A hidden feature of The Peninsula is L’Oiseau Blanc (also known as The White Bird). With a mysterious story, it’s the centerpiece and inspiration for the namesake restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, located on the 6th floor. With stunning views of Paris, the aviation themed L’Oiseau Blanc is one of the most chic restaurants in Paris.

With the property’s history dating all the way back to 1864, The Peninsula restored many of the original artwork throughout the building. “Revival of The Interior’s Beauty And Soul Architects and Designers hired French master craftsmen utilising traditional techniques in use for hundreds of years to participate in the hotel’s revival of soul and authenticity. Marble, stucco, mosaics, roof and wall tiles, wood carvings, stone work, gold leafing, paintings and a myriad of other elements have been lovingly preserved and painstakingly restored by some of France’s most revered family firms, dating back generations. For example, the two paintings on the ceiling of Le Lounge Kléber- representing music and science and geography respectively – were restored by Cinzia Pasquali, who has restored paintings by Leonardo da Vinci at the Louvre, and also the Palace of Versailles. In Le Lobby and Le Bar Kléber, a total of 1000 individual pieces of wood were removed from the original building to undergo restoration and re-installation by wood restoration experts Atelier Fancelli, a small family company stretching back three generations and with just 12 employees. In addition, 20,000 pieces of gold leaf, were used in the restoration of The Peninsula Paris. Specialist gilder and restorer Ateliers Gohard – another tri-generation family company with just 20 employees – handled repairs, gold leafing and hand painting. Today, the results of this labour of love are palpable and can be felt as one wanders in the hotel, as well as the soul and spirit of the original building.” Read more about their restoration here.

The historic room where The Paris Peace Accords, which ended the Vietnam War, were signed in 1973, is now the beautiful Le Bar Kléber. Gilded ceilings, rich in history, meet a stunning collection of fine wines, Champagnes, spirits and international whiskies. It’s a beautiful, intimate venue to enjoy their delicious craft cocktails. There is also a discreet cigar lounge, for those interested.

Couples massages and the Balneotherapy Treatment at The Peninsula Spa were probably the highlight of our trip and the perfect solution to the jet-lag we were experiencing. “This luxuriously appointed, 1,800 sq m (19,000 sq ft) area within the hotel allows guests to refresh and revitalise body and mind. A streamlined design, dotted with plant and mineral notes, exudes an immediate sensation of well-being, refinement and luxury; all key concepts at The Spa at The Peninsula Paris, and of every Peninsula Spa worldwide. […] Boasting a 65 ft indoor pool, two Jacuzzis, eight private treatment booths including two suites for couples, a relaxation room as well as two fitness rooms equipped with state-of-the-art machines, The Peninsula Spa offers a relaxation experience unlike any other, in the heart of the City of Light. The interior design and furnishings incorporate traditional, eastern elements and contemporary elegance and offer a refined blend of harmonious tones and materials to soothe the soul, such as wood, granite and marble.” Read more about their luxury spa here.

The Peninsula also features Cantonese cuisine prepared by award-winning Hong Kong chefs at the Michelin Starred, LiLi. The Chinese meets French decor is absolutely captivating and their menu features sophisticated classic seasonal dishes as well as an elegant Chinese tea collection. I’ll be salivating over their Peking Duck service until our next trip back to Paris!