The five star boutique Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s Paris is absolute indulgence in one of the best locations in Paris.
Hotel Barriere Le Fouquets is located in one of Paris’ best and most glamorous areas. It is situated right in the heart of the fashion district, Paris’ Golden Triangle on the corner of the Champs Elysees and George V. With 81 rooms and suites, The Arc De Triomphe is a 5 minute walk away.
This swish, chic, discreet exclusive boutique five star hotel complex with bright red recognisable awnings is one of the most glamorous boutique hotels in Paris – and the bistro has re-opened this week.
La Fouquets ( as it is locally known) is one of the most sophisticated and intimate five star hotels in the city of light.
From the club-like seductive ground floor lounge bar to sprawling hotel suites, a luxury spa with indoor pool and the classic French Bistro, La Fouquets, the hotel oozes quintessentially, sophisticated French style, class and elegance.
One of the highlights of the hotel is Le Joy bar and restaurant on the first floor which truly is a joy (couldn’t help myself – as it’s so fitting )! The bar has panelled walls and rich carpets, and a fabulous cocktail list.
It is also where breakfast is served daily for hotel guests.
Le Joy has a gorgeous open air courtyard terrace shielded from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets outside.
In winter it is converted into a Courchevel style ski chalet with Veuve Clicquot skis and ski accessories dotted around. It is where guests can not only enjoy a drink but a meal in a wooden replica house outside.
Then in summer, the terrace garden is ideal to sit and enjoy the European warmth and long, light filled days and escape the hustle and bustle of the Champs Elysees.
The restaurant, La Fouquets which opened in 1899 is a historic brasserie restaurant and a Parisian institution. It has celebrity status as one of Paris’ best bistros due to the food, as well as the well known faces who have dined here over generations.
Chef Pierre Gagnaire developed the classically French menu with changing daily specials a highlight.
Famous guests who have graced the restaurant have included actors Marlene Dietrich, Yves Montand, and Edith Piaf in the 1930s.
In the 1980s, Liza Minelli, Jack Nicholson, Harrison Ford, Johnny Depp, Hugh Grant, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, and Catherine Deneuve were regulars.
There are also plaques on the wall and floor marking the favourite tables of celebrity guests gone by. And there’s a huge bistro menu with extraordinary French cuisine.
Today politicians and actors still flock there, you never know who you might see enjoying the superb French food and upmarket typically French ambience. Everyone from French celebrities to politicians dines here.
The red awnings that adorn the outside of the restaurant are one of Paris’ most photographed and classically French restaurant features.
The hotel is part of a small French luxury French chain of hotels owned by the legendary Barriere family, and the hotel’s luxury spa is run under the Diane Barriere brand. It has a sauna and hammam and a 50 foot indoor pool. There is a good fitness centre with personal trainers available.
A spa menu is on offer and the perfect way to indulge and relax.
The front bar is quintessentially Parisian, and feels like a private club, with heavy, draped curtains, dark moody furniture in velvet, rich reds, purples and golds and classic French furniture.
Doormen wear heavy, tailored coats in winter, and are attentive and professional and know guest’s names.
The rooms are huge by Paris standards and include sparkly over-sized gold Hollywood style numbers on the base of every door. Guests feel glamorous upon arrival before they have even walked in.
The rooms were re-designed by Jacques Garcia in 2017, and have an over-sized Parisian apartment feel.
The doors open to hotel suites that feel grand, yet light and airy. The interiors combine sleek modern lines with traditional Parisian splendour.
They are elegantly decored in whites, creams and yellow hues. Leather, silk and mahogany adorn the surfaces. Beds are opulently over-sized at 7.2 feet by 7.2 feet.
The toilet is completely separate from the bathroom in many rooms, ideal for couples. Bathrooms have a separate bath and shower, and plenty of space.
There is a huge walk in robe. I loved the technology which allows guests to connect their mobile phone with the TV, making communication that bit easier. Texts and facetime and skype can all be used on the full size TV and music streamed through the TV. Very cool.
The lights have a 3 tiered electronic system ensuring the lighting fits your every mood.
The mini bar and snacks are all free. Some rooms have views of the Champs Elysees.
The difference between this hotel and many other five star offerings in Paris is intimacy and style. The hotel feels personalised, luxurious, super stylish and private. It is almost like staying at a members only club.
The hotel is also green – it is the first in Paris to be awarded the luxury eco-certification standard. You can even carbon-neutralize your stay.
I will be back.
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