At 31 avenue George V, in the 8ᵉ arrondissement, stands this now mythical palace. Designed by architect Georges Wybo and financed by American businessman Joel Hillman, the hotel was inaugurated in 1928 with the ambition of rivaling the world's greatest establishments.
The George V soon became a favorite with cosmopolitan clientele, particularly Americans arriving by ocean liner, attracted by its modernity, refinement and proximity to the Champs-Élysées. After being bought by François Dupré in 1931 and then undergoing various phases of modification, the hotel entered the Four Seasons era in 1999 following a major renovation.
Today, with its 243 rooms and suites, Michelin-starred restaurants, spa and iconic decor, it remains one of the capital's most sought-after addresses.
In 1928, Joel Hillman entrusted the construction of the hotel to Georges Wybo, an architect renowned for his daring creations. The style blends sobriety and monumentality, with a stone façade, structured lines and an assertive Art Deco spirit. From the moment it opened, the George V offered innovative services such as electronic installations, elevators and elegant reception lounges. American clientele was a priority target, to the extent that the hotel set up a reservations office in Cherbourg to capture travelers as soon as they stepped off the transatlantic.
But the crisis of 1929 hit hard and Hillman was forced to sell the property to his creditors. In 1931, François Dupré, financier and art collector, bought the establishment and enriched the decor with Flemish tapestries, Boulle furniture andworks by Renoir and Raoul Dufy, which now adorn the halls and lounges.
During the Second World War, the George V became a strategic location. During the Occupation, a circle of intellectuals, writers, publishers and lawyers gathered in its salons. They rubbed shoulders with Ernst Jünger, Jean Cocteau and Paul Morand. After the Liberation of Paris, the palace came back to life.
In the decades that followed, the George V welcomed artists, heads of state, film and music stars, consolidating its reputation. In 1964, the Beatles stayed there on their French tour, and according to some accounts, Paul McCartney wrote"Can't Buy Me Love" there.
After two years of costly renovation, the hotel reopened on December 18, 1999 as the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. Under this new era, the hotel gained in international renown, regularly ranked among the best in the world.
In 2025, it completes a major renovation of its 243 rooms and suites, again entrusted toarchitect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The project redefines the spaces as true Parisian residences, placing natural light and views of Paris at the heart of the design - in some suites, large bay windows now overlook the Eiffel Tower and Haussmann rooftops, while planted balconies bring a touch of greenery to the heart of the city.
But the hotel remains true to thespirit of Georges Wybo, with its sober façade, elegant volumes, noble materials and spectacular floral decor. Indeed, under the artistic direction of Jeff Leatham, the palace features thousands of flowers in its halls, lounges, staircases and patios, a visual signature that has become legendary.
The Louis XIII, Napoleon and Regency salons echo French history with woodwork imported from Norman chateaux, antique fireplaces and carefully restored marble. Recent renovations have sought to modernize without betraying the spirit, with classic furniture mixed with contemporary, soft fabrics and sculptural lighting.
The palace's gastronomic reputation rests on its three Michelin-starred restaurants: Le Cinq V, headed by chef Christian Le Squer, Le George, a Mediterranean restaurant headed by chef Simone Zanoni, and L'Orangerie, headed by chef Alan Taudon. The palace also boasts luxury boutiques, prestigious function rooms and a spa with 17-metre indoor pool, hammam and top-of-the-range treatments.
Having weathered political revolutions, wars and changes in the tourism and hotel industries, the George V remains a landmark for those wishing to experience Paris at its best.
L'Orangerie at the George V, Alan Taudon's 2-star gourmet restaurant in its new setting
The L'Orangerie restaurant at the George V Palace in Paris unveils a completely redesigned dining room. In this refined setting, the cuisine of chef Alan Taudon, awarded two Michelin stars, can be enjoyed in a calm, poetic atmosphere. We tested this enchanted interlude and tell you all about it. [Read more]
The Galerie du Georges V for a treat
The George V invites us to a new culinary experience in its Galerie. For the start of the 2021 season, Chef Alan Taudon has created a new menu that pays tribute to French terroir and savoir-faire. We're back with the essential dishes of French gastronomy, creatively reworked. [Read more]
Location
George V
31 Avenue George V
75008 Paris 8
Access
Metro George V (Line 1)
Official website
www.fourseasons.com
