Paris. The city of love. In art, in food, and in design there is an inherent joie de vivre that shines through with an ardent passion. Visitors and locals alike are dedicated to the utmost enjoyment of every moment, strolling through the winding streets, dangling their feet over La Seine or watching the world go by over a glass of wine at an open air café.
A view of La Tour at Les Ombres
The dedication to Parisian quality of life is upheld and inspired throughout the Mandarin Oriental in Paris. Having just celebrated its 5th anniversary in June, this location of the international leader in luxury hospitality offers guests a distinct taste of Paris with its customary ‘zen’ qualities shining through.
Located on Rue Saint-Honoré and seconds away from the Louvre, Place du Vendome and other beloved attractions, the Mandarin is the place to stay. From the minute you enter the hotel, you are greeted with a vision of French elegance. Envisioned by a French architect and designer, the ceilings are plated in gold leaf, the walls are lined with Swarovski crystal, and the entirety of the hotel orients itself around a lush and beautiful jardin.
My beautiful lunch date - Clara
Within this jardin, you will find two of the hotel’s culinary concepts. Led by chef Thierry Marx, you have Camélia, a perfect place to enjoy an exquisite lunch or dinner. Guests of the hotel are also welcome to enjoy the jardin for breakfast. On the other side of a quiet water stream, guests are welcome to indulge in Bar “8”, the hotel’s sexy and sophisticated bar. You could quite easily spend the day making your way through their various culinary offerings and what a day that would make!
In the true spirit of Paris, you should definitely consider enjoying a long lunch at Camélia. The team offers an efficient and classy business lunch menu. Three courses with choice of entrée, main dish, and dessert. The wait staff is well versed in executing a perfect production with expert subtlety.
The menu itself is classically French in technique and tradition, paying homage to the city’s love affair with food and drink. In true form, many of the dishes have marks of chef Marx’ creative artistry. Each dish, from the summer tomatoes with strawberries and burrata, to the fish forward main dishes, each is designed with the utmost elegance, showcasing only the freshest of ingredients.
Exquisite medley of vegetables inside a buttery pastry shell
Vegetables are also highlighted, turning what might be considered an extravagant lunch affair into a light journey, replete with robust colors and a contradiction to the stereotypical heaviness usually associated with French cuisine.
The true wonder of the Mandarin Oriental Paris however, lies in its ability to welcome guests from all over the world, while also managing to cater towards their local population. Saturday morning yoga classes out on the Terrace, annual gym memberships, and of course, a warm welcome to any of their restaurants places this hotel at the forefront of hospitality.
Consistent with any of the other locations, the Mandarin in Paris is a resounding expression of native qualities paired with an overarching thematic of Asian influence. It is a true oasis within a city already renowned for its deep beauty and love.