If this white narcissus were a perfume, it would be ‘Essence of Paris’ – sophisticated, self-indulgent and as stylish as this posh part of Paris. Set a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, this luxe boutique haunt occupies a Parisian mansion set in the cosseted 7th arrondissement. It feels like an invitation to step back in time, with its look distinctly classical, a nod to aristocratic glory days. But that’s only one side of this family-owned hide-away: it’s not resting on its laurels and has slipped into this century intact – with a sleek spa, bar and restaurant – and without any Revolutionary beheadings.
Why stay at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa?
The vibe at Le Narcisse Blanc is hushed but not stuffy, discreet but not dull, teasing but not tawdry. This is The White Narcissus not The White Lotus – a slow-burn, seductive not scandalous. From the lustrous floral displays to the sexy cocktails, the mood is faintly voluptuous but never full-on seductive. You are meant to feel like a privileged guest in the private boudoir of Cléo de Mérode, muse to the artists of the Belle Époque and often called the first modern celebrity. Nicknamed ‘the Narcissus,’ Cleo’s enigmatic personality inspired the hotel and gave her name to the gourmet restaurant.
What are the rooms like at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa?
The 37 rooms open onto a tree-lined courtyard or onto a patchwork of Parisian rooftops, but all promise space, serenity and a chance to switch off. The hotel makes a virtue of not bedazzling you with stunning views as the focus is completely inwards: it’s almost a meditative space, but with nothing monastic about the low-key luxury. For the full Emily in Paris experience, Suite Aurore embraces views of the Eiffel Tower from its private terrace.
You’ll be surrounded by floral motifs and feminine portraits, from the faint floral scents to the symbols of narcissus that adorn ceilings and doorknobs. The cocooning, high-ceilinged, uncluttered rooms feel sultry and timeless, and bathrooms are magnificent, streamlined marble affairs with separate baths and showers and Guerlain body treats.
What is the food like at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa?
Chef Bruno Aubin’s cooking is playful and creative but not showy, much like the hotel itself. This is fine-dining with wine-pairing but downplayed, without rococo concoctions or show-off flounces. Tuck into scallops, crispy artichoke or roast figs with crumble. For breakfast, feast on pancakes like an American, porridge like a Scot or eggs benedict like a privileged resident. Bar Leopold is a darkly sexy, Belle Epoque spot, named after the 19th-century Belgian king who supposedly had an affair with Cléo, a famed dancer and the elegant hotel muse. Call in for a creative cocktail, a glass of Champagne or even a dram of French whisky.
What is the service like at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa?
The staff are smiley and approachable but never intrusive, a balance which reflects the arty but discreetly demanding clientele. The service is friendly but not fawning, with the tone set by Fanny, the switched-on hotel manager, who’s utterly French but also a feisty Londoner in spirit. Hakim, the long-standing chief concierge, is the stand-out host, knowledgeable about neighbourhood secrets, such as the local food market you’d never discover without his help. Lucille, the confident but relaxed restaurant manager, feels like a friend you’d happily share a bottle of wine with under the portrait of the naughty-but-nice hotel muse.
What are the spa, pool and facilities like at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa?
In the basement, the Anne Semonin spa is a cocooning, softly-lit spot, with an exceptionally large pool for a boutique hotel, along with whirlpool, sauna and a duo massage room. Best of all, you might well have this swish space all to yourself as the artiest guests are often out exploring the galleries. If you can’t resist the fluffy breakfast pastries, punish yourself in the fitness room or do resistance lengths in the pool to shed the calories. Customised massages and facials rely on potions by Anne Semonin, a niche Parisian brand that’s an insider secret.
What’s the area like around Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa?
This luxe retreat is tucked away in a discreet spot between the banks of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, a seemingly aloof area that smacks of privileged Paris. The elegant Champs Elysées, the iconic Eiffel Tower, the formal, fountain-dotted Tuileries gardens and the grandest art museums are within easy reach, a twenty-minute stroll away. In fifteen minutes you could be admiring the Musée d’Orsay, a magnificently restored former railway station that showcases Impressionistic and Post Impressionistic masterpieces. Even the art-encrusted Louvre is under 30 minutes away – or even quicker if you’re staging a jewellery heist.
Why you should book a stay at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa
Le Narcisse Blanc is a sophisticated boutique bolthole in sleek Parisian style that lets you play the part in supreme style and self-indulgence. The beguiling public rooms are pretty in pink (plus beige and gold) and are an invitation to stop, take stock and breathe in the floral perfumes before hitting the Parisian galleries and boutiques. Romance is in the air but so, too, is privilege: the privilege to pretend you’re a posh Parisian resident slipping between sybaritic swims and dressy dinners a deux, while stocking up on your private art collection and dropping into Dior and Chanel. Dream on - and come back with a French count(ess).
DETAILS
Address: 19, boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg 75007 Paris, France
Price per night: Classic rooms from €510 per night, and Junior Suites from €950
Closest transport: Metro La Tour-Maubourg