Spend a night at Le Pont-Neuf and be embraced by luxurious and beautiful interiors, inspired by the flowing curves of the Seine and the Pont Neuf bridge
Words: Ruth Bell
Part of the Maison Albar Hotels group, Le Pont-Neuf is located in the centre of Paris in the 1st arrondissement. To stay at the Pont-Neuf is to be at the heart of the action, as it is a stone’s throw from the Louvre, the famous Samaritaine department store and the Canopée des Halles cultural centre. The hotel was built in 1866 in the Haussman style and in its recent renovation, the challenge was to respect the soul and elegance of the building while creating a hotel that can offer a 21st century experience.
Alexandre Danan, founder of architecture and design company European Design Office, masterminded the redesign of the hotel’s interiors. He was inspired by The Pont Neuf Wrapped, a 1985 installation where artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude entirely enveloped the bridge in 41,800 sq m of silky golden fabric for two weeks. The influence of the pleats of the fabric can be seen everywhere in the folds, drapes and curves of the materials used in Alexandre’s interiors.
To create softness and intimacy, the team prioritised natural materials throughout and you can appreciate this as soon as you enter the hotel. The lobby features chairs upholstered in soft leather and velvet, while the walls are clad in rippled fabrics and slatted wood. It evokes a welcome feeling of calm and wellbeing.
The crowning glory of the hotel’s suites is the Rooftop Suite on the top floor, a perfect perch from which to look out over the city’s rooftops. With windows on all sides, the suite features Henryot & Cie natural wood furniture, neutral colours and a pop of peacock blue on the upholstery. Once again, soft voile curtains ripple around the walls and over the windows as a reminder of the River Seine below. For a stunning finishing touch, Tom Dixon lighting in gold adds instant glamour.
In the Suite Pont-Neuf, beige and gold shades and Henryot & Cie furniture in the Art Deco style create an entirely inviting atmosphere. Bathed in natural light, it comprises a bedroom and elegant lounge and offers fabulous views of the rue du Pont-Neuf. The perfect base for exploring the city, the suite will accommodate a family with ease.
The bathrooms are designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, clad in calming sand-coloured tiles and featuring double vanities and a generous walk-in shower. But what better way could there be to unwind than in a bath overlooking Paris’s beautiful architecture?
Dining in style is assured at the Odette restaurant where the décor is once again inspired by The Pont Neuf Wrapped installation. A beautiful expanse of undulating wood covers the walls, matched by curved seating below, upholstered in fine natural leather. Meanwhile, the elegant marble tables are edged in copper. The overall effect is both warm and welcoming.
For a special event, the wine cellar invites guests to sit on comfortably upholstered chairs round a beautiful table carved from a single piece of timber. The table is lit by a stunning chandelier and the diners are surrounded by more warm wooden wall cladding and glass-fronted wine cabinets displaying the restaurant’s extensive collection.
An oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city beyond, the courtyard is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing drink. A partial roof offers protection against rain showers, while generous seating and ample greenery combine to make this a place to pause and take time out.
To find out more about Maison Albar Hotels Le Pont-Neuf and to book your stay, visit the website.
Looking for more dream destinations? Don't miss other Inspiring Spaces Dunbrody Country House hotel and Hotel Casa Palmela.