One of our favorite hotels in Paris—the fabulously designed Saint James—opened a pop-up Taittinger Champagne Bar in its garden this summer. What’s so special about it is its design. Draped in colorful fabrics, the bar resembles a hot-air balloon, paying homage to the chateau’s history as the launch spot for the world’s first hot-air balloon flights.
The good news is that lucky guests have until the end of September to stop by and check it out. Taste six different Taittinger cuvées, selected by Micaël Morais, the sommelier of Saint James Paris. Chef Virginie Basselot has come up with some tasty plates to pair with your bubbly; think fish tartare and foie gras from the Landes region.
The property is the only chateau-hotel of its kind within the Paris city limits. When Luxury Travel Advisor first got a peek at the redesign by Bambi Sloan in 2011, we were utterly astounded. Saint James is located at 43 avenue Bugeaud in the 16th arrondissement. For more information, visit www.saint-james-paris.com.