Yet another renaissance for the Saint James !
They say a cat has nine lives, well the Saint James could give our feline friends a run for their money, having undergone a variety of renovations since the 19th century ; starting out as the site of the first ever hot-air balloon airfield, it later became the home of the Thiers Foundation, a residence aimed at improving the education of France’s well-bred students before being converted into a traditional London’s gentlemen’s club, and finally a château- hôtel. Designed by the unrivalled Andrée Putman, in whose style the hotel remained until this year, when iconoclastic interior designer, Bambi Sloan, took it in hand, giving the 5000m2 residence, with its 48 bedrooms and lounges a drastic makeover without compromising the listed library. The outcome? A refined and decadent ‘crazy chic’ decor.
A truly delightful selection of dishes…
The hotel’s decoration, with its leopard print carpet and cleverly crafted draperies and velours, will not fail to delight fans of Napoleon III, who will be further seduced by its grand folly, its disorienting calm, and its excellent restaurant brilliantly headed by chef Cyrille Robert. You will fall head over heels for its delightful menu of local produce and strong Mediterranean influences. Here ‘good food’ means ‘simplicity of flavours and high quality produce.’ Satisfaction guaranteed!
