CYNTHIA NGUYEN photo assistance GAVIN MACKEN in collaboration with LE NARCISSE BLANC
OVERVIEW
Nestled in the heart of Paris on the charming and open street of Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg in the 7th District, sits a contemporary-classic 5 star boutique hotel and spa called, Le Narcisse Blanc. It’s truly the authentic experience if you’re searching for a boutique property with a romantic Parisian flare while still remaining completely contemporary.
Branding and interior architecture was designed by Laurent Bardet and Laurence Jean from Laurent and Laurence, while Thierry Martin and Thibaut Fron of Compiegne-based, Exclusive Interiors by T&T, executed the interior design for the hotel property.
ROOMS
Behind the doors of Le Narcisse Blanc, they offer 37 rooms that each take on a feel of a private classic Parisian apartment, drawing inspiration from Parisian cafe society with their signature powder pink hues and gold details, with high regal panelled walls with ornate wainscoting that evoke French design, complimented with fresh florals to bring out a soft yet glamorous ambience. The rooms offered are sound proofed, with complimentary high-speed wifi, includes a flat screen TV and fully-stocked mini bar. Amongst the previously mentioned are the basic items, such as a safe, iron and ironing board, welcome products with an exclusive fragrance, complimentary water, tea and Nespresso coffee. Other requests that may not be obvious to guests are shoe shine request and alarm call upon request. Housekeeping also comes twice a day, including turndown service. They will come to your room and check if you need anything, if not— they are always prepared with loads of French chocolat to give out. As for the bathrooms, it includes rain-effect shower, hair dryer, luxury bathrobes and slippers for your feet.
Featured room above is their Superior Room.
ESSENTIALS
18h to 3h Room Service, 24h Front Desk, WIFI, Air conditioning, Valet parking, In-room childcare, Restaurant and Bar, Luggage Storage, Meeting Room, Indoor Swimming Pool, Hammam and Sauna, Spa Services, Fitness Centre, Night in a Vineyard (a wine tasting visit at the Domaine de la Soucherie Valley, which is 2h30 away from the hotel)
HIGHLIGHTS
A delicious continental buffet breakfast is served every morning (or can be requested for Room Service) at the Cléo Restaurant on the main level of the hotel, including tasty baked treats like pain au chocolat and croissants, an array of meats and fromages, fruits of the day and likely the best French-toast you’ll ever have. By no means did I mention this tip about the toast because it’s a review in collaboration with the hotel, but because it was genuinely better than anything I’ve tasted in the form of this choice of breakfast item in Toronto! Guests can enjoy the beautiful on-site restaurant Cléo, headed by Chef Zachary Gavillet from Canada, for lunch and dinner— which also includes daily newspapers for your pleasure to pick up and read.
The intimate spa, wooden sauna and incredible indoor counter-current pool that also has a waterfall and a jacuzzi can be found in the lowest level, where you can enjoy a nice swim after a long day of being a flâneur. The spa offers a mix of facials and body treatments, such as deep-tissue Swiss massages. For warmer days, you can pop outside their courtyard patio to enjoy a drink or two.
From a personal highlight, upon my arrival at the hotel, I was delivered a decadent looking hazelnut mouse dessert to my room that tasted amazing as it looked by their wonderful staff as a sweet welcome greeting.
GOOD TO KNOW
The hotel property sits on the street of Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, which intersects Rue Saint-Dominique where you can catch a beautiful and non-typical/touristy street view of the Eiffel Tower. Tons of brasseries and cafes nearby that are less than 500m away. Invalides and Tour-Maubourg Metro Stations are a 5-minute walk from the property. For history lovers (and Picasso lovers too, there is currently a featured exhibition on the top level dedicated to his early and most popular works), Musée de L’Armée is a 8-minute walk. For romantic artwork (specifically sculptures by Auguste Rodin) Musée Rodin is a 12-minute walk. To enjoy a boat cruise along the river Seine, the port is a 16-minute walk. For Eiffel Tower, it is a 15-minute walk from Le Narcisse Blanc & Spa.
LOCATION
19 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
RATES
Classic Room starting at €294 / Superior Room starting at €338 / Deluxe Room starting at €390 / Executive Room starting at €434 / Classic Suite starting at €699 / Aurore Suites starting at €772 / Cleo Suites starting at €736 / Suite Toits de Paris starting at €736
BOOKING
For information or booking, visit their website and Instagram
A special thank you to the entire staff and property for hosting my wonderful stay during my time in Paris.
Although it was only for two days, it definitely felt as though I started my 48 hours in Paris as a first-time visitor properly— not too touristy, no big chain hotels. But instead, began my experience by staying at one of the upmost charming, Parisian boutique properties, filled with simple luxuries.
As always, all opinions are my own.