On the Right Bank, overlooking the Seine and Pont-Neuf, Cheval Blanc Paris occupies one of the most quietly commanding positions in the city. The hotel is set within La Samaritaine, the historic department store first redesigned in 1928 by Henri Sauvage, now restored through a major redevelopment led by LVMH.
Opened in 2021, the property marks the first urban outpost of the Cheval Blanc collection, which began in Courchevel before expanding to the Maldives, St. Barths, and St. Tropez. It holds Palace status, a designation reserved for a small group of hotels that meet the highest standards of service, location, and cultural relevance.
With just 72 rooms and suites, the hotel avoids the scale of a traditional grand property. Instead, it feels measured and residential. The Seine runs directly below, and the Louvre, Île de la Cité, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés sit within view. Throughout your stay, Paris remains present, just beyond the glass.
A PALACE OF DESIGN
Interiors by Peter Marino follow the structure of a Parisian apartment rather than a traditional hotel. There is no central front desk — reception sits within the main room, allowing arrival to feel direct and uninterrupted.
The architecture relies on proportion and material. Stone floors and high ceilings create structure while wood, metal, and textiles soften the space. The palette stays controlled. Nothing feels added for effect and each element supports how the space is used.
Art is placed with restraint: two Eiffel Tower works by Vik Muniz anchor the main seating area and a horse sculpture by Frank Gehry marks the transition toward the elevators. In short? The pieces guide movement through the space without overwhelming it.
Craftsmanship carries through in smaller details. Bronze panels by Ingrid Donat and a woven metal staircase by Sophie Mallebranche shape how guests move between levels. The layout feels intentional, with each transition maintaining the same sense of calm.
THE SEINE SUITE
I stayed in the Seine Suite, set directly along the river and spanning just over 1,100 square feet. It feels less like a hotel suite and more like a private one-bedroom apartment placed within one of the most visible stretches of Paris. Floor-to-ceiling bay windows open onto wide views of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Cœur. What lingers is not only the mesmerizing skyline, but the sense of movement of the city just beyond the glass.
The defining element is the enclosed glass balcony just off the bedroom, described as a winter garden terrace. It runs the length of the façade and sits somewhere between interior and exterior. From here, you feel suspended above the Seine, with the river becoming part of the day. Boats pass below, and the pace of the streets carries on from morning into evening — the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a moment of relaxation in the afternoon.
Inside, the living room is arranged as both a lounge and a dining space, with a private bar and wine cave. The bedroom sits apart, finished in warm tones and soft textures that keep the atmosphere calm and composed.
The bathroom is lined in marble and includes a deep soaking bathtub alongside a walk-in hammam shower. Amenities are infused with “Parisian chic poudré” and “Parisian chic boisé,” the signature fragrances created by François Demachy for Dior, adding a subtle but distinct layer to the experience. A separate dressing room and a dedicated beauty bar extend the sense of living in the space rather than passing through it.
Service is handled by a majordome, present at all hours and attentive without drawing attention. The suite can also connect to an adjacent room, making it well suited for longer stays or for those traveling with family.
A DINING VENUE
Dining at Cheval Blanc Paris unfolds across several spaces, each shaped by its setting.
Dinner at Le Tout-Paris has a lively energy, with a Michelin-starred menu focused on contemporary French cuisine and a strong cocktail program. The bar draws a crowd, and the room opens onto sweeping views of the Seine, which stay in focus throughout the meal.
In the morning, the space shifts into a more relaxed setting for breakfast. The terrace pulls your eye outward, while inside, a sculptural wooden installation rises at the center of the room, its branches holding individual marble plates of pastries. The menu includes breads, pastries, fresh fruit, and dishes like French toast and eggs Benedict served on a croissant.
Additional venues include Plénitude, led by Arnaud Donckele, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant focused on contemporary French cuisine, with a strong emphasis on sauces, set in a dining room overlooking the Seine and Pont-Neuf.
Langosteria, located on the upper floor, offers Italian coastal cuisine with a focus on seafood, raw preparations, and pastas, served in a lively dining room with sweeping views across Paris.
Hakuba, developed with Takuya Watanabe, holds two Michelin stars and centers on kaiseki-inspired sushi, combining Japanese technique with French ingredients in a more intimate setting.
A WELLNESS SANCTUARY
The Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris anchors the hotel’s wellness offering. The space reflects the world of Dior, with a focus on privacy and detail that carries through every room.
At the center is a 30-meter swimming pool, the largest in any hotel in Paris. The floor is set with a mosaic that echoes the movement of the Seine. A large artwork along the far wall picks up the same idea. The connection to the river feels quiet but consistent.
The spa has six treatment suites, each named after moments from the Dior house, including Bonheur, New Look, Bonne Étoile, Sauvage, Mitzah, and Granville. Each room has its own layout and includes a white onyx bathroom. The New Look suite references the 1947 collection by Christian Dior.
Treatments combine technology with manual techniques, including tissue massage and sapphire crystal micro-abrasion. The signature micro-abrasion treatment focuses on precision. The result is immediate, with skin that looks clear and even.
Near the entrance, a scent bar and retail space present Dior’s professional skincare line alongside an exclusive fragrance created for the hotel by François Demachy. The scent blends white musk, soft florals, and tonka bean. It is only available at this location, staying consistent with the tone of the spa.
Upon entering the spa, guests pass captivating digital installations by Jennifer Steinkamp. Her Botanic works show beautiful flowers moving across the walls in a slow rhythm.
WHY WE’LL COME BACK
Cheval Blanc Paris sets a new benchmark for luxury in the city, with an experience that remains firmly rooted in its surroundings. The Seine, the light, and the rhythm of Paris remain present from morning through night.
