There are few nations on earth with as voracious an appetite for Cuban cigars as France. They are consistently named one of the top 5 consumers when Habanos SA announces their results for a trading year. This devotion has led to them to receive regular Regional Editions, commissioned by their 2 official importers (the only region to have more than one such company) and, in Quai d’Orsay, even have a brand created especially for their national tastes and designed to pair with one of their most iconic products – champagne. It is perhaps no surprise that a nation so well-known for its love of luxury, gastronomy and craftsmanship has such a deep relationship with fine cigars, and is home to some of the most magnificent spaces to enjoy them. One such place is tucked away in the centre of Paris’ legendary Golden Triangle: The Black Cigar Bar at La Maison Champs Élysées.
La Maison Champs Élysées is a luxury hotel, just off the famed avenue whose name it carries, occupying a classic Haussmann townhouse originally the abode of Princess Essling, a leading member of the French Imperial Court. The current proprietors took hold of the hotel in 2009 and commissioned its renovation and transformation into the striking, stylish property we see today. It now comprises 57 guestrooms and suites, an 80-cover restaurant, a bar with sumptuous garden terrace, and The Black Cigar Bar.
The grand exterior of La Maison Champs Élysées. All images courtesy of the hotel.
The feature of this astonishing hotel which sets it apart from so many others is that its design – including that of the extraordinary smoking lounge – was overseen by luxury fashion house Maison Martin Margiela. The house have applied their aesthetic holistically across the reception hall, restaurant and 17 ‘Couture’ guestrooms and suites as well as The Black Cigar Bar. The result is a space which is equal parts ultra-modern and respectful of tradition. The original features of the entrance space have been kept, lovingly restored to their initial glory and tempered with modern touches – the restored marble staircase meets deliberately disordered flagstones on the lobby floor; the ceilings of the Empire Rooms have been painstakingly regilded while the spaces have been equipped with all the technology needed for modern business clients to operate.
The exceptional lobby of La Maison Champs Élysées greets guests as they step off the rue Jean Goujon
Maison Margiela is known for its use of stark white contrasted against dramatic black, and for subversion of rules wherever possible. From the moment we step off rue Jean Goujon and through the doors of the hotel, this signature style is evident. The White Lounge, just off the lobby, is intended as a space for anyone to come and grab a moment, be it waiting for their room to become ready or just to refuel with a coffee after a long day of walking the picturesque streets of Paris’ 8th arrondissement. It is opposed, both in location and in style, by The Black Cigar Bar.
The Black Cigar Bar is a truly opulent setting.
The Black Cigar Bar itself is an opulent place reserved only for cigar smokers. The room is decorated in scorched wood designed to visually represent the rich aromas of a fine Havana cigar, and has an atmosphere of quiet reflection which makes it perfect to enjoy a smoke. The entire space is reserved only for cigar smokers, meaning those who choose to enjoy a stick here will be free from distraction by any passers-by. The dark wood of the walls is complemented by armchairs upholstered in jet-black, super-soft leather, allowing the smoker to relax fully into their comfort and concentrate on the flavours of their cigar. The hotel’s bar will provide a fine array of whiskies, brandies and other refreshments to pair with the chosen smoke. In a city, and nation, full of fine spots to enjoy a cigar, this is easily one of the best.
The location and amenities of La Maison Champs Élysées already make it a fine choice for visitors to the City of Lights. The addition of this simply stunning lounge mean it should be very high on the list for any cigar aficionados looking for a place to spend a few nights while exploring one of the greatest cities in the world. In these days of strict regulation it is not often our passion is considered by hoteliers anywhere – to have it deliberately considered by Maison Margiela when creating this space is an honour. It seems only polite that we take full advantage.