Historic café meets historic hotel family… Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet is a luxurious amalgamation of two fascinating histories. When Louis Fouquet bought Le Criterion bar in 1899 it was already over 100 years old. Rue Le Criterion had been created by Louis XV to make it easier for his fabulous mistress Mme de Pompadour to get from Paris to Versailles more easily. The cafe, the only business on the street, was where coachmen waited. During WWI it became a favorite retreat for dashing flying aces on leave. By the 30’s it was the cinematic industry hotspot and favorite of Josephine Baker and Gene Kelly. New Wave favorites Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Goddard joined Orson Wells in making it their hangout in the 50’s. Meanwhile the Barriere family had opened their first hotel and casino in Deauville in 1912. They went on to expand their brand of luxury resorts throughout France and into Switzerland and Morocco. The family has always been aligned with the film industry, hosting prizes and creating the Deauville American Film Festival. Diane Barriere had always loved Le Fouquet’s. In 1998 she bought the restaurant and built the hotel around it. A collaboration between architect Edouard Francois and designer Jacques Garcia, the brand new hotel opened in 2006. It underwent a complete head to toe refurbishment in 2017 with an emphasis on becoming more eco-aware. There are now easy to access battery chargers for electric cars and the roof is home to several thousand bees. Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s is truly a Parisian gem. The rooms are huge and not just by Paris standards. I stayed in one of their entry level rooms; it was larger than many Paris suites. All rooms have a bathtub, a stand-alone shower, dressing area and butler service. Décor is very movie star glam. Totally fitting as Le Fouquet’s has been hosting the Cesar Awards (French Oscars) dinner since 1976. Super star chef,Pierre Gagnaire is in charge of the classic brasserie menu which can be enjoyed in either of the outdoor terraces or inside under golden chandeliers. Become a regular, like Maurice Chevalier did. You will be guaranteed your favorite table complete with a silver napkin ring engraved with your name. Or skip the gawking tourists and escape to le Joy on the second the floor. Sip a cocktail, nibble a snack and rub elbows with the oh so chic locals.
Number of Rooms: 82
Sweet Suite: The Grande Suite de Paris… it’s huge, 520 square metres, and has to die for views over the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the hotel’s private garden. Eat in the private dining room, bathe in the tub for two or lounge on the terrace.
Favorite Thing: the mini bar… not only are the drinks and snacks complementary, but the bar itself was inspired by an old Louis Vuitton trunk. Very Stylish!
Near By: Champs Elysees, Palais de Tokyo, Quai Branly Museum, Grand Palais, great shopping
Amenities: huge indoor pool, all bathrooms have separate tubs & showers, tv by tub, anti-mist mirror, restaurants, room service, bar, gym, pet friendly, butler service, complimentary newspaper, fragrance boutique
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You are the World’s greatest Travel Agent ! We’d go anywhere you direct us. We miss you. When will you be back in TO ?
Bernie and Irene
Ooh, how fabulous and what a lovely story.