T R AV E L : T H E L O F T
Indeed, the Grande Suite de Paris is where Sarkozy celebrated his night of election victory. But don’t be fooled. His visit is practically an anomaly in comparison to the usual crowd who visit: the well-heeled, the boho, and the international. Accordingly, the service is solicitous, amiable, young and, most importantly, unpretentious. Despite being one of Paris’s most popular and expensive hotels, Fouquet’s is equally known for its brasserie, which sits effortlessly cool on the corner of the Champs-Élysées. It opened in 1899 and has always being a social hub for people who work in entertainment
industry, especially film. Think Marlene Dietrich, François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. The food is typically French – classic and simple – including scallops, foie gras, roasted fowl. Head to Le Diane for a more intimate, gastronomic meal, where Jean-Yves Leurangeur specialises in experimental combinations that really hit the mark. Sunday brunch is what really stuck out, though. £80 per head will get you an allyou-can-eat affair, only more civilised, with chefs on hand to cook your meat and fish to order. It’s a splendid way to loll away an afternoon, grazing and drinking some of
the finest food in the city. At a time when wallets are tighter than ever and hotels are battling for custom, it’s refreshing to see Fouquet’s sticking to its reputation by raising its rates according each year. A double room starts from a stonking £650 per night, gradually rising to nearly £14,000 for the Grand Suite de Paris. You may want to consider your options, or even move between hotels during your trip, to get the most of a modest budget. However, if you have the fathomless money to spend here without regret, then Fouquet’s is definitely worth its price-tag. TR
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