100 years of history
Le Bristol Paris, a legend in motion since 1715
At 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Le Bristol Paris has embodied French elegance for over a century. From its royal beginnings to its transformation into an iconic palace, each era has shaped a family story crowned with glory. Today, this legendary place continues to reinvent itself, true to an ambition turned reality.
The history of Faubourg Saint-Honore began in 1715, when the court left Versailles following the death of Louis XIV and established itself once more in Paris. Large and luxurious mansions were built on what had previously been green meadowland.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the Elysée Palace became the official residence of the Presidents of France. During the same period, the first luxury shops started to appear. The rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré's reputation was made.
In 1923, Hippolyte Jammet purchased Jules de Castellane's former property. His ambition was to transform the property into the most luxurious hotel. He named it Le Bristol as a tribute to Bishop Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol, an eighteenth-century traveller.
The hotel opened in April 1925, when the Roaring Twenties were in full swing: it was the heyday of Josephine Baker, Sydney Bechet and the Charleston. Paris attracted all the big names from the worlds of culture and fashion: Chanel, Schiaparelli, Picasso, Mondrian and Dali.
In June 1940, Le Bristol Paris became the home of the American Embassy and American nationals living in Paris. Thanks to Hippolyte Jammet’s determination, it remained one of the few luxury hotels not to be requisitioned.
In 1954, the first Pierre Cardin boutique opened at 118 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Christian Lacroix, Louboutin and many others followed, and famous clients flooded through the doors of Le Bristol Paris: Konrad Adenauer, Kim Novak, Rita Hayworth and Charlie Chaplin.
In 1962, the authoritative American travel guide 'Fielding's Travel Guide to Europe' ranked Le Bristol Paris in top position, securing a prestigious reputation in the USA that continues today.
Pierre Jammet was born a few days before Le Bristol opened in 1925. Having grown up in the hotel, he was entirely prepared to run it when the time came in 1964.
In 1978, Rudolf Oetker, founder of the German industrial group Oetker and already the owner of Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa in Baden-Baden and Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, acquired Le Bristol Paris.
The hotel was enlarged on the former site of the Convent of the Sisters of Good Hope and a pool was designed by Professor Pinnau, architect of Onassis’ yacht. Located on the sixth floor, with magnificent views over Paris, it resembles the prow of a sailing boat.
In keeping with its association with high-fashion, the hotel created its now famous 'Fashion High Teas' and introduced sculpture exhibitions in the garden, showcasing the work of artist Diane de Württemberg. Numerous other artists followed: André, Yue Minjun, Richard Texier, Osvaldo Rodriguez, etc.
In 2009, the new extension was unveiled with an additional twenty-one rooms and five suites. That same year, Epicure, the palace’s fine dining restaurant, earned its third Michelin star, and Le Bristol Paris also became the first hotel in France to receive the prestigious “Palace” distinction.
In 2011, Le Bristol Paris revealed two signature suites: the Honeymoon Suite and the Imperial Suite, the largest in the hotel at 320 square metres. The hotel also unveiled the glorious Spa Le Bristol Paris, and the children's play area, Les Amis d'Hippolyte.
Epicure, Le Bristol’s three Michelin starred gastronomic restaurant, welcomed guests to its newly decorated setting, with a dining terrace in the enchanting garden “à la française”.
In 2013 Bar du Bristol was voted best bar in the world. This comfortable and cultivated bar had quickly established itself as a favourite Parisian hotspot for cocktails and after-parties.
In 2013 Le Bristol’s brasserie deluxe, 114 Faubourg, was awarded its first Michelin star.
In 2018, the hotel launched Les Ateliers du Bristol, where the finest artisans create the most exceptional products. The ateliers - Living Bread, Chocolate Factory, Cheese Cellar, Il Pastificio - showcase the best of artisanal craftsmanship.
In 2018, Le Bristol Paris also became a hotspot for nightlife, introducing Bristol After Dark.
In 2021, a very special resident arrived at Le Bristol: with snowy fur and striking blue eyes, Socrate, an adorable Sacred Birman, became the palace’s first official mascot.
In 2022, the hotel opened L’Épicerie des Ateliers du Bristol, allowing Parisians to purchase its exceptional homemade products.
In 2025, Le Bristol Paris celebrated 100 years of excellence and French elegance, having journeyed through the decades without ever ceasing to surprise and inspire.