18 Fascinating Facts That Define Le Meurice

Updated on: October 3, 2025

Le Meurice is more than just a luxury hotel; it's a living piece of Parisian history filled with extraordinary tales and unique details. Beyond the marble and chandeliers, these fascinating facts reveal the character and charm that have captivated guests for nearly two centuries.

An Artist's Winter Home: Salvador Dalí wasn't just a guest; he made Le Meurice his winter home for over 30 years, famously arriving with his pet ocelot and demanding a herd of sheep to be brought to his suite for inspiration.
The Stray Mascot: During a 1907 renovation, builders adopted a stray greyhound. The hotel staff named her Gaby, and she went on to become the official hotel mascot and emblem.
A Vision for British Travelers: Founder Charles-Augustin Meurice originally opened the hotel in 1835 with the specific vision of creating a welcoming haven for British visitors to Paris.
Philippe Starck's Dalí Homage: Designer Philippe Starck's 2007 renovation was deeply inspired by Salvador Dalí's creativity and playfulness, weaving surrealist touches throughout the hotel's classic fabric.
Home to the "World's Best Pastry Chef": Cédric Grolet, whose hyper-realistic fruit pastries have taken the world by storm, holds court at Le Meurice, running his dedicated pastry boutique and overseeing all sweet creations.
Picasso's Wedding Venue: The hotel's Salon Pompadour hosted Pablo Picasso's wedding banquet when he married ballerina Olga Khokhlova in 1918, cementing its status as a hub for the artistic elite.

An elegant table setting for a special event in the historic Salon Pompadour.
The Only Valmont Spa in Paris: La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice is the exclusive Parisian address for the renowned Swiss skincare brand, offering bespoke treatments in a serene sanctuary.
A Three-Macaron Eco-Rating: Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse has been awarded the highest rating of three Écotable macarons for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
Curated Artist Walks: The hotel offers exclusive guided tours exploring the Paris of Picasso, Monet, and Rodin, connecting guests directly to the city's artistic soul.
The Iconic Bar 228: The hotel's bar is a legendary Parisian hideaway, known for its live jazz, craft cocktails, and the deep leather armchairs where countless secrets have been shared.

A masterfully crafted cocktail at Bar 228, where mixology is treated as a serious yet pleasurable art.
Original Artworks in Every Room: Designers Lally & Berger ensured that every guest room and suite features original artworks, adding unique touches of whimsy and elegance.
A Palace with a Pet Policy: True to its welcoming spirit, Le Meurice rolls out the red carpet for up to two small dogs, ensuring no member of the family is left behind.
The Belle Etoile's Unbeatable View: The hotel's penthouse suite, Belle Etoile, boasts a 300-square-meter wraparound terrace offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris, unmatched by any other suite in the city.
Alain Ducasse's Culinary Philosophy: The culinary legend behind the hotel's flagship restaurant champions a "cuisine of the essential," where the true flavor of the product is the star.

Exquisitely plated dishes from the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse.
Named After a King's Mistress: The Pompadour Suite honors the Marquise de Pompadour, the famed mistress of Louis XV and a passionate patron of the arts.
Check-In from a Bygone Era: The hotel's original grand entrance now serves as the discreet and intimate Salon Jeu de Paume event space.
Directly Opposite Paris's Oldest Garden: Le Meurice enjoys a privileged front-row position facing the Tuileries Garden, the oldest formal garden in Paris, designed by the landscape architect of Versailles.

The storefront of Cedric Grolet's dedicated pastry boutique near Le Meurice.
A Pastry Shop for Takeaway Only: Cédric Grolet's patisserie boutique is so exclusive that there's no seating—it's for takeaway only, and they often close once the day's creations are sold out.