Following extensive decade long rolling renovations, the revolving door at Le Bristol Paris is once again welcoming guests. But it is not just the suites that appeal to us for our stay. Le Bristol holds one of Paris’ best kept secrets; it’s Jardin Français charming courtyard garden and adjacent Epicure terrace – an oasis of serenity, seclusion and calm just steps from Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Le Bristol Paris and MM Design commissioned internationally renowned landscape designer Lady Arabella Lennox – Boyd, who has designed over 700 prestige garden and a is a 6-time recipient of a Chelsea Flower Show Award. Her designs span the globe throughout Europe, America, Hong Kong, Barbados, including private gardens for Sting, Queen Paola of Belgium and the Duke of Westminster.

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Oetker Collection, the luxury powerhouse behind Le Bristol shared with us of how the garden has been completely rearranged, with its focal points resituated and its stable structures adapted to the new configuration. Lush hornbeam hedges on stilts offer privacy and immersion in nature. The green lawn is decorated with the soft symmetry of trees and hedges and a tumble of herbaceous plants. One of Lady Arabella’s favourite trees, the Japanese snowbell, creates an illusion of depth and, in the upper garden, variegated tiered dogwoods, English Yew and evergreen.

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“Trees, shrubs, water and flowers bring birds and beneficial insects to any garden, and I have incorporated all these elements at Le Bristol. The garden will be colonised by nature, giving it a country feel. It is a garden for every day, of all seasons,” explains the landscape designer.

Osmanthus topiaries add drama to the view overhead, while fragrant climbing roses climb the treillage. The garden’s centre is lined with deep maroon wood planters showcasing flowers and plants that will shift with the seasons, offering new colours and moods throughout the year.

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“My important inspirations come from having been brought up in a wild and remote part of the Lazio where magnificent hills and fields are awash with wildflowers, and from the formality and charm of the Renaissance gardens surrounding Rome, which were very much part of my education. The concept of beautiful wilderness in contrast and constrained by the formality of the design has always been my aim” notes Lady Arabella.

The hotel has a long-held and deepening commitment to making responsible choices when it comes to the wellbeing of the planet, its guests and employees. These high standards of environmental stewardship have earned Le Bristol the Green Globe certification. To maintain the garden’s abundance, Le Bristol Paris vows to use only 100% plant-based and biodegradable products with beneficial impacts on the planet.

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For lunch, we suggest the signature lobster club sandwich and green bean and artichoke salad by Chef Eric Frechon. For evening, the Epicure terrace transforms into a discrete fine dining affair, with French gastronomy by Eric Frechon’s triple Michelin starred cuisine. [*Note: we suggest contacting Le Bristol prior for availability due to COVD restrictions +33 1 53 43 43 00]

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Retire to one of the newly renovated destinations within the hotel, which offers rooms, suites and signature suites.

Rates for Le Bristol Paris start from €1,500 per evening. For availability more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris

Images: Supplied by Oetker Collection

by Amanda Johnstone