Offering guests peaceful respite from the capital’s never-ending bustle, Le Bristol’s private courtyard garden is even more Eden-esque than ever.
The complete makeover has been overseen by world-renowned landscape designer, Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd, whose impressive portfolio features over 600 gardens worldwide. Her many commissions have ranged from projects such as the roof garden at No. I Poultry in the City of London to the exquisite gardens at Eaton Hall, Cheshire. Guided by a deep respect for nature’s delicacy, her permanent source of inspiration, Lady Arabella has given the courtyard garden a new dimension to admire.
To Lady Arabella, “Designing a garden is like painting with plants.” All flora in the garden is native to the Paris region and suited to local conditions, deliberately chosen to support the biodiversity of this precious city oasis. Each season will unfold in its full splendour in this ever-changing microcosm at the heart of the hotel. At the arrival of spring, narcissi and tulips will bring the first explosion of colour, giving way to white bougainvillea before the softly tinted pink and deep burgundy roses announce summer.
The blooms of ornamental grasses and copper toned beech leaves mark the descent into autumn, while winter’s incubation is gracefully sculpted by evergreens.
Adding to its sustainable ethos, Le Bristol will use only 100% plant-based and biodegradable products to maintain the garden, which only have a positive impact on the planet.
Just like the Palace itself, Lady Arabella’s garden is infused with warmth and welcoming elegance. In a traditional English style, her design balances ‘controlled mastery with unkempt freedom’. The garden has been completely rearranged with new focal points including Hornbeam hedges on stilts, offering privacy and a lush immersion in nature. The green lawn is lined with trees and hedges, as well as 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 Osmanthus topiaries add drama to the view.
The 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, while new green treillage supports fragrant climbing roses and other plants.
The peaceful green haven’s calm is enhanced by the soothing sound of two contemporary fountains in natural slate. An enchanting meeting place, the garden is a renewed sanctuary for guests to explore and relax whilst in the middle of Paris’ busy core.
Whilst you’re there: Book a table at the hotel’s three Michelin-starred Epicure, which is currently open for dinner sittings only. One of Paris’ most impressive dining institutions, the ingredients-led menu features dishes such as Saddle of Milk Fed Lamb, Duck from Challand, Lemon from Menton and Figs from Marsielle.
Rates for Le Bristol Paris start from €1,500 per night on a room-only basis. For more information and to make a booking, please visit www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris.
Images 1 & 2 ©: Marianne Majerus