Like every year, the arrival of fine weather means the reopening of the terrace at the Westin Paris Vendôme. Open throughout the summer until the end of September - or even early October, weather permitting - this little haven of peace is transformed into a veritable Parisian garden, complete with central fountain.
Unlike other terraces offering splendid views over Paris, the advantage of theWestin Paris Vendôme is that it's right in the heart of this historic building, away from prying eyes and the constant hubbub of the Rue de Rivoli. You can even enjoy the sound of water from the fountain, to the rhythm of the barman's shaker.
One third of this shaded terrace is dedicated to the bar and two thirds to the restaurant, with breakfast and a summer menu for lunch and dinner. And when it rains, the terrace is almost completely covered!
In this warm season, the Westin Paris Vendôme celebrates 145 years of existence with an ephemeral terrace that pays tribute to a great historical figure and loyal customer of the establishment:Empress Eugenie. Nestled in the hotel's courtyard, the Eugénie terrace is a veritable haven of luxury, calm and pleasure, decorated for the occasion with flowers that blend perfectly with the Empire-style columns.
For the record, it was on June 6, 1878 that the Hôtel Continental - now renamed the Westin Paris Vendôme - was inaugurated to accommodate visitors to the Exposition Universelle held that year in Paris. Quickly becoming a favorite of the Parisian elite, the hotel welcomedEmpress Eugenie, widow of Napoleon III, every year between 1889 and 1919.
For this new summer season, chef David Reneux - who has been with the establishment for over 30 years and recently took over as head chef - has devised a menu that showcases the finest seasonal produce, such as this pea mousseline (19€) with garden vegetables in barigoule sauce; or this royal sea bream (21€), avocado pulp and lime. A menu that focuses on vegetables and fish, light dishes that are much appreciated in hot weather, and that the chef likes to accompany with flowers. It's fresh, it's good, it's seasonal.
Alongside a tender heart of beef fillet (36€) with choron sauce, you'll also be tempted by one of the great classics of hotel cuisine: croque-madame with comté cheese (23€), crisp but a little lacking in softness. Of course, in addition to a menu that changes with the seasons, the Westin Paris Vendôme also offers the great classics of French and even Parisian cuisine , including the essential club sandwich.
To accompany all this, the Westin unveils a cocktail menu that pays homage to the Empress in the names given to the clever drinks. The cocktail made with champagne, Saint-Germain, white peach and cranberry is christened L'Elegante by head barman Philippe Guidi, while the cocktail made with vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, violet, lychee and lime is called Diamant Hortensia.
To tantalize the taste buds a little more, let yourself be tempted by two fruit desserts: L'Echappée Basque (16€), a classic dessert with fresh strawberries and basil; and the delicate dessert with fresh apricots (16€) and sweet almond cloud.
A hidden, elegant terrace in a setting that's both historic and timeless, to discover until the end of theIndian summer.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.
Location
Westin Paris Vendôme
234 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris 1
Access
M° Concorde
Official website
www.marriott.com