The mythic address resonates in the collective memory of Parisians, and indeed aficionados the world over. The stunning temple of Art Deco built by architect Henri Sauvage for the celebrated La Samaritaine department store clearly merits its historical monument status, sitting proudly overlooking the Seine in the heart of Paris. Reborn following five years of work, the building has been transformed by LVMH with architects Peter Marino and Édouard François, becoming the first urban hotel in the Cheval Blanc collection.

Our tour begins on the Quai du Louvre. Barely through doors to the lobby, you’re immersed in a soft, soothing atmosphere. Golden light plays off the immense brass panels inset with mica, and the staff is calmly at the ready, decked out in elegant uniforms designed by Guillaume Henry, artistic director of Patou. A monumental blue painting by Georges Mathieu on one wall immediately elevates the allure. The eye is drawn to the polychromatic marble floor, while subtle bespoke scents created by Parfums Christian Dior nose François Demachy add a multisensory touch as you head for the Limbar.

From a morning coffee to an evening cocktail, or a light lunch or delectable sweet treat in between, this warm and welcoming restaurant embodies the bustling chic spirit of the French capital’s beating heart.

Then you decide it’s time to indulge yourself in some serious wellness and relaxation at the Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris on the lower level. A thousand square meters of pure serenity with a majestic 30-meter mosaic lined swimming pool, a hammam, the snow shower, the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa and six remarkable Dior treatment suites, with the gentle and exquisite well-being of special beauty rituals.

The rooms and suites are on levels two through six. There are only 72, all generously spacious (at least 45 square meters), with stunning views that unfurl through large bay windows from everywhere – the bed, the sofa, even the bathtub! Just imagine, the mirrored reflections on the surface of the Seine, the Pont Neuf, the Île de la Cité, the Louvre, and the rooftops of Paris stretching out to the horizon. An attentive majordomo or governess cossets you with delightful attentions, and it will prove hard to get your children away from the enchanting kids corner, Le Carrousel, their very own playful kingdom.

The array of dining choices is equally seductive. In addition to the Limbar,  The Plénitude gourmet restaurant on the first level is overseen by three-star chef Arnaud Donckele, while Le Tout-Paris and Langosteria on the seventh floor boast garden terraces. With breathtaking views of the north of Paris and Sacré-Cœur, Le Tout-Paris serves elegant brasserie fare, while the Langosteria proposes refined Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fish and seafood.

A confidential secret caps this private tour: the eighth and ninth floors of Le Cheval Blanc Paris are home to an apartment conceived as a luxurious private residence. In addition to sumptuous artworks on the walls and specially designed furniture, there are incredible details such as a staircase handrail by sculptor Claude Lalanne, not to mention a terrace…and a private pool.