven hotels may be rural; their amenities are not.”
“This is the Provencal retreat of our dreams (one of the Domaines de Fontenille collection of restored country estates): a 16th-century building of pale stone with green shutters on an estate of landscaped gardens beyond which rows of cypresses and groves of olive trees stretch to the horizon. Domaine de Chalamon’s pastel rooms go with the Provencal skies, and Chef Rémi Falsquelle’s restaurant (Provencal classics) has already become a destination.”
“A great city hotel is equal parts cultural salon and private oasis. Meet your new best friends in town.”
“Martin Brudnizki is the man behind this boutique hotel, which explains why Le Grand Mazarin has been all over your Instagram feed lately. The designer transformed a trio of 14th-century buildings into a 61-room property, taking inspiration from the sumptuous literary salons of 18th-century Paris and adding his brand of whimsy and maximalism, with touches like Dedar Milano textiles, a pool with a Cocteau-esque ceiling by Jacques Merle, and a speakeasy with Murano lights. But the biggest news: There’s finally a good place to stay in the Marais.”
“Don’t we all fantasize about a bohemian pad in Paris? This hotel, on Rue Cadet in Fauborg Montmartre, is it. La Fantaisie was designed—as were two other hotels on this year’s Hotel Awards list—Le Grand Mazarin, likewise in Paris, and Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York—by London-and New-York- based, Swedish-born Martin Brudnizki. He brings his signature colorful approach to this project, too, with neutral raffia walls providing a backdrop for rich layers of bright accents and varied patterns. The palette here was inspired by the property’s lush courtyard garden. The rooms are fresh and airy, the staff wear cool sneakers, and the restaurant opens out onto the centerpiece garden with tables under umbrellas. The rooftop bar, with a jukebox, has already become a must-visit among Parisians.”
To book a luxury trip to France contact, Philip Haslett of French Promise, Philip@Frenchpromise.com.
“Are you a sandcastle connoisseur? Here are the latest seaside hotels worthy of your caftan.
—Klara Glowczewska
To book a trip to France: Philip Haslett of French Promise, Philip@frenchpromise.com
(Excerpted from Town & Country Magazine’s 2024 Best Luxury Hotels Feature, Published in the April 2024 Issue)
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