Le Bristol Paris celebrates a century of iconic hospitality with its gilded elevator, protected artworks and hidden chocolate atelier

Located just a stone’s throw from the Élysée Palace, on the prestigious Rue du Faubourg SaintHonoré, Le Bristol Paris serves as a living gallery of French culture. Since its transformation in 1925 by visionary hotelier Hippolyte Jammet, this 18thcentury private mansion has evolved into one of the world’s most celebrated luxury landmarks.

With 190 accommodations (including 72 suites spanning up to 2,155 square feet), the hotel boasts two Michelin starred restaurants—Epicure (three stars) and 114 Faubourg (one star)— alongside a 5,629-square-foot event space and the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, complete with eight treatment rooms.

The hotel’s high ceilings, ornate mouldings, and symmetrical façades retain its aristocratic roots, creating an ambience of refined elegance. Under Jammet’s leadership, Le Bristol became a hub for high society, attracting luminaries like the Rothschilds, Charlie Chaplin, and Grace Kelly. Today, it harmonises its Rococo charm with modern design, offering a seamless blend of historic beauty and contemporary sophistication that exemplifies the French art de vivre.

THE GILDED CAGE
More than a means of transportation, Le Bristol’s gilded cage elevator is a centrepiece of architectural artistry. With ornate wrought ironwork and gold leaf detailing, it reflects the glamour of Paris’s Art Deco era. Its intricate floral-inspired designs balance curvilinear elegance with geometric symmetry, capturing both functional and aesthetic innovation.

The glass-panelled cabin enhances this experience, offering panoramic glimpses of the hotel’s interiors as guests ascend or descend. This interplay of natural light, gold reflections, and shadow creates a dynamic visual experience. The surrounding marble staircase and wrought iron balustrades elevate the sense of grandeur, making each journey an immersion in the hotel’s architectural legacy.

ART AS THE HEART
Le Bristol Paris stands as a custodian of French culture, in partnership with France’s Monuments Historiques to preserve its architectural and artistic treasures. The hotel’s historic collection is more than decorative— it narrates the evolution of Parisian craftsmanship and culture.

The Salon Versailles features 18th-century frescoes, meticulously restored in collaboration with heritage experts. These mythological scenes, painted in soft pastels, epitomise the Rococo movement, blending whimsy with sophistication. The interiors are further adorned with gilded floral mouldings, Gobelin tapestries, and Louis XV and Louis XVI furnishings, each piece a window into 18th-century French design. Marble fireplaces and boiseries (wood panelling) complete the rooms, creating an intimate link to the mansion’s noble origins.

HIDDEN CRAFTSMANSHIP BELOW

Beneath Le Bristol’s opulent interiors lies a hidden world of artisanal craftsmanship—Les Ateliers du Bristol. Designed with precision and respect for tradition, these workshops include a flour mill, chocolate factory, cheese aging cellar, and a pasta laboratory. The architecture balances innovation with historical continuity, offering environments where time-honoured techniques are preserved.

Whether it’s the precise engineering of the millstones or the climate-controlled cheese cellar, each atelier exemplifies how thoughtful design can elevate craft. Far beyond culinary function, these hidden spaces serve as architectural showcases, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to preserving French artistry through both tradition and modern utility.

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BALANCING HISTORY AND MODERNITY
The interiors of Le Bristol Paris strike a perfect balance between historical reverence and contemporary luxury. Epicure’s three Michelin stars, set against a backdrop of restored architectural splendour, exemplifies how past and present coexist. Meanwhile, the La Prairie Spa offers minimalist modern design within the framework of the hotel’s historic grandeur.

Throughout the hotel, bespoke furnishings and textiles complement preserved features, ensuring that comfort and beauty align. This careful curation speaks to the hotel’s unwavering commitment to design excellence.

A PARISIAN EXPERIENCE

Every detail at Le Bristol Paris—from the iconic gilded elevator to the frescoed ceilings—tells a story of craftsmanship, heritage, and beauty. It’s a place where art and architecture converge, offering guests an experience that is uniquely Parisian. Whether dining beneath Rococo inspired motifs or exploring hidden ateliers, visitors are immersed in a legacy of history lovingly preserved and luxuriously presented.