Hôtel Cambon ★★★★

Don’t get me wrong, I love our capital, but there is something about the beauty and timeless elegance of Paris that just makes me feel calm and content with the world. It has a certain je ne sais quoi that provides the perfect antidote to normal life: magnificent architecture, rich culture, exquisite gastronomy and, of course, those terribly chic Parisians to admire. And at just two and a half hours from London by train, it really is the ideal destination for a romantic city getaway, be that with your partner, friends, or for some important me-time.

Which is exactly what I was in need of when I set out alone for a weekend in my favourite European city. Arriving at the Gare du Nord, I decided to take a taxi rather than the metro, just for the pleasure of gazing out of the window at the beautiful streets on the way to my hotel. Drawing up to the Hotel Cambon, I realised I would be staying in one of the most exclusive areas in the heart of the city. Indeed, the emblematic Coco Chanel chose this very street for her first store.

I stepped out of the taxi and smiled up at the hotel’s typical Parisian façade before making my way inside. I found myself in a contemporary yet classic - and, above all, elegant - world that perfectly captures the mood of this city. Pale wood, mirrors, leather and marble have been used to create a space that is both inviting and chic. And this impeccable design is accompanied by original works of art and miscellaneous ornaments, giving the hotel its unique character and charm. I admired the wall composition in the lobby before being greeted by the receptionist who kindly showed me to my room.

Upon entering, I was immediately impressed by my room’s serene atmosphere and masterful use of space. Few hotel rooms in Paris can be described as spacious, but at the Hotel Cambon, elegant and intelligent interior design has been used to create comfortable and calm spaces that make the ideal retreat after exploring the city. Natural light flooded through the window - overlooking the Tuileries gardens - while bright colours and fresh flowers made for a refreshing feel. I was pleased to find slippers and organic beauty products in the bathroom - perfect for a little pampering.

I gazed up and noticed the original paintings on the wall above my bed, which is perhaps what inspired me to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city’s wealth of art and culture. Here at the Hotel Cambon, you are ideally placed to take advantage of the capital’s excellent museums and art galleries. The Louvre is a short walk away, as are the Musée de l’Orangerie and Jeu de Paume (both in the Tuileries gardens), with the Musée d’Orsay just across the Seine. I started with a coffee on the Rue de Rivoli before making my way to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in the Louvre’s western wing.  

That evening, I treated myself to supper with my book in a typical  brasserie recommended by the hotel receptionist, before retiring to my room for an early night. The next day, I had decided, would be devoted to shopping in the designer boutiques of the Rue Saint Honoré followed by the high-street names on the Rue de Rivoli. I even bought some Ladurée macaroons to take home for my family, because Paris is for sharing, after all!