An Olympic Journey: London To Paris In A French Fancy

By Jeremy Taylor & Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby

4 months ago

Jeremy Taylor & Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby dine and stay at a Parisian institution…

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President Macron’s official car in Paris was a petrol-electric Citroen DS 7 – motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby drive to the Olympic capital in a stylish hybrid.

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A Gold Medal Stay: Hotel Fouquet’s Paris

Citroen DS SUV

J-TP – So, what car will President Macron use to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics?

JT – Good question. Until Bastille Day on 14 July, the French leader was expected to arrive in his offical DS 7 SUV. However, after 12 years with the DS brand, he’s just taken delivery of a new Renault Rafale hybrid.

Shame he’s not using a classic 2CV, or Renault Clio – super cool! Our drive in the plug-in hybrid DS 7 was best described as ‘comfortable’. While the electric range is decent for city use, it’s more a motorway cruiser than a driver’s car.

The latest 7 has a smart-looking face and plush interior but it just can’t compete with the best of Audi or Volvo. At around £52,000 the DS somehow lacks kudos in the UK – even if you know the brand’s illustrious history.

Citroen DS SUV

At least the DS dares to be different. It’s French funky and has a soothing ride. Sadly, that isn’t backed up with an exciting driving experience. Unlike driving around the Arce de Triomphe!

Let’s not go there. At least we didn’t have to battle too much with French drivers because our hotel was only a few hundred metres away. Hotel Fouquet’s Paris has legendary status, with a Champs-Elysees address and a celebrity roll-call as long as your baguette.

Yes, you can’t miss the red awnings of Fouquet’s brasserie, with the hotel linked next door. Louis Vuitton’s flagship store is just across the road and crowds of tourists and shoppers give the place a real buzz.

Fouquet’s is famous for its links to the film industry. Black and white photos of stars jostle for a place on the walls, while the hotel hosts the gala dinner for the Cesar Awards – aka the French Oscars.

Fouquet’s Paris

The brasserie opened 125 years ago and if you want celebrity – this is the place. Famous names who have tucked in here include Edith Piaf, Chaplin, Liza Minnelli and just about every French president since 1899.

And if you aren’t competing in an Olympic track event, try the incredible millefeuille or flan Parisien. Who knew the French could do custard so well?

I preferred the profiteroles. Fortunately, we didn’t have far to stagger home. An access door from the restaurant leads into the hotel via the fantastically decorated Marta Bar. Hard to imagine how many rolls of flower wallpaper they used to decorate that place!

At least we went for a run along the River Seine the following morning to burn off the calories. When we arrived back, a member of the concierge staff was waiting by the front door with bottles of cold water.

Yes, the staff were above and beyond – how they keep calm with some of the needy, well-heeled guests was impressive.

Hotel Fouquet’s Paris

Our whopping suite was especially Parisian chic, with high ceilings, enormous windows for people-watching and a ton of soft furnishings. I can understand why some guests never leave their room because Fouquet’s Paris seems to be the hub of the city around which everything else revolves.

Surprisingly, you never made the underground spa, despite the enormous swimming pool and treatments on offer. A haven of calm compared to the bustling streets outside.

The perfect spot to enjoy a gold medal stay?

Well put.