La Villa Haussmann ★★★★

Victor Hugo once said that in Haussmann’s Paris, it was hardly possible to distinguish what the house in front of you was for: theatre, shop, or library. Perhaps he was right, as from the outside, La Villa Haussmann **** sits in perfect harmony with its neighbours, utterly comfortable with its position alongside some of the most famous sites in Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Galeries Lafayette. In short, the property is exquisitely Parisian.

Despite the hotel only opening at the end of 2016, the décor has brought the best of Paris’s history and fashion to life again. La Villa Haussmann **** marries together Haussmann’s iconic opulent Second French Empire style with a contemporary sophistication – the chandelier hanging above the stainless steel, underground swimming pool and the theatre and drama of the bedrooms contrasted with the modernity of the bathrooms.

But the hotel isn’t just beautiful, of course. Just as Haussmann’s widened streets were both more beautiful and more functional than what came before, the hotel excels in every practical area of concern; the location, staff, and amenities are all assuredly exceptional. Even better is the hotel's restaurant, N3. French food is always delicious, but N3 puts an imaginative spin on classic dishes, serving them with the theatrical flair and attention to detail that is found throughout Haussmann’s legacy.

Paris is one of our favourite cities – it is, as we like to say, very chic. We can thank Baron Haussmann for that, and, rest assured, La Villa Haussmann **** continues his excellent work!