If ever a place were an incarnation of an ideal, it would be the legendary Ritz Paris on the Place Vendôme. Behind the luxury, service, and decor lies the vision of one man: César Ritz, who revolutionized the hotel business to become both an art and an industry. Personally overseeing every detail, sparing no expense on comfort and cuisine, Ritz created in 1898 a mythical hotel.

In the heart of the City of Light, the Ritz Paris shines, and international luminaries from the worlds of high society, fashion, art, literature, cinema, finance, and diplomacy have illuminated its rooms, from Boni and Anna de Castellane to Barbara Hutton, Princess Grace, and the Duchess of Windsor, from Maria Callas, Coco Chanel, and Ernest Hemingway to Cornelius Vanderbilt, Winston Churchill, Marc Chagall, Marlene Dietrich, and Sir Elton John.

Recently this jewel in the heart of Paris underwent a complete restoration, and now the Ritz Paris has again opened its graceful doors to the world, a glamorous star taking the stage of the Place Vendôme with renewed spirit.

Photos Courtesy of Assouline