Le Belmont Hôtel ★★★★

In ancient Greek mythology, there is a conception of the afterlife in which descendants of gods, the heroic and the righteous, are all sent to one place to live a blessed, happy and peaceful life for eternity. The location in question is the Elysian Fields. The French translation? The Champs Elysées. It is easy to imagine the 'most beautiful avenue in the world' as a home of the gods. Window shopping in the high-end shops as you stroll up the wide, tree-lined street towards the magnificent Arc de Triomphe is enough to make anyone feel blessed and happy. But peaceful? This is one of the busiest, most thriving streets in the whole of France, if not Europe. Step back just a few blocks from the Champs-Elysées, however, and you will find Le Belmont Hotel, a tranquil refuge full of Parisian charm.

The central location, and therefore the possibility to discover Paris by foot, is just one of the major attractions of Le Belmont. When you step into the typical 19th century building on the quiet Rue de Bassano, everything you see is in perfect condition - brand new and modern but with all the timeless class and sophistication that we associate with Paris. After all, it is a city of refinement, luxury and elegance, none of which are epitomised more than in the area around the Champs-Elysées, with its haute couture boutiques and elaborate architecture. This image is exquisitely upheld by Le Belmont. The lobby, bar and lounge are chic, warm and inviting, with a very pleasant atmosphere. The perfect setting to relax and enjoy their selection of refreshing champagnes, French grand cru wines, aged brown spirits or a cocktail expertly concocted by the head bartender.

The highlight of the new additions to the renovated Le Belmont is, perhaps, the brand new Spa by Carita. With several treatment rooms, a traditional Turkish bath, and a fitness room bathed in natural light under the glass roof, it is a superb spot to unwind when the hustle and bustle of Parisian life gets too much. And as for the bedrooms, the design is meticulously planned with incredible results. All the furniture is custom made in France, and the grand wooden wardrobes and curtains draped behind the bed evoke images of majestic chateaux, or even the extravagant architecture of the famous Garnier Opera house just down the road. Fully equipped with soundproofing, television, minibar, tea, coffee, spacious beds and luxurious bathrooms, the design does not compromise on comfort or functionality.

It is just as well that the rooms are so comfortable and beautiful, because I find I can walk for hours from Le Belmont Hotel, after which I am certainly ready for a good sleep. After enjoying the Belmont breakfast I would find myself saying to my wife: “Why don’t we nip round the corner to the Arc de Triomphe?” Of course, with her this would inevitably lead to a wander down the Champs-Elysées, popping in and out of its prestigious shops. Upon reaching the bottom, why not go for one of the famous hot chocolates at Angelina? Especially if, like us, you watched 'Chocolat’ to get into the French mood and have been craving it ever since. Not long after, we found ourselves sitting and taking a well-earned rest on a bench in the Jardins de Tuileries. “Do you fancy a couple of hours in the Louvre?” “Why not, but then let’s walk along the Seine to the Notre Dame and try to find Quasimodo!” “And I hear the Ile Saint-Louis is gorgeous once we’ve done that…” The marvels of Paris all unfold in a long line leading almost straight out of the front door of Le Belmont; and just like that you find yourself miles from home, the day having flown by.

I have been for more city breaks than I could count in La Ville-Lumière, and it never fails to captivate and enthral me. Just over an hour away by plane, or not much more by train, I can always find an excuse to break away from real life and go to practice the unique French art de vivre. Though steeped in tradition and history, Paris also always has something new to offer. Much as I will never tire of climbing the Eiffel Tower or taking a romantic stroll along the Seine, the possibility of making new discoveries is what always inspires me to return. Le Belmont Hotel is the most exciting new find for a while, and gives me yet another excuse to go back – not that I ever need one!